As stewards of coastal properties and delicate marine ecosystems, our challenge is to protect and restore these areas for future generations while promoting social and economic benefit to our region. We actively collaborate with partners in implementing harbour initiatives that drive economic, social and environmental benefits for the region.
A vital part of our commitment to environmental stewardship includes installing two Seabins at the Inner Causeway and one at Fisherman’s Wharf. Seabin is an innovative technology that both respects and protects the marine environment.
The Seabin project at Fisherman’s Wharf was a community led initiative in honour of World Ocean Day. It was funded by Fisherman’s Wharf businesses (Eagle Wing Tours, Fish Store, Barb’s, Jackson’s, Puerto Vallarta Amigos and Pirate Pizza) as well as public donations. Over $3,281 was raised from community contributions to install the Seabin. The three Seabins at the Inner Causeway were gifted to the GVHA from the Surfrider Foundation South Vancouver Island.
What is a Seabin?
- A floating garbage bin operating like a vacuum that filters out debris and related pollutants
- Water is filtered from the surface and passed through a catch bag inside the seabin which is then pumped back into the water leaving litter and debris trapped in the catch bag
- The catch bag can hold up to 20 kgs of debris
- It’s powered by a small submersible water pump located underneath the device, capable of displacing 25.000 liters per hour
- It collects trash, paper, single-use plastics, oil, fuel, detergents
- It works 24 hours a day
- It’s designed to ensure the safety of marine life: the basket is positioned on the surface of the water so as to collect on the pollution and waste floating along
- It filters over 2 million litres of water each year
Image courtesy of: bestofbristol.co