Ship-breaking activities’ effects on the aquatic environment

Petition: 518

Issue(s): Fisheries; Governance; Human/environmental health; International cooperation; Toxic substances

Petitioner(s): A Canadian resident

Petitioner location(s): Qualicum Beach, British Columbia

Date received: 2 July 2024

Status: Completed—Response(s) to petition received

Summary: The petition raises concerns about ship‑breaking activities’ effects on the coast of British Columbia.

The petition states that the coast of British Columbia provides habitat for various fish and is being threatened by industries such as ship breaking in Union Bay. It states that the region houses one of the last spawning grounds for herring, oysters, scallops, and salmon. It states that metal reclamation from derelict ships should be conducted on dry land and closely monitored to protect the aquatic environment.

The petition asks the federal government why it has not adopted the Hong Kong International Convention for the Sale and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009 or the European Union’s ship‑breaking regulation to ensure that ships are recycled safely and in a way that protects British Columbia’s coast from hazardous materials.

Federal departments/organizations responsible for reply: Environment and Climate Change Canada; Fisheries and Oceans Canada; Transport Canada