Over the past two weeks, an ocean restoration non-profit called Coastal Restoration Society worked with the Ehatesaht Chinehkint First Nation and local contractors in Nootka Sound to remove tens of thousands of pounds of abandoned, derelict shellfish aquaculture equipment from the ocean.

This project, funded by Grieg Seafood and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, is part of the Coastal Restoration Society's goals to improve habitat for wild salmon in BC by removing ocean plastics in the ocean and on shorelines.

"And to think that all that plastic was polluting wild salmon habitat and posing a significant entanglement threat to wildlife for nearly a decade," said Captain Josh Temple from the Coastal Restoration Society.

"Hard work leads to big rewards. Thanks to Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Grieg Seafood for their commitment to improving habitat in wild salmon waters in British Columbia."

The project was completed during the week of Feb. 25.