Litter along the shoreline has become a growing issue in Old Perlican in Trinity Bay. A resident took to Facebook to share photos of trash that washed up on a nearby shoreline.
Greg Shyshko says he’s been monitoring the beaches in the Trinity area for years and remarks that it’s not a new problem.
Pictures of a seawall show off the view of Perlican Island, however, when you look over the fence, washed-up trash covers the rocky beach. Plastic, fishing gear, empty oil bottles, and lobster traps are a big part of it.
(Photo courtesy Greg Shyshko.)
Shyshko says it is causing pollution and hurting marine life and says these beaches need to be cleaned up. He says it’s heartbreaking that many do not see the trash built up behind the fence.
Shyshko says this is a continuous problem in the Trinity area, and every part of the province. He says after Turr season you will find shotgun shells, after the summer you will find flip-flops, bottles, bottle caps, and lighters. He also says tampon applicators are a big problem, as well as fishing gear like lobster pots.
He says some of the onus should in part lie with the government to clean it up, but he isn’t aware of any particular programs in place to help.
(Photo courtesy Greg Shyshko.)
Recent storms may be a factor in more garbage reaching the shores, says Shyshko, and remnants of the commercial fishery are washing up with the trash. He says it is not the fault of the residents as many areas are constantly dealing with more and more trash washing onto shorelines.
Shyshko says he tries to do his part and collect trash in a bag when he walks the beaches. He asks others to do the same once self-isolation measures due to COVID-19 are over. He also reminds people in the province to put garbage in its proper place when spending time outdoors.
