Introducing Scotian Shores

Angela Riley, a resident of Greenland, Nova Scotia, draws inspiration from her deep-rooted family fishing heritage to lead a significant environmental movement. As the founder of the Scotian Shores Clean Up Project, Riley has turned her family’s connection to the sea into a mission to combat the ocean debris that washes up along the province’s coastlines. Her organization focuses on restoring Nova Scotia’s beaches while educating the public on the global plastic pollution crisis and fostering community collaboration to maximize their impact.

Scotian Shores began as a family effort about six years ago. During the pandemic, the beach was the only escape for me and my boys, but seeing it constantly covered in litter sparked a call to action, recalled Angela Riley.

The project’s success is reflected in its impressive data, showing that more than 1.5 million pounds of waste have been cleared from the shores since the initiative began in August 2020. The momentum has not slowed down in the new year; according to Riley’s latest reports, volunteers have already successfully removed 56,000 pounds of trash between January 1, 2026, and early February.

During the winter months in Nova Scotia, beach debris is heavily influenced by intense seasonal storms and the active commercial fishing season. Angela Riley and the Scotian Shores team have noted that the “winter wash-up” often brings in heavier, more industrial-sized items compared to the typical tourist litter found in the summer.

The “Year of the Lobster Band” (2026)

As of early 2026, the most startling trend reported by Scotian Shores is the massive influx of lobster bands. Environmental Impact :: these bands do not biodegrade as once thought. They pose a severe threat to local wildlife, as birds often mistake them for food or get them caught on their beaks.

To tackle the staggering volume of lobster bands, Angela Riley has implemented a clever, high-efficiency solution: using a portable vacuum to extract the bands directly from the sand and shoreline. These bands typically originate from the outflow pipes of industrial lobster processing plants. This mechanical approach is significantly more effective than manual collection, especially when thousands of small bands are camouflaged within seaweed and rocky crevices.

The debris found along Nova Scotia’s coastlines during the winter months typically falls into several distinct categories, ranging from industrial equipment to common household waste. Much of the volume is made up of heavy fishing gear, such as lobster traps that have been shattered by intense seasonal storms, along with motor oil containers, fish crates, and significant amounts of heavy-duty rope. These items are often joined by industrial plastics, including large sheets of Styrofoam, PVC piping, and tiny plastic pellets known as nurdles, which pose a significant challenge for volunteers to collect. Beyond industrial waste, the beaches are frequently littered with household items like laundry detergent jugs, tires, and plastic beverage bottles that may have been drifting in the ocean for months.

Riley’s work goes past cleanup; she breathes new life into marine litter, partnering with creators to repurpose recovered materials into beautiful, tangible pieces. A creator in her own right, Riley crafts unique earrings by upcycling discarded ocean debris, intricate ropework, and weathered sea glass. Revenue generated from the sale of these crafted products is directly reinvested into the mission of Scotian Shores. These funds are essential for financing future shoreline expeditions, launching educational awareness initiatives, and acquiring specialized gear—such as the vacuums used for collecting lobster bands—to make their efforts more effective.

By exploring the organization’s online store, supporters can find a variety of current items sold from Scotian Shores website that help sustain these environmental goals. Every purchase acts as a contribution toward cleaner beaches and a healthier coastline for Nova Scotia, helping the team continue their record-breaking work into 2026 and beyond.

For those looking to help, the organization emphasizes that the most effective way to contribute is by joining or organizing a local shoreline cleanup. Supporters can stay informed about upcoming group events and community efforts by following Scotian Shores on Facebook and Instagram.

Learn more at Scotian Shores