Ship-breaking activities’ effects on the aquatic environment

Petition: 518


Issue(s)
Fisheries
Governance
Human environmental health
International cooperation
Toxic substances
Petitioner(s)/Location(s)
A Canadian resident, Qualicum Beach, British Columbia
Date Received
Status
Completed - Response(s) to petition received
Federal organizations(s) responsible for reply
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Transport Canada

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.

Page details

2025-09-29