For over a decade, the Great Fundy Coastal Cleanup has united New Brunswickers in a shared mission: to protect the stunning Bay of Fundy—the heart of our coastal identity—from marine debris. Together, we’ve safeguarded these wild shorelines, home to the world’s highest tides and countless species of coastal wildlife.
Last year, dozens of volunteers came out for our 10th Annual Great Fundy Coastal Cleanup to honor 10 years of collective care and protect the places that connect us all — and the hard work paid off!
Across 20 plus different cleanup sites, over 12 of which were independent and partner-led, over 9,254 pounds of ocean debris was collected thanks to the help of 175+ volunteers.
The most commonly collected items were:
Small pieces of foam (1,312)
Rope (1,266 M)
Lobster bands (1,156)
Large styrofoam pieces (601)
Small plastic pieces (519)
Glass pieces (268)
🗓️ 11th Annual Great Fundy Coastal Cleanup — registration open!
Each year, we are blown away by all of the dedicated volunteers, staff, sponsors, partners, and individuals who take the initiative to join a cleanup or to lead their own cleanups.
This year, let’s continue to build on this legacy by making the 11th Annual Great Fundy Coastal Cleanup, which will take place on August 29, 2026, another one for the books! This year, we’ll be visiting some of the province’s most breathtaking and remote island nature preserves spanning from the Wolastoq watershed to the Bay of Fundy — tickets go fast, so save your spot today!
Lead your own cleanup
Lead your own cleanup anytime between July 2 to September 30, and make it count towards the Great Fundy Coastal Cleanup by using the Clean Swell app (directions below). Email engage@ntnb.org to register your group today!
Good for the environment, good for you!
Because independent cleanups help make our Great Fundy Coastal Cleanup even more impactful, we wanted to add a little extra incentive for you to make them happen. Every independent cleanup you are involved in enters you into a draw for a prize pack — and helps protect New Brunswick’s lands and waters, because it all leads back to the ocean.
Every time you register a cleanup, you get entered into a draw for a cool prize package of local goodies from New Brunswick businesses. Participate in one clean up? Get one ballot entered in the draw. Participate in 10 cleanups? Get 10 ballots!
How to enter: Fill out this form to register your cleanup team and let us know when and where you’ll be hosting your cleanup, as well as the name of your cleanup as registered in the Clean Swell App. Make sure you use the app to log the litter and debris you collect and fill out the post-event survey, and that’s it!
Download this information guide on how to lead your own cleanup:
Collect information about the litter you find by using the Clean Swell® app!
It’s an easy and accurate way to count, weigh, and submit your cleanup data in real time and see it appear on the TIDES map of cleanups happening around the world!
It’s simple!
Choose the site and date of your cleanup. We are happy to suggest a nature preserve in your area!
All independent cleanup leaders must register their cleanup and crew with the Nature Trust starting July 2—fill out the form here.
If you’re planning a cleanup on a Nature Trust nature preserve, please fill out our volunteer waiver and submit to engage@ntnb.org before your event.
*Nature Trust Nature Preserves are undeveloped and there are a variety of hazards and risks associated with accessing preserves. While select nature preserves are open for public access, visitors must assume responsibility for their own actions and safety and are to use the land at their own risk.
Download the Clean Swell® app from the App Store or Google Play. You can also download a simple How-To-Use Clean Swell® poster here or reach out to us directly for help.
Have your cleanup and use the Clean Swell® app to submit your data directly to the TIDES database! You’ll be able to see the results of your cleanup and others around the globe right away.
Maryse Basque’s winning 2025 GFCC photo contest submission! A great team ready to make a difference. 🌊
Share your photos for a chance to win!
We want to see your best cleanup photos! Did you see something interesting? Did you take a great group shot? What about those amazing views? Share your best cleanup photos for a chance to win a Nature Trust prize pack of local goodies!
To enter the contest:
Take a photo and post it on Facebook or Instagram
Tag the Nature Trust (@NatureTrustNB) and use the hashtag #GFCC2026
Photos must also be submitted by emailing engage@ntnb.org
Photos must be shared by Monday, October 5 to be considered.
The winner will be announced in October.
Good luck and have fun!
If you would like to learn more about the Great Fundy Coastal Cleanup, please contact our Engagement team at engage@ntnb.org or by calling (506) 457-2398.
Want to keep up to date with all the latest nature news? Subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter below and get a backstage pass to updates on nature preserves, upcoming events, and the stories of the people who make it all happen.
Check out our new video in honor of a decade of the Great Fundy Coastal Cleanup!
In this milestone video, hear from Colleen Lang, Laurie Campbell, Charly and Laura Bonga, Jane and Eric Hadley, and Bethany Pohl, long-time members of the Nature Trust community of supporters as they share their Great Fundy Coastal Cleanup stories and why this work matters—for the Bay, for wildlife, and for future generations.
Team, Trash, and Terry Fox!
When the pandemic paused Terry Fox Runs in 2020, Carl Duivenvoorden turned his admiration for Terry into action—launching an annual beach cleanup in his honour. Since then, the effort has grown every year, tackling more trash, raising more funds, and building a stronger team.
On September 13, 2025 we joined Carl and friends on Frye Island for his 6th annual Terry Fox Beach Cleanup—to Finish It!
We were so heartened to see so many volunteers come out to support two worthy causes. Between 28 participants, we collected around 17 feed bags worth of garbage, leaving the shoreline of our beautiful Frye Island Nature Preserve spotless—the way it’s supposed to look!
You can support cancer research in Terry’s name and help create healthier oceans by making a donation today. Every contribution fuels the fight against cancer and keeps our shorelines cleaner for all.
Donate now and join the legacy: Carl Duivenvoorden | Terry Fox Run
Check out a Frye Island cleanup recap video made by Carl Duivenvoorden on YouTube by clicking the button below!
Check out the video of our past successful cleanups!
The success of the Great Fundy Coastal Cleanup is not possible without the hard-work and dedication from our incredible volunteers, supporters and partners. The Nature Trust of New Brunswick is here to support your cleanup efforts each year!
We are working together to restore our coastal ecosystems for plants, wildlife, and future generations.
WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE MANY PARTNERS, SPONSORS, AND SUPPORTERS OF THE ANNUAL GREAT FUNDY COASTAL CLEANUP!
We also thank the Sir James Dunn Foundation for their generous support of the Great Fundy Coastal Cleanup.
PAST CLEANUP RESULTS
