Morissete, a Quebec environmental group, began a 16‑day cleanup of the St. Lawrence River shoreline in Montreal on Sunday, August 9, 2026. The effort, slated to run for just over two weeks, targets pollution that threatens the river's wildlife, including whales, turtles and other species that depend on the waterway.
The initiative focuses on removing debris and contaminants that have accumulated along the riverbank. By concentrating on the shoreline, Morissete aims to improve water quality directly at the interface where land‑based waste enters the river. Cleaner banks are expected to reduce the amount of harmful material that reaches the river's deeper sections, where larger marine mammals such as whales navigate.
Wildlife protection forms a core part of the campaign. The group highlighted that turtles and other river fauna are particularly vulnerable to litter and chemical runoff. Removing pollutants from the shore is intended to create a safer habitat for these animals and to support broader ecological health in the St. Lawrence system.
While the cleanup is limited to a 16‑day window, Morissete plans to continue monitoring the impact on water quality and wildlife after the operation concludes. The group hopes that the short‑term effort will encourage longer‑term stewardship of the riverbank among local residents and authorities.
The cleanup coincides with growing concerns about pollution in the St. Lawrence River, a vital corridor for both commercial shipping and natural ecosystems. By addressing shoreline waste now, Morissete seeks to contribute to a cleaner river environment that can sustain its diverse wildlife for years to come.