The environmental organization Morissette announced the start of a 16‑day shoreline cleanup along the St. Lawrence River in Montreal on Sunday, August 9, 2026. Volunteers will work each day to remove debris and litter that has accumulated on the riverbank, aiming to improve conditions for the river’s wildlife.
The effort focuses on the stretch of shoreline that runs through the city, a area where plastic waste, fishing gear, and other pollutants have been observed to collect. Organizers said the removal of these materials is intended to reduce hazards for marine species, including whales and turtles, that frequent the river’s waters.
Recent studies have linked rising levels of pollution in the St. Lawrence to the declining health of several marine populations. Local scientists have documented injuries and reduced breeding success among species that rely on the river’s ecosystem. The cleanup is part of a broader response by community groups seeking to mitigate these impacts through direct action.
Morissette’s campaign will involve coordinated teams of volunteers who will sort and transport collected waste to proper disposal facilities. The organization hopes that the 16‑day initiative will serve as a model for similar projects across the province and encourage ongoing stewardship of the river’s shoreline. The cleanup concludes on August 24, 2026, with plans to assess the amount of material removed and its immediate effect on local wildlife habitats.