Morissette, an environmental organization based in Quebec, has started a two‑week shoreline cleanup along the St. Lawrence River in Montreal. The effort, scheduled to run for 16 days, aims to remove pollution that threatens local wildlife, including whales and turtles.
The cleanup began on Sunday, August 9, 2026, and will focus on sections of the riverbank within the city’s limits. Volunteers and staff from the group will work each day to collect debris and contaminants that have accumulated along the shoreline. The initiative is part of a broader response to growing concerns about the impact of river pollution on marine species.
Recent studies have linked the presence of plastic and other waste in the St. Lawrence River to injuries and mortality among marine mammals and reptiles. The damage to whales, turtles and other wildlife has prompted local environmental groups to organize direct action, such as this shoreline sweep, to mitigate the problem.
Morissette’s campaign is timed to coincide with heightened public awareness of river health during the summer months. By concentrating on a 16‑day window, the group hopes to achieve a measurable reduction in visible litter and to set a precedent for ongoing stewardship of the river’s banks.
The organization has emphasized that the cleanup is a community‑focused effort, encouraging residents to participate and to adopt practices that limit future pollution. While the immediate goal is to clear existing waste, the longer‑term objective is to protect the river’s ecosystem and the species that depend on it.
Authorities have noted the significance of such volunteer‑driven initiatives in complementing governmental environmental programs. The cleanup represents a coordinated attempt to address the environmental challenges facing the St. Lawrence River and to safeguard its biodiversity for future generations.