A local Indigenous company in Victoria has been granted federal funding to remove 17 boats from local waters.

Minister of Transport Marc Garneau announced in Victoria Friday the most recent applicants to receive funding through the Abandoned Boats Program to support the assessment, removal and disposal of abandoned boats in Canadian waters.

Salish Sea Industrial Services, an Indigenous-owned and operated marine construction, maintenance and support services company, is receiving $404,350 under the Abandoned Boats Program to remove the boats from three locations around Salt Spring Island.

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B次元官网网址淎bandoned boats are a threat to marine ecosystems, aquatic species and the livelihood of fish harvesters. The Government of Canada is proud to support this collaboration of municipalities, industry, and Indigenous groups, working together to improve our coasts and waterways for future generations,B次元官网网址� said Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport.

The company previously received funding for and successfully completed the removal of four boats in Victoria Harbour.

The Township of Esquimalt was also announced as a recipient, receiving $2,500 for assessment of one boat and $5,625 for removal of one boat.

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The Abandoned Boats Program is investing $6.85 million for abandoned boat assessment, removal and disposal, and for research and education initiatives, under the Oceans Protection Plan.

Launched in November 2016, the five-year, $1.5-billion Oceans Protection Plan is working to protect CanadaB次元官网网址檚 coasts and waterways.

B次元官网网址淎s we mark the two-year anniversary of the Oceans Protection Plan this month, we renew our commitment to meaningful action to safeguard Canadian waters as a critical resource and a source of pride,B次元官网网址� said Garneau.