Sea Smart

Our oceans cover over 70% of Earth, control our weather and temperature AND produce over 50% of the oxygen we breathe. All life on Earth, including humanity, cannot exist without our oceans. But our oceans are in deep trouble. We must act now to save our oceans - and ourselves. One of the best ways to do this is to ensure people are empowered with the knowledge and tools they need to become environmental champions. Sea Smart is a charity whose vision is to educate, inspire, and empower people to take action to protect our oceans. From summer camps to corporate programs, Sea Smart’s mission is to deliver fun, action-oriented, and solutions-based programs that empower youth, educators, businesses, and communities to be ocean heroes. In five years, Sea Smart has educated over 700,000 people in over 30 countries.

Through solution-based, action-oriented programs including school workshops, outdoor summer camps, shoreline cleanups, online programs and corporate programs, we educate people about the myriad of threats our oceans are facing and empower them with tangible actions to make the world a better place. Sea Smart prioritizes inclusivity and diversity and collaborates with YWCA, KidSafe and the federal government to provide free programs for schools and families with financial need. We are committed to reconciliation and are collaborating with the Tsleil-Waututh, Squamish and Tsimshian Nations to empower their youth to become Ocean Guardians through programs that incorporate traditional knowledge with current ocean science.

As a marine biologist with a PhD and 15+ years of research experience, I’m dedicated to sharing my passion for ocean conservation. I started Sea Smart to empower people around the world to take action to protect our blue planet. I am recognized internationally as an ocean expert and inspire waves of change in the hearts and minds of thousands of people by:

-Speaking at the global McDonald's AGM to provide the business and environmental case to eliminate single-use plastic straws at McDonald's franchises around the world

-Providing recommendations to world leaders at the G7 Summit on reducing ocean threats

-Giving an inspirational talk to over 20,000 people at WE Day Vancouver

-Being nominated as a SheEO Finalist and for a YWCA Women of Distinction Award for Environmental Sustainability

-Being featured as an ocean expert on various media channels, including Global TV, CTV, Globe and Mail, NBC, Vancouver Sun, CBS, and USA Today