I moved to the coast from Winnipeg as a young girl with my family and have lived close to the ocean ever since. We moved to downtown Vancouver, and I spent many days at English Bay, and walking the seawall searching for seals, letting out an excited squeal any time I happened to spot a head poking above the water. I’m still guilty of this, it happens every time.

It wasn’t until I had children of my own that I really began to look at conservation and understand our collective responsibility to protect our environment for future generations. As an avid paddle boarder and beach goer, I have seen the changes to our coastline and the impacts of industry on our fragile marine ecosystems firsthand. Rather than feel helpless, I am thrilled to participate in the Coastal Conservation program at BCMF and learn how to deserve the title of Coastal Water Protector. I have learned so much already through the program and I am so excited for our next phase of learning. This community of water protectors is an amazing group of people, and I feel very fortunate to work alongside them for the betterment of our coastal communities.

I’ve always loved this quote, “The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears or the sea.” — Isak Dinesen. Whenever I am troubled, I know I can give my troubles to the water. Water is healing, essential for life and it is our responsibility to protect our resources, support our aquatic mammals and marine species that make this province such a beautiful place to live.