Ocean Wise's "Youth to Sea" Leadership Program

See Change Makers is celebrating their first anniversary which began a year ago with the 50^th Anniversary of EARTH DAY.

During that time, I have interviewed a variety of people who have been involved with some of our basic needs such a food, housing, and clothing. Now, See Change Makers explores the theme of WATER.

There were many directions to approach this topic. Who I contacted was a huge consideration. Ocean Wise‘s Youth to Sea Program became a perfect first interview.

Wiser with Ocean Wise

Ocean Wise, a non-profit organization, initially began in 1951 as the Vancouver Public Aquarium Association. Moving forward, a variety of initiatives and endeavors took shape. Then in 2017, a rebranding of sorts occurred. The Ocean Wise Conservation Association (Ocean Wise) was created as a new global non-profit ocean conservation organization focused on protecting and restoring our world’s oceans.

Ocean Wise addresses three critical challenges that face our oceans: overfishing, ocean pollution, and climate change. The conservation organization empowers communities to take action for ocean health.

Rough Waters

During the pandemic, the non-profit was hit especially hard. It could no longer rely on full-time revenue from the Aquarium’s tourists and it could not put the day-to-day operations on hold. Ocean Wise faced a financial crisis due to the high cost of maintaining animal care and their habitats. Even though their business books were good, it could not hold on for a year with limited revenue Lasse Gustavsson (President and CEO of Ocean Wise) told news outlets. This was one of the primary reasons they sold the ownership of the Vancouver Aquarium to a U.S. tourism company, Herschend Enterprises.

After the Storm

The Atlanta-based company has stated the Vancouver Aquarium will continue along with “business as usual”. As well, 1% of the profits from the Vancouver Aquarium goes directly to Ocean Wise’s non-profit operations. However, there is still some controversy over the sale. Vancouver’s mayoral candidate, Ken Sim, categorized the aquarium as “Vancouver Parks Crown Jewel”.

All in all, the Vancouver Aquarium is staying afloat. Meanwhile, Ocean Wise will continue its important work. This includes many programs, education, and initiatives such as the Youth to Sea Leadership Program. See Change Makers interviewed Ocean Wise’s Youth to Sea Program Facilitator & Program Leader, Michelle Bienkowski.

Crystal Clear Focus

Ocean Wise focuses on three critical challenges that face our oceans: overfishing, ocean pollution, and climate change. Through seven key initiatives, the conservation organization is on a mission to protect and restore the ocean habitat.

Youth is the central tennet of these key initiatives. One of the reasons for the rapid growth of the Youth to Sea Leadership Program since its inception in 2019. This cohort branch hosts youth from 15-18 years old.

Currently, they are taking applications for their 2021/2022 leadership session. To hear about some of the projects, as well as what Bienkowski sees as some current issues and ideas; listen to the video interview below: