Inspiring Canadian Women in Ocean Conservation to Follow
When we think about ocean conservation, we often picture vast waters, coral reefs, and endangered marine life. But behind every wave of progress are individuals who dedicate their lives to protecting the sea. In Canada—and especially along the breathtaking coastlines of British Columbia—many of these changemakers are women.
From pioneering marine scientists mapping the ocean floor to Indigenous guardians protecting sacred waters, and young creatives sparking awareness through art and storytelling, these women are redefining what it means to be a steward of the ocean. Their work not only safeguards ecosystems but also inspires communities, influences policy, and paves the way for future generations.
In this blog, we’re diving deep into the stories of women making waves in marine conservation across Canada. Whether you’re an environmental enthusiast, an educator, or simply someone who loves the sea, these powerful voices deserve your attention—and your support.
🌊 Leading Researchers & Scientists
Verena Tunnicliffe
Dr. Verena Tunnicliffe stands as one of Canada's most influential figures in marine science. As a Canada Research Chair in Deep Ocean Research at the University of Victoria, she has dedicated over four decades to unraveling the profound mysteries of the deep ocean, with a particular focus on the extraordinary hydrothermal vents off the British Columbia coast.
Her groundbreaking expeditions have led to the discovery of over 80 new marine species, a testament to her pioneering spirit. Her profound impact on the field is further underscored by the fact that at least nine species have been named in her honor, including Sericosura verenae, a deep-sea sea spider whose unique reproductive behavior captivated her.
Beyond pure discovery, Dr. Tunnicliffe has strategically shifted her attention to critical emerging issues such as deep-sea mining, climate-driven hypoxia, and the cumulative stress impacting vulnerable ocean ecosystems. She actively contributes her expertise to the Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative, playing a vital role in developing policies that guide sustainable ocean governance for the future.
Amanda Vincent
Dr. Amanda Vincent, a pioneering marine biologist and conservationist at the University of British Columbia, is celebrated for co-founding and directing Project Seahorse since 1996. She was the first to study seahorses in their natural habitats, quickly uncovering a vast and clandestine global trade spanning nearly 80 countries.
Using seahorses as a flagship species, Dr. Vincent tirelessly advocated for their protection. Her efforts led to their inclusion on the IUCN Red List in 1996 and the successful regulation of their international trade under CITES in 2002. This groundbreaking work paved the way for more sustainable fisheries and critical habitat protection worldwide. Her unique, solution-focused approach combines rigorous scientific research with culturally sensitive community partnerships, directly contributing to the establishment of at least 35 marine protected areas and demonstrable improvements for diverse marine life, including seahorses, sharks, and rays.
Dr. Vincent's extraordinary contributions have garnered significant global recognition. In 2020, she became the first marine conservationist to win the prestigious Indianapolis Prize and was inducted as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. These accolades join a long list of honors, including the Dawkins Prize (2023) and the Le Cren Medal (2018).
Driven by an infectious optimism—"seahorses are magical… and often quick conservation wins"—and a profound belief that "to save seahorses is to save the seas," Dr. Vincent remains a powerful voice for scalable ocean stewardship.
Dr. Julia Baum
Meet Dr. Julia Baum, a world-class marine ecologist and conservation biologist based at the University of Victoria. Her groundbreaking work focuses on how marine ecosystems can withstand human pressures. With degrees from McGill and Dalhousie, Dr. Baum's pioneering research began during her PhD, where she uncovered the alarming overexploitation of global shark populations and the devastating impact on apex predators in coral reefs.
Her dedication to understanding the combined effects of overfishing and climate change earned her the prestigious E.W.R. Steacie Memorial Fellowship from NSERC in 2018. Following this, Dr. Baum led extensive studies on coral reef recovery. Her work at Kiritimati Island, after the severe 2015–2016 El Niño event, notably demonstrated that reefs possess a remarkable ability to bounce back when freed from multiple human stressors.
Beyond her research, Dr. Baum is a vocal champion for integrating science into policy. She actively collaborates with communities, educators, and decision-makers, contributing her expertise to panels for organizations such as IUCN and various fisheries management bodies. Her story is a compelling testament to scientific leadership—moving from revealing the silent decline of sharks to inspiring hope for the regeneration of coral reefs in the face of global climate challenges.
Dr. Kate Moran
Dr. Kate Moran, a renowned ocean engineer, serves as President & CEO of Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) at the University of Victoria. Educated at the University of Pittsburgh, URI, and Dalhousie University, she has led pivotal efforts in ocean observation. Among her most notable achievements, she co-led the groundbreaking 2004 Arctic Ocean drilling expedition, which delivered the first paleoclimate record to highlight alarming sea ice loss.
Prior to joining ONC in 2012, Dr. Moran was instrumental in shaping U.S. Arctic, polar, and ocean policy while serving in the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy. She also helped coordinate the national response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Under her guidance, ONC has transformed, extending its world-class observatories from the Salish Sea to Canada’s Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic coasts. These systems now provide real-time data crucial for climate solutions, maritime safety, and coastal resilience.
Her transformative contributions were officially recognized in June 2023 with her appointment as an Officer of the Order of Canada for her innovations in ocean engineering and climate action. With over 35 offshore expeditions, critical work on earthquake and tsunami early-warning systems, and a commitment to Indigenous-led ocean science, Dr. Moran's leadership is forging a smarter, safer, and more sustainable future for our oceans.
Dr. Isabelle Côté
Dr. Isabelle M. Côté is a distinguished marine ecologist at Simon Fraser University, whose three-decade career has fundamentally reshaped marine conservation. She revolutionized the field by employing meta-analyses to track long-term trends in coral reef health and assess the real-world efficacy of marine protected areas. Building on early marine biology studies at McGill and advanced degrees in behavioral ecology, Dr. Côté developed a cross-ecosystem, curiosity-driven research methodology.
Her recent work tackles critical conservation challenges head-on: leading efforts to control invasive lionfish in the Caribbean, and spearheading resilience studies of subtidal eelgrass and mudsnail along British Columbia's coast. A dedicated communicator and mentor, Isabelle further demonstrated her commitment in 2023 by joining the "Salty Science" team to row the Atlantic, raising vital funds and awareness for marine conservation.
Dr. Côté's exceptional contributions have earned her numerous honors, including the Marshall Award in Conservation Biology (2009), a Leopold Leadership Program fellowship (2015), and election to the Royal Society of Canada in 2023. Through her blend of rigorous science, impactful outreach, and inspiring leadership, Dr. Côté exemplifies transformative, solution-oriented conservation.
🛡 First Nations Guardians & Conservation Stewards
Delaney Mack
Delaney Mack is making history as the first female full-time Nuxalk Guardian Watchman, patrolling her ancestral territory along British Columbia’s Central Coast for the Nuxalk Nation. After undergoing rigorous training, she now leads multi-disciplinary patrols—ranging from crab surveys and environmental DNA sampling to emergency rescues and monitoring of logging operations—across an expansive 18,000 km² around Bella Coola. In her pivotal role, Delaney proudly upholds Indigenous laws and contributes to sovereignty-building, empowered with park ranger status that enables her to issue citations for infringements such as poaching and illegal logging.
Reflecting on her journey, she shared that joining the Guardians "was a godsend … I had no idea what I was going to do with my life," underscoring her profound connection to the work and the vital importance of Indigenous stewardship for future generations. Dr. Mack's leadership marks a powerful and historic shift toward Indigenous-led conservation and self-governance on Canada’s remote coastal frontiers.
Chantal Pronteau
Chantal Pronteau, a dedicated Kitasoo/Xai’xais Guardian Watchman from Klemtu, embodies the integration of cultural stewardship and scientific conservation in British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest. Since her return home in 2008, she has undertaken extensive outdoor training and stewardship, patrolling waterways, setting grizzly bear hair snares, collecting water data, and educating visitors on Indigenous laws.
A graduate of the Coastal First Nations’ Stewardship Technicians Training Program, Chantal applies rigorous ecosystem-based monitoring techniques, tracking crab traps, boat activity, and environmental parameters like water temperature, salinity, pH, and species counts. This data supports the Marine Plan Partnership and regional monitoring systems. Beyond her fieldwork, she serves as a cultural ambassador, educating visitors on Kitasoo/Xai’xais traditions, fostering understanding of Indigenous governance, and contributing significantly to long-term stewardship and inter-community unity.
🎥 Communicators & Community Leaders
Tiare Boyes
From Vancouver Island, Tiare Boyes, a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and a Marine Stewardship Council Ambassador, champions ocean conservation through a powerful fusion of science, art, and advocacy. Her hands-on experience as a commercial diver, underwater photographer, and former deckhand on her family’s halibut boat gives her an unparalleled understanding of the marine environments she works to protect.
Since 2018, Tiare has given new life to discarded fishing buoys, transforming debris collected from major beach clean-ups—such as the Great Bear Rainforest Marine Debris Removal Initiative—into captivating ocean artworks. She generously donates 10% of these proceeds to local marine charities. Through compelling underwater imagery, public buoy-art installations, and impactful speaking engagements (including the UN Committee on World Food Security and the FAO), she passionately promotes responsible fishing, ocean stewardship, and the vital role of youth. Tiare’s work is a vivid testament to how creative expression can spark tangible change, turning pollution into profound inspiration.
Rachael Tancock
Rachael Tancock, widely known as "The Nature Educator," is a Vancouver Island-based naturalist and environmental educator dedicated to making science accessible and engaging for all ages. Her background in Geography, Environmental Studies, and Education, combined with a lifelong personal connection to the Pacific Coast forged during a childhood of sailing the Salish Sea, provides a unique foundation for her work.
Through her guided nature walks, dynamic educational programs, and informative online videos, Rachael explores diverse topics, including intertidal life, forest ecology, and coastal biodiversity. She often spotlights the small, often overlooked species that play outsized roles in local ecosystems. Collaborating with regional groups like the Southern Gulf Islands Tourism Partnership and Capital Regional District, Rachael leads impactful citizen science and conservation events. Her warm, curious, and inviting approach to education fosters a deeper connection between communities and the natural world, making her a standout voice in British Columbia’s ocean and environmental education scene.
📣 Youth Changemakers
Jasmine Rodman
From Vancouver Island, Jasmine Rodman, an artist, student, entrepreneur, and National Geographic Explorer, infuses creativity and purpose into her ocean advocacy. At merely 15 years old, she launched Ocean Child Creative, a sustainable small business. This venture utilizes art to spark essential conversations and raise crucial funds for marine nonprofits, with hundreds of prints, stickers, and cards sold across BC and online, consistently contributing a portion of proceeds to conservation.
Her advocacy strongly emphasizes youth empowerment, ocean literacy, and inclusivity. Jasmine has collaborated with impactful programs such as World Ocean Day and Bow Seat, and spearheads Turning Tides, a multimedia initiative dedicated to empowering young environmental changemakers. Through her distinctive blend of art, storytelling, and direct advocacy, Jasmine compellingly illustrates how Gen Z voices are redefining the narrative of ocean protection and inspiring others to dive into action.
Dr. Melissa Lem
Dr. Melissa Lem is a Vancouver-based family physician and the visionary Director of PaRx, Canada's pioneering national nature prescription program. Launched in British Columbia in November 2020, PaRx represents a significant bridge between healthcare and environmental advocacy. With extensive experience in both rural and urban family medicine, complemented by her role as Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia, Dr. Lem has tirelessly championed the prescription of "2 hours per week (20+ minutes at a time)" of nature time—a practice proven to yield measurable physiological and mental health benefits.
Her relentless efforts have successfully integrated PaRx across Canada, securing endorsement from the Canadian Medical Association and adoption by thousands of healthcare providers. Dr. Lem's transformative leadership has earned broad recognition, including the 2022 Adult Nature Inspiration Award from the Canadian Museum of Nature and a spot on Vancouver Magazine’s Power 50 list in 2025, among other prestigious honors. Through her groundbreaking work, Dr. Lem has powerfully reframed nature as a viable social prescription, simultaneously fostering individual well-being and promoting essential environmental stewardship.
Across the vast coastlines of British Columbia and Canada, an incredible wave of women is powerfully leading the charge to protect our oceans. From pioneering deep-sea scientists and dedicated Indigenous guardians to innovative educators, artists, and passionate advocates, each of these changemakers brings a unique perspective. Yet, they are united by a singular, powerful vision: a thriving, resilient ocean for generations to come. Whether it's Dr. Verena Tunnicliffe meticulously mapping hydrothermal vents, Dr. Amanda Vincent tirelessly safeguarding seahorses, or Jasmine Rodman inspiring action through evocative art, these women are doing more than just studying the sea—they are actively reshaping the very systems that threaten it.
Their collective stories serve as a potent reminder that ocean conservation is far from a one-size-fits-all movement. Instead, it thrives on diversity, ingenuity, scientific rigor, and invaluable local knowledge. Most importantly, it hinges on the everyday choices and actions of individuals who choose to care—and to act.
At Oceanseen, we are driven by a core belief: to amplify the voices of women and youth in conservation, foster education, and weave ocean advocacy seamlessly into daily life. This philosophy is reflected in every product we offer. More than just beautifully designed, our items are crafted to spark meaningful conversations and contribute directly to marine protection. From nature-inspired self-care products to eco-friendly accessories, each piece in our collection mirrors the magic of the sea and actively supports marine-positive initiatives.
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