Our Mission

The purpose of SeaChange Marine Conservation is to preserve and rehabilitate marine ecosystems in coordination with local communities through education, organization and participation in the interest of marine ecology.

About SeaChange Marine Conservation Society

We believe communities are the heart of conservation and restoration. From the most vulnerable ecosystems to the most resilient, we strive to understand, measure, and mitigate the impacts of human activity and climate change on coastal ecosystems for the benefit of all communities.

Whether mapping the British Columbia shoreline, connecting with volunteers and donors at special events, or collecting biodiversity data as part of our newest Resilient Estuaries of the Salish Sea initiative, we combine scientific methodologies with a passion for protecting vulnerable ecosystems in the coastal communities we call home.

SeaChange is located in the heart of unceded traditional W̱SÁNEĆ territory, near Victoria, British Columbia. We are very grateful to be sharing this land with the W̱SÁNEĆ First Nations. We acknowledge that injustice and grief have resulted from this sharing. Our hope and intention are to grow in partnership with W̱SÁNEĆ communities and to enact our responsibility for healing Indigenous-Settler relationships, lands and ocean.

We work with community groups and First Nations to map, monitor and restore eelgrass habitat. We also work with communities and volunteers to restore nearshore riparian areas vital for forage fish spawning. We collaborate with researchers and graduate students to find the best conditions for restored eelgrass meadows to thrive. We help governments make better decisions about the fate of shorelines and nearshores.

Our History

Our passion for marine conservation and restoration began in the Salish Sea in 1998 when former Executive Director Nikki Wright founded SeaChange with her partner, Sarah Verstegen, who served as Facilities Operator until she passed away in 2021. Along with a dedicated group of conservationists, including longtime Board Member Doug Biffard, Sarah and Nikki dedicated their careers and lives to working with First Nations and local non-profit organizations on a variety of conservation projects, leading the way in eelgrass restoration, habitat recovery, and in providing educational programs for youth. In 2023, we celebrated SeaChange’s 25th anniversary and welcomed Sarah Cook as our new Executive Director. 

Today, we envision a world where coastal ecosystems are understood and protected, and where human activity and climate change are no longer a threat. As we lead the way in science-based, data-driven and technologically sound management of coastal ecosystems, we believe in sharing freely our vast collection of data, knowledge and experience. We invite scientists, researchers, community/government organizations, and individuals around the world to get in touch and collaborate with us. Together, we can build awareness for change.