Love Our Oceans
DonateThe mission of the SCCA is to seek protection for lands and waters of significance to the preservation of biological diversity and to undertake public education about the importance of preserving and enhancing biological diversity. Our work applies to both marine and freshwater ecosystems, nearshore and shoreline habitats.
What's At Stake
The marine and foreshore ecosystems of the Sunshine Coast face growing threats from climate change, pollution, habitat destruction, and coastal development. Rising sea levels, degraded water quality, and the spread of invasive species are putting pressure on wildlife and coastal habitats. Shoreline armouring, marine debris, and industrial activities further erode ecosystem health.
Through our Love Our Oceans campaign, the SCCA is working to protect these vital ecosystems and the biodiversity they support.
Sunshine Coast Ocean Festival
Every year on June 8th - the United Nations' World Oceans Day - people around the world celebrate the many ways the world's oceans benefit our lives. That week, the SCCA hosts an annual Sunshine Coast Ocean Festival, in collaboration with Rhizome UP! Media and the Green Film Series.
June 1- 8, 2025, festival launch, coming soon!
Watch past NEMO talks, short films, and feature films from the 2024 festival on the Sunshine Coast Ocean Festival website.
What We've Achieved So Far
Forage Fish Sampling – Sept 19 & 20
Ever wondered what tiny fish hold up our entire marine food web? Forage fish — like sand lance and surf smelt — are the vital link between plankton and the salmon, seabirds, and whales we all love. Without them, the whole system begins to wobble. That’s why community science matters. Every month, volunteers from across […]
Ocean Festival Gratitude 💙
The 2025 Sunshine Coast Ocean Festival was a true community celebration — a week of ocean storytelling, learning, and connection made possible by an extraordinary collective effort. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the dozens of contributors who brought the 2025 Festival to life: Our talented film festival programmer, website designer, and graphic artist, Billie […]
Celebrating Ocean Connection: Highlights from the 2025 Sunshine Coast Ocean Festival
The 2025 Sunshine Coast Ocean Festival was an inspiring week of connection, learning, and action — and we’re still riding the wave of energy and gratitude our community created. Over eight days, the Festival brought together marine scientists, Indigenous knowledge holders, local artists, youth leaders, conservationists, and ocean lovers of all ages. Together, we dove […]
Sunshine Coast Ocean Festival June 1-8, 2025. Save the Dates.
Dive In. Explore. Connect. Join us June 1–8, 2025, for a free, week-long celebration of our ocean and coastline. Hosted by the Sunshine Coast Conservation Association and RhizomeUp! Media, the 6th annual Sunshine Coast Ocean Festival is packed with films, talks, science, and celebration—all in honour of United Nations World Ocean Day. DIVE IN, […]
Discover the Wonders of the Salish Sea
The Sunshine Coast Conservation Association is thrilled to promote an upcoming online event series that celebrates the incredible biodiversity and beauty of our shared coastal home. Wonders of the Salish Sea, hosted by Transition Salt Spring, is a four-part educational series designed for adults who are curious about the natural world, eager to deepen their […]
Celebrate the Hornby Island HerringFest 2025!
Looking for a unique coastal experience that brings together art, education, and marine conservation? The 9th Annual Hornby Island HerringFest is happening from March 13–15, 2025, and it’s an event you won’t want to miss! The Sunshine Coast Conservation Association (SCCA) is pleased to share this event with our community to support the important work […]