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 into the wonders of the Salish Sea and explored what it takes to protect the rich biodiversity of our coast.
Daily NEMO Talks
Lunch-hour Zoom presentations with ocean experts:
- Dr. Cherisse Du Preez on deep-sea octopus nurseries
- Adam Taylor on sponge reef protection in Átl’ḵa7tsem/Howe Sound
- Dianne Sanford on eelgrass and forage fish
- Ellika Cairns of the Marine Stewardship Initiative on community-based ocean conservation
- Alicia Elgert on BC’s Coastal Marine Strategy
Short of the Day
Daily bite-sized ocean stories featured online, from deep-sea discoveries to coastal conservation throughout the week, and the fabulous RhizomeUp!Media Shorts Collection.
Watch the Shorts – A collection of online short films covering caring ocean stories curated by Rhizome Up! Media.
Online Feature Films
Including Watson, The Whale and the Raven, This Living Salish Sea, and Artifishal, available for all viewing by website visitors during and after the festival.
Live Screenings at the Sechelt Arts Centre
- Turtle Walker: A moving documentary about Indian sea turtle conservationist Satish Bhaskar. The film highlighted his deep passion and lifelong dedication to protecting sea turtles. This film sparked a thoughtful discussion, moderated by Bill Wareham, about the personal sacrifices and unwavering commitment required for grassroots conservation, and the profound connection between people and place.
- Chasing Coral: A visually stunning documentary that reveals the alarming disappearance of coral reefs due to warming oceans. Billie Carroll facilitated a heartfelt discussion afterward, inviting reflection on the emotional and ecological impacts of climate change.
Ocean Activities for Kids
A curated Kids’ page featured ocean-themed games, colouring sheets, storybooks, and learning tools to inspire young ocean stewards.
The OceanConnect App Spotlight
Highlighted a public resource offering high-resolution marine forecasts and current tracking tools for the Salish Sea.
World Oceans Day Celebration!
On June 8 — World Oceans Day, we wrapped the Festival with a full day of community celebration!
On land, the Georgia Strait Alliance, Sunshine Coast Streamkeepers, shíshálh Nation Education Department, Ocean Wise, SCCA, and Sunshine Coast Tourism hosted interactive booths featuring ocean-themed games, crafts, and educational activities designed to inspire ocean stewardship across all ages, from curious kids to engaged adults.
Rotary Sechelt provided a BBQ for hungry celebrants and donated its profits to the Sunshine Coast.
DJ Sam Pulpo brought the ocean vibes and beats to the closing celebration, turning the gathering into a true coastal festival.
Laughter, learning, and salty air flowed freely as we closed the week with connection and purpose. It was a beautiful reminder that protecting the ocean is not only essential but also joyful work.
On World Oceans Day, friends and allies across the regions also joined Shoreline Cleanups with Halfmoon Bay Sea Kayaks and Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound Marine Stewardship Initiative, participated in a citizen science event with Tidepools, and Paddled for Pride with Sachi and Talaysay Tours — blending ocean advocacy with joyful visibility and cultural connection.
Prize Draw — Thank You!
We closed the Festival with a prize draw featuring gifts from local champions of ocean protection.
- A kayak rental from Halfmoon Bay Sea Kayaks
- Puzzle and toy bundle from Pastimes Games
- $100 gift card to Clayton’s Grocery Store
- Three sets of tickets to hear Holly Hogan speak at the Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts this August.
- Thank you to everyone who entered, and to the many businesses who donated prizes in support of the Festival!
Missed a Talk or Film?
It’s not too late! All NEMO Talks, short films, and feature films — plus additional learning resources — are still available on the Sunshine Coast Ocean Festival website 👉 sunshinecoastoceanfestival.ca
Be sure to visit the Kids’ page for fun, family-friendly ocean activities
Help Us Keep the Tide Rising
If the Festival moved you — if you learned something new, felt inspired, or deepened your connection to the ocean — we invite you to help us sustain this work.
Your donation supports year-round marine conservation, youth education, and public events like this one.
💙 Our hearts are filled with gratitude to all who participated