About Us

Living Oceans Society has been a leader in the effort to protect Canada’s oceans since we formed in 1998.

Founded in Sointula, a small fishing village on the Central Coast of British Columbia, our influence has grown to be national. Living on the coast, we are reminded each day that it’s not just about the fish—it’s about the fish and the people. We advocate for oceans that are managed for the common good, according to science-based policies that consider ecosystems in their entirety.

Our contributions are helping to reduce harmful human impacts on the ocean.

Vision:

Canada's oceans are sustainably managed and thriving with abundant and diverse sea life that supports vibrant and resilient communities.

Mission:

To support this vision, Living Oceans Society:

• Engages in scientific, social and economic research to ensure our campaigns are grounded in fact and our solutions are science-based
• Interprets scientific data for diverse audiences through maps, reports and other publications, so that all stakeholders can be informed and involved in decision-making
• Engages with government, industry and the people who live and work on the coast to create viable solutions to conservation issues
• Promotes sound public policy and corporate social responsibility
• Enables coastal communities to protect the ocean resources they depend upon.

Our Core Values:

Conservation First

Our most deeply held value is that conservation concerns come first. We cannot, as a species, achieve anything approaching sustainability while continuing to degrade our natural environment. At the same time, we view people and their communities as a part of the ecosystem and we consider their impact in our solutions.

Credibility

Sound science is the basis of all of the work that we do. This value has earned us a solid reputation with governments, industries, media and coastal communities for knowing what we're talking about.

Engagement

Public policy affecting our oceans must be developed with public involvement, based on sound science and accountability. We strive to create the conditions for coastal communities, governments and industry to work together to create effective public policy. We respect traditional and local ecological knowledge and encourage diverse views to inform policy. Direct outreach to industry and regulations has always characterized our approach: we don't complain, we encourage them to improve how they do business.

Accountability

We deliver on our commitments and we hold government and industry accountable to do the same. We incorporate accountability measures in everything we do, both internally and externally.

Living Oceans campaigns:

• ​Work with ocean planning initiatives to conserve our natural capital and promote the ocean's role in providing food, jobs and security for our communities
• Protect wild salmon and marine ecosystems from the negative impacts of open net-cage salmon farming
• Create spaces for coastal communities to voice their concerns about oil tankers plying our coastline
• Map and analyze data to raise awareness of ocean issues, engage Canadians, and inform responsible ocean policy
• Ensure fisheries become more sustainable by working with fishermen and Fisheries and Oceans Canada
• Promote sustainable seafood by working with major retailers, restaurants, diners and seafood shoppers
• Tackle climate change by educating the public and decision makers about ocean acidification