Answering the Ocean's Call: A Surfrider Volunteer's Call to Action

When the ocean speaks, it is not just a warning; it is a call to action. Our volunteers are the ones who answer, who come from all walks of life, who feel the call of the ocean and the responsibility to protect, preserve, and speak up for something greater than themselves.

In 2024, Surfrider Canada volunteers made a significant contribution nationwide. Through 55 beach cleanups across Canada, they removed 8,631 lbs of debris and collected 51,066 cigarette butts, with 875 wetsuits diverted from landfills. Here on South Vancouver Island, our chapter contributed to these impressive numbers through our regular cleanups at Willows Beach, Cadboro Bay, Esquimalt Lagoon, and more, alongside ongoing community engagement efforts.

But our impact goes far beyond cleanups. At Surfrider South Vancouver Island, we run programs that tackle ocean protection from multiple angles:

Marine Pollution Reduction, eliminating single-use plastics and harmful materials.

Blue Water Task Force, monitoring the health of over 15 local beaches and waterways.

Water Friendly Business, promoting sustainable business practices to protect marine habitats.

Each program is designed to empower volunteers, inform the public, and create lasting change along our coastlines.

Volunteer Spotlight: Dev Percey’s Ocean-Driven Journey from South Island to Sunshine Coast

Photo: Dev Percey

At Surfrider, we’re inspired by people who show up for the ocean, and Dev is one of them. Her journey, from solo beach cleanups in Victoria to caring for shorelines on the Sunshine Coast, shows how one person’s love for the ocean can make a real difference.

Dev’s connection to the sea began in Mexico, where she spent three months volunteering with a conservation project that protected sea turtles and crocodiles. That experience opened her eyes to the beauty and fragility of marine life.

Years later, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dev was living in Powell River. With limited places to go, she spent most of her time at the beach. She got to know the local wildlife and shorebirds, but also saw the impact of pollution firsthand. One day, Dev found a dead octopus on the beach, her first time seeing one in the wild. Days later, a dead sea lion on the beach looked like it had been killed by entanglement. The heartbreak was real. She called the local fishery and knew then: she had to do more for the ocean.

CONNECTING WITH SURFRIDER

Dev first encountered Surfrider through her work with the B.C. Green Party. She attended a screening of the documentary Plastic Ocean, hosted in partnership with Surfrider, and later joined an event at the University of Victoria featuring Dr. Andrew Weaver and other experts discussing plastic pollution. These experiences deepened her understanding of the issues and introduced her to the Surfrider community.

While living on the South Island, Dev became a familiar face at our Beach Clean Ups in Victoria and often took it upon herself to clean up solo. Her dedication didn’t stop when she moved to the Sunshine Coast. She continues to care for the beaches and lakes near her new home, including Powell Lake, a unique body of water that still holds saltwater deep below its surface from the end of the last ice age.

INSPIRED BY SCIENCE, FUELED BY JOY

Dev draws inspiration from legendary oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle. Her favorite quote? “Everyone can do something.” Another line that motivates her comes from the documentary Playing with Sharks: “Look at her, why not you?” These words fuel Dev’s solo cleanups, where she finds joy and empowerment in protecting the places she loves.

“I feel like I have a little power standing up and taking care of something I love,” she says. “The ocean and wildlife. I’m taking care of the city where I was born, and one of the most beautiful places in the world.”

THE HARD PARTS AND THE HEART WORK

Solo cleanups aren’t always easy. Dev has encountered debris too heavy to move alone, like a large tire filled with Styrofoam. But she doesn’t let that stop her. Her advice to anyone who wants to help but doesn’t know where to start? “Just grab a bucket and gloves, then just go to a beach!”

Her story is a reminder that protecting the ocean isn’t a one-time act; it’s a way of life. We’re not just responding to pollution; it’s about inspiring others to take action, creating a culture of responsibility, and protecting the future of our planet.

As the Surfrider South Vancouver Island chapter, we're uniquely positioned to protect some of BC's most treasured coastal areas. From the rocky shores of East Sooke to the sandy beaches of Sidney, from the busy harbours of Victoria to the pristine waters of the Gulf Islands, our volunteers work where the mountains meet the sea in one of Canada's most biodiverse marine ecosystems.

One wave at a time, one beach at a time, right here on South Vancouver Island. We invite you to join our local movement to protect the waters and shores that define our island home. Want to get involved with Surfrider South Vancouver Island? Check out our volunteering opportunities and upcoming events.

Fuel our cleanups, campaign and community here.