In this special guest episode of Aqua Agenda, hosts Angel Fisher and Zia Yazdani welcome Emily Johnson and Lindsay Aker from the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society. With nearly two decades of hands-on experience each, Emily and Lindsay share their journey into marine mammal rescue, the challenges of 24-hour care, and memorable rescues—from sea lions entangled in ocean debris to cross-country releases of loggerhead turtles.

We also meet Tofino and Luna, two unforgettable sea otter pups, and hear how volunteers, practicum students, and even senior citizens become part of this vital mission.

Topics include:

• The rescue, rehabilitation, and release process for marine mammals

• Community reporting and how to help stranded animals

• Human impacts, climate change, and their influence on species like sea turtles

• Success stories: Cinco the sea lion and Moira the loggerhead turtle

• Ways to get involved—volunteering, donations, and even otter livestreams!

Whether you're an ocean lover, conservation enthusiast, or someone curious about the incredible work behind marine animal rescue, this episode is packed with emotion, insight, and inspiration.

In this episode, we welcomed Travis Fleet from Fort St. John, a key facilitator during our recent “Generations of Wisdom” retreat in Tofino, BC. Travis shared his insights into the dynamic conversations that unfolded among participants, highlighting the meaningful exchanges between youth and elders. These discussions touched on topics like the significance of traditional knowledge, the challenges of climate change, and the evolving Métis experience. His reflections offered a heartfelt glimpse into the retreat’s collaborative atmosphere, where bridging generational perspectives became a transformative journey for everyone involved.

Travis also recounted some of the unforgettable moments he experienced outside of the retreat’s discussions. From breathtaking helicopter rides to a serene boat tour exploring the coastal waters, and the incredible hospitality at Pacific Sands Resort, their time in Tofino was filled with adventure and awe-inspiring beauty. Through his stories, listeners get a sense of the retreat’s balance between enriching dialogue and connecting with the stunning natural surroundings.

Useful Links:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BC Métis Federation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Conservation Department ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate to support our initiatives⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, we uncovered the mystery of the Lophelia pertusa coral reef, a remarkable ecosystem thriving off British Columbia’s Pacific coast in conditions where scientists wouldn’t normally expect to find coral reefs.

Usually located in deeper, warmer waters further south, this cold-water reef has carved out a unique existence around 200 to 300 meters deep near the continental shelf. Discovered using remotely operated vehicles equipped with cameras and sensors, the reef has surprised researchers with its ability to sustain diverse marine life, creating a vibrant underwater community akin to tropical reefs in its ecological importance.

More than just an anomaly, the reef may hold clues about larger changes in our oceans. Cold-water corals like Lophelia are sensitive to environmental shifts, and its presence here could signal warming ocean temperatures or other changes linked to climate change. This makes protecting the reef essential - not only to safeguard the marine species that depend on it but also to deepen our understanding of shifting ocean conditions.

Useful Links:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BC Métis Federation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Conservation Department ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate to support our initiatives⁠⁠⁠⁠