MLSS BC believes that community engagement and education are key to successful marine protected areas, and we strive to inspire the next generation of stewards and marine scientists. As part of this mission MLSS BC is thrilled to partner with the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation Elementary Schools to offer students and educators of all ages the chance to get hands-on experience with local marine life, while combining cultural and language learning on the land.

During these Beach Interpretation Programs (BIPs), a volunteer dive team retrieves a fascinating array of marine specimens under permit, such as crabs, sea stars, and nudibranchs, from the subtidal waters near the event. While these animals are housed in our mobile seawater tanks, biologists provide educational talks and supervised, hands-on interactions with these captivating organisms. For many students, this is their first opportunity to see what lives under the surface just a few meters from where they live, go to school, and play.

In addition to interacting with specimens brought up by MLSS members, students spend part of their day on their own discovery of marine life on a “beach walk”. Participants explore their surroundings, gently uncover and replace rocks to discover the multitude of life living in the intertidal zone. MLSS biologists guide students through their discoveries, and Indigenous leaders share their knowledge, language, and history through storytelling, providing a Two-Eyed Seeing approach to marine education.

After the events, divers gently return all marine organisms to their natural habitat, hoping that the experience fostered an emotional connection to marine life, the waters and lands to inspire students to advocate for their conservation, and perhaps continue their studies in the future.

Currently, funding and staffing constraints limit these events to Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation school groups, but MLSS BC aims to expand the program to other schools and the general public in the future.

If you are interested in volunteering for a BIP event or wish to partner with MLSS for an event at your organization we would love to hear from you! Please contact us here!