Doing Your Part to Protect Our Oceans From Home

Sointula is home to an office for the Living Oceans Society, an organization that works to protect Canada’s oceans. The Society was actually founded on the island in 1998. Since then, they’ve led public campaigns aimed at educating visitors and locals alike on protecting our oceans and the wildlife they are home to.

During your time at Sointula, we hope that you’ll do your part to protect our beautiful and pristine waterways. But if you’re planning a visit next summer, there are a few things you can start doing from home to protect our world’s oceans.

Keep reading to learn a few tips to help you do your part from home.

Go Plastic Free

Every year, more than 10 million tons of plastic are dumped in oceans around the world. That amounts to more than a full garbage truck load making it’s way into the waves every minute of the year!

Properly recycling and disposing of any garbage you produce can help to reduce this amount (more on that in a moment!). But the best way to prevent plastic from winding up in our oceans is by reducing your use of plastic.

Some plastic use is tough to avoid. But there are plenty of very simple changes you can make that have a big impact.

Instead of buying plastic baggies, opt for reusable glass or plastic containers for storing food, craft supplies, and more.
Use bar soaps purchased from local stores that come plastic-free instead of bottles of body wash or hand soap.
Carry a reusable straw to restaurants to avoid using single-use plastic ones.
Bring a reusable shopping bag or two with you when shopping or opt for paper bags that can be recycled.
Opt for boxed products when possible over those that come in plastic bottles. For instance, use boxed laundry detergent rather than ones that come in plastic bottles.
Eat more fresh foods rather than frozen ones, which often come with added plastic.
Make the switch to cloth diapers rather than disposable ones. Added bonus — this will save you money, too!
Bring your own mug to the coffee shop or make your own coffee at home and carry it in a reusable mug.

Dispose of Trash Properly

When you do use plastic, or other products like paper, cardboard, and glass, make sure that you’re disposing of it properly. Learn which items can be recycled, and how to properly do so. If you find yourself with plastic or glass bottles or other trash while away from home and can’t find a spot to recycle them, bring them home with you in order to dispose of them properly.

Shop For Sustainable Seafood

Making smart seafood purchases at grocery stores and restaurants is one simple way that you can do your part to support sustainable fishing practices.

Seafood that is considered sustainable is that which is fished using sustainable methods to prevent overfishing, escaped farming fish, and other harmful practices. This also means avoiding certain fish species, which are either endangered or that aren’t sustainably sourced.

Seafood Watch, from the Monterey Bay Aquarium, produces guides and offers recommendations that make it easier to ensure that you’re making the sustainable choice when shopping for seafood.

One simple way to ensure that you’re eating sustainably sourced seafood? Plan a visit to a British Columbua fishing lodge and bring home your own fresh catches to enjoy all year long!

Conserve Water

Even if you live nowhere near the ocean, it’s important to do your part to conserve water. The less water we use, the less wastewater and runoff that’s produced.

Easy ways to conserve water include taking shorter showers, turning off the water while brushing your teeth, and fixing leaks or drips right away. This is also a great way to lower your water bill and save yourself some money!

Support Fishing Lodges That Follow Regulations

Sustainable fishing practices are important for more than just commercial fishermen. On a smaller scale, it’s essential that fishing charters follow the regulations and limits put in place by the government to protect local fish populations.

In Sointula, fishing charters and lodges must ensure that their own guides and visitors follow all current British Columbia regulations and tidal water limits. No matter where you are visiting from, you’ll need to get a British Columbia fishing license in order to cast a line during your visit. Your guide will also brief you on the limits on different species of fish. When you reach your limit, you don’t have to stop fishing. Instead, you’ll release your catch back into the water — after you snap a quick picture, of course!