Happy World Ocean Day from One Ocean! (Sorry - we know it's a day late!)
We’re reaching out to you on this important day because it embodies everything we’ve hoped to communicate: we are all part of one connected ocean, and each of us has a role to play in protecting it.
Right now, we’re underway in Chatham Strait, en route to Juneau, Alaska. Originally, we were bound for Sitka, but had to alter course due to rough coastal conditions, 17+ foot waves and winds over 27 knots. This is the farthest north some of our crew have ever sailed, and though we’re tired, we’re thrilled to be here.
Tomorrow morning, weather permitting, we plan to research a kelp bed at Point Gardner. Conditions look promising, and we’re eager to get back to the research!
It’s been an exhilarating couple of weeks. We’ve logged a lot of miles under sail, often in big conditions. That’s made it tough to keep up with our computer work—just a few minutes below deck and the sea sickness sets in—but the effort has been worth it.
We’re also excited to share some amazing new footage filmed and edited by Mike Beemer for our YouTube channel, One Island One Ocean. If you haven’t checked it out yet, please take a look and if you enjoy it, a comment from you would mean the world. Your engagement helps build our visibility and supports the outreach side of our mission.
A special highlight today: our lead onboard scientist, Grace Dalton, was featured on the University of Victoria’s social media for her work and outreach aboard One Ocean. We’re proud to share the video on our social media channels, and I’ve also attached it here for those of you following closely.
Grace is pursuing a degree in Marine Biology at UVic after graduating as valedictorian from Burlington-Edison High School. She’s exactly the kind of ocean steward we hope to highlight and inspire through this expedition. But to be honest, she’s been the one inspiring us. Her dedication, insight, and leadership have taught us all so much.
Personally, I’m loving the wide age range aboard. As Mark Schrader shared with me early on, one of his greatest goals for this expedition was to help identify and empower the next generation of ocean stewards. I see that happening every day aboard One Ocean. The stories, passion, and questions from our crew reflect a deep care for the planet and a desire to learn and do more.
Grace is not only furthering that mission—she’s living it. And I want to thank the educators, mentors, and community members who helped shape her path. Supporting young people, showing them we care, and investing in their vision for a healthy ocean is one of the most meaningful things we can do.
Happy World Ocean Day to all of you. It’s a beautiful one out here!
Jenn Dalton
“In many ways, on this World Ocean Day, I can sum up the purpose, intention, and goal of this expedition in one phrase: ‘finding Grace’—the next generation of ocean stewards, wherever they are, to help educate all of us for years to come. Thank you, Grace, for the inspiration to do more.” - Mark Schrader
