Clean Marine BC at the Vancouver International Boat Show
By CMBC contractor, Megan Raitt
This week, I had the chance to represent the Georgia Strait Alliance at the Vancouver International Boat Show as a Clean Marine BC contractor, and it was an incredibly positive and energizing experience.
I attended the show alongside Jacob, Clean Marine BC Coordinator, and a group of volunteers who have been long-time supporters of Georgia Strait Alliance. From the start, it was clear that many people who stopped by our space were familiar with GSA and interested in learning more about the organization’s work to protect local waters and support clean boating.
Over the course of the week, I spoke with boaters from across the region about clean boating practices and invited them to take part in Clean Marine BC surveys. These conversations were relaxed, thoughtful, and often personal. Many people shared stories about time spent on the water with family and friends, which highlighted how strong people’s connections are to the places they care about. GSA’s outreach created space for those connections by linking a love for the water with practical ways to protect it.
One of the highlights of the week was helping distribute clean boating kits. The kits sparked great conversations and gave people something tangible to take home and use right away. By offering clear and accessible tools, Georgia Strait Alliance helps make environmental action feel achievable and relevant to everyday boating experiences.
The boat show was also a great place to connect with others working in marine conservation and research. I had the opportunity to meet people from organizations such as CETUS, the BC Wildlife Federation, and the Marine Environmental Research Society. These conversations reinforced the importance of collaboration and shared learning in protecting marine ecosystems.
A huge thank‑you to our incredible volunteers! In the images: Eden Dale, Christopher Di Marco, Megan Raitt, and Jacob Banting (top of page); Tara Brudar and Nolan Babin (left); and Brian Robertson (right). Also on our outreach team were David Graham and Emily Baker.
The volunteers who joined us throughout the week brought so much knowledge, enthusiasm, and care to the space. Their long-standing support of the Georgia Strait Alliance reflected the strong community that GSA has built over the last 35 years by fostering meaningful relationships between people and the natural environment.
Overall, the Vancouver International Boat Show was a wonderful opportunity to share Georgia Strait Alliance’s work, connect with the boating community, and strengthen relationships between people and the waters of the Salish Sea. Supporting these connections is essential because people are more likely to care for and protect places they feel connected to.
I am grateful to have been part of this outreach and proud to support an organization that brings people together around care for the marine environment. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to chat, filled out a survey, or picked up a clean boating kit. It was a pleasure to meet so many people who care about keeping our waters clean and healthy.