Oceanic Impact

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Oceanic Impact

Environmental education, community engagement and cleanups.

09/02/2026

Happy World Beach Day!

While World Beach Day was yesterday (Sept 1), it actually kicks off World Beach Month, which makes September the perfect time to celebrate, protect, and enjoy our shorelines!

Beaches are important for coastal protection, biodiversity, and recreation. To us at Oceanic Impact, beaches connect the land with the water.

If you are heading to the water this month, here are a few of our team's favourite activities on the beach:
- Scuba Diving & Snorkelling: Exploring underwater ecosystems and observing local marine species firsthand.
- Wildlife Observation & Tracking: Appreciating coastal biodiversity and wildlife tracks along the shoreline.
- Citizen Science & Litter Cleanups: Conducting wildlife, litter, or microplastics citizen science surveys while picking up litter to help keep our beaches clean.

Healthy beaches depend on community action. Whether you are helping with a shoreline cleanup or taking a quiet moment by the water, every action helps protect these vital ecosystems for the future.

What is your favorite beach activity? Share in the comments below! 👇

08/27/2026

Happy World Lake Day! 🌊

Lakes sustain biodiversity, nourish communities, and connect us to our local watersheds.

Today, we are putting a spotlight on Lake Ontario!

Here is a quick look at why Lake Ontario is so essential:
💧 It provides clean drinking water for over 9 million people and features more than 100 beaches for community recreation and tourism.
🐟 Lake Ontario supports over 100 fish species alongside countless plants and animals, including snapping turtles, walleye, and pumpkinseed fish.
📖 The name originates from the Huron-Iroquois word kanadario, which translates to "sparkling water" or "beautiful water."

What is your favorite way to enjoy or protect your local lake? Share in the comments below! 👇

08/14/2026

Happy World Lizard Day! 🦎

While the origin of this day remains a mystery, it serves as a great reminder to celebrate these remarkable reptiles and the vital roles they play in ecosystems worldwide.

Let's take a few moments to enjoy some footage of marine iguanas!

Here is what makes these scaly friends so important:
🦎 Ecosystem Roles: Lizards serve essential functions in nature as both key predators and prey across global food webs.
🦎 Current Threats: Habitat loss, climate change, human disturbance, and invasive species continue to put lizard populations at risk.
🦎 The Ultimate Ocean Lizard: Found everywhere except Antarctica, our favorite is the marine iguana. As the only sea-going lizard on Earth, they are an incredible indicator of ocean health.

How can you help local lizards today? Simple actions like keeping domestic cats indoors or leaving natural rock habitats intact make a real difference.

Which native lizard species lives near you? Let us know in the comments below! 👇

📷: by Lisa Chen in the Bahamas on All Star Liveaboards

08/12/2026

Happy International Youth Day!

Today, we are celebrating two incredible young leaders who have been the dynamic duo behind our education programs this summer: Gabby and Kate (kate) !

Here is a quick look at the talent powering our team:
💧 Kate (MSc, University of Toronto): Brings expertise in aquatic invasive species and science communication.
💧Gabby (MA, University of Guelph): Brings a background in lemur ecology and a deep passion for community stewardship.

Together, they have worked hard all summer developing exciting new school and corporate programs to make marine education accessible to everyone while supporting our various in-person events!

As they wrap up their time with us, please join us in thanking Gabby and Kate for their dedication, energy, and leadership. :blue_heart:

Drop a comment below to wish them the best on their next adventure! 👇

08/02/2026

Happy Marine Protected Areas Day (Aug 1)!

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are essential for keeping our oceans healthy, resilient, and thriving for generations to come.

Swipe through to learn what MPAs are, why they matter, and how Canada is working toward protecting 30% of its lands and waters by 2030.

Here is a quick breakdown of what you need to know:
☆ Why MPAs Matter: They safeguard key habitats, allow fish stocks to replenish, build climate resilience, and support sustainable coastal industries.

☆ The Terminology: Capitalized "MPAs" refer to specific legally designated zones. Lowercase "marine protected areas" is a broader term covering MPAs, National Wildlife Areas, National Marine Conservation Areas, and Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs).

☆ The Canadian Context: In Canada, the specific designation "MPA" applies to areas protected under the Oceans Act, with each area tailored around unique conservation goals.

Have you ever visited a marine protected area? Let us know in the comments. 👇

07/29/2026

As Plastic-free July is wrapping up, let's look at microplastics!

Did you know that Microplastics:

Are tiny plastic particles that may have negative impacts on both our environment and health.

These particles have been found in our lungs, brain and even our blood.

Animal studies link the accumulation of microplastics to DNA and organ function damage and can cause chronic issues.

Microplastics come from plastics products in our homes:

They have been found in cloud rain and actually make up a lot of the dust in your own home.

Cosmetics contain plastic materials and all non-natural clothes shed microplastics with every wash.

Trash and waste break down and become microplastic shards.

Most alarmingly, they have been found in produce and seafood due to chemical and packaging processes.

Here some microplastic-free alternative actions you can take to help:

Kitchenware: Seek wooden or metallic cutlery instead of plastic whenever relevant. Avoid plastic bottles, as microplastics can breakaway and have been found in saliva.

Household Items: Make sure dust doesn't build up, and vacuum often.

Clothing: Over 60% of clothing is synthetic. Try to seek out natural materials like cotton or wool, or contemporary alternatives.

What are other ways you are reducing your plastic footprint? Let us know in the comments below! 👇

07/26/2026

Happy 11th Annual International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem! 🌿

Mangroves are often overlooked, despite being one of the most vibrant and essential coastal habitats on Earth. From providing nursery grounds for young marine life to shielding shorelines against storms and erosion, these unique trees protect both wildlife and coastal communities.

Take a moment today to appreciate everything mangroves do for our planet.

📷: Lisa Chen in Bahamas with All Star Liveaboards

07/16/2026

What an incredible day!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our inaugural shoreline and in-water cleanup on July 12! A group of 36 individuals came together to help keep Lake Ontario and our shoreline clean for people and wildlife.

Together, we removed over 2,202 pieces of litter, carefully sorted and recorded each item, and added the results to ’s cleanup database. This data helps support environmental research and can inform future policy planning and waste reduction initiatives.

A heartfelt thank you to our amazing local Mississauga sponsors who helped made this event possible and generously donated prizes our volunteers:
CRISPER
Loblaws Ontario and Loblaw Companies - 250 Lakeshore Road W
Indigo Erin Mills - 5015 Glen Erin Dr

We’re also incredibly grateful to our fantastic community partners for helping bring this event to life: ca
Human Nature Projects Ontario Human Nature Projects Canada
A Greener Future

Finally, a huge thank you to everyone who gave their time, energy, and enthusiasm for this event. Your actions make a real difference, and together we’re creating a cleaner and healthier environment for everyone!

Swipe through to see some of the highlights from this unforgettable day!

07/14/2026

Happy Shark Awareness Day!

We think sharks are fintastic… and yes, we are completely hooked.

Sharks have been swimming in our oceans for over 455 million years, long before dinosaurs roamed the Earth. With hundreds of species, they play a key role in keeping marine ecosystems balanced by regulating prey populations and maintaining healthy food webs.

Fun facts:
• Some sharks can detect a drop of blood in the water from a quarter mile (400 meters) away.
• Sharks can lose and replace up to 30,000 teeth in a lifetime! (Shark tooth hunting is also a popular activity amongst scuba divers!)
• Sharks do not have bones. Their skeletons are made of cartilage, like our nose and ears.

What is your favourite shark species or fact?

📷: Lisa Chen

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Milton, ON
L9E & L9T

Website

https://www.oceanicimpact.org/

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