Clear Seas

06/08/2026

In honour of , we want to share a testimony from one of our interns, Stephany Clouatre-Groleau.

"The ocean has a way of teaching us that everything is connected. When I began my internship with Clear Seas, I set out to study the relationship between vessel traffic and humpback whales in northern BC.
I thought I was beginning a research project. What I discovered was a much deeper journey, one that would lead me through stories of whales, salmon, waterways, communities, and the many relationships that sustain life along our coasts.
The more I learned, the more I realized that no challenge exists in isolation. Every question seemed to open another door. Learning about vessel traffic led me to explore underwater noise and whale behaviour. Studying whales led me to the Southern Resident Killer Whales and the challenges they face. Following their story led me to Chinook salmon, the rivers they return to, and the ecosystems that support them. What began as a study of marine transportation became a journey into understanding how deeply connected our ocean ecosystems truly are.
Throughout this journey, I have been fortunate to continue my studies through the Orca Behavior Institute, deepen my understanding of Southern Resident Killer Whales, and explore marine conservation through mapping, research, and public education. My work at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site has also given me a new appreciation for the relationship between people, salmon, and the sea.
Along the way, I have found myself returning often to Indigenous teachings that show us we are not separate from the natural world. The ocean is not simply a resource. It is a living system of relationships. The whales, the salmon, the tides, the rivers, and the people who depend on them are all connected. When one struggles, the effects are felt throughout the whole.
One of the greatest gifts of this internship has been the opportunity to bring together different ways of knowing. Scientific research helps us understand patterns, collect data, and measure change. Indigenous knowledge offers teachings about relationships, responsibilities, and our place within the larger system. Together, they provide a more complete picture of what conservation can be.
As I continue this journey, I carry with me a deep sense of gratitude—for the teachers, researchers, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, organizations, and communities who have shared their knowledge and passion. Most of all, I carry gratitude for the ocean itself and the lessons it continues to offer. World Ocean Day provides an opportunity to reflect on what it truly means to protect marine life.
Long after our names are forgotten, the choices we make today will still echo through the waters of tomorrow."

Learn more about the Indigenous Internship Program here: https://clearseas.org/indigenous-internship-program/

06/05/2026

Paul Blomerus, CEO of Clear Seas, will be at GreenTech hosted by Green Marine on June 10 to share early findings from our collaborative research project with academic partners at Dalhousie University and UQAC - Université du Québec à Chicoutimi on the Future of Navigational Risk Management, as part of a panel on "Sailing into the Future" exploring how innovation, policy, and technology are shaping the future of shipping. Looking forward to the discussion with fellow panelists Sebastien Lafrance with Société des traversiers du Québec, Matthyw Thomas with American Bureau of Shipping - ABS Canada, and topping with The Chamber of Marine Commerce, moderated by Miako Ushio with The Shipping Federation of Canada. Learn more about this project: https://clearseas.org/research/future-of-navigational-risk-management/

Paul Blomerus, président-directeur général de Clear Seas, participera à GreenTech, organisé par Green Marine le 10 juin, afin de présenter les premiers résultats de notre projet de recherche collaboratif mené avec nos partenaires universitaires de Dalhousie University et de l'UQAC - Université du Québec à Chicoutimi sur l'avenir de la gestion des risques liés à la navigation, dans le cadre d’un panel intitulé « Naviguer vers l’avenir », qui explore comment l’innovation, les politiques et les technologies façonnent l’avenir du transport maritime.
Nous avons hâte de participer à la discussion aux côtés des autres panélistes, soit Sébastien Lafrance (Société des traversiers du Québec), Matthyw Thomas ( American Bureau of Shipping - ABS Canada) et Paul Topping (The Chamber of Marine Commerce), sous la modération de Miako Ushio (The Shipping Federation of Canada).
Pour en savoir plus sur ce projet :
https://clearseas.org/fr/research/avenir-de-la-gestion-des-risques-lies-a-la-navigation/

A new research project to develop a design concept for a future marine navigation risk management system in Canada.

05/29/2026

Our Indigenous Marine Career Advancement Program (IMCAP) is supporting marine training with Nuxalk Nation this week, with instruction delivered by Western Maritime Institute Canada.

Over six days, community members, stewardship staff, and coastal guardians are building hands-on skills and working toward Transports Canada certifications in:

⚓ Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP)
📻 Restricted Operator Certificate – Marine (ROC-M)
🛟 Small Vessel Domestic Basic Safety (SD-BS)

This training strengthens community capacity in marine operations, coastal stewardship, and Indigenous-led ocean monitoring, while creating pathways into the marine sector rooted in safety, knowledge, and community.

We’re honoured to support this work in Nuxalk Nation, with guidance from an Elder and strong coordination on the ground.

Interested in Indigenous marine training or partnership opportunities? We’d love to connect.

Read more about our work with Indigenous Communities here:

https://clearseas.org/indigenous-perspectives/

04/22/2026

À partir d'aujourd'hui, les mesures saisonnières de protection de la baleine noire de l’Atlantique Nord entrent en vigueur. Consultez tous les détails et les zones concernées sur notre site web.

Starting today, seasonal measures to protect the North Atlantic right whale are in effect. Help protect this endangered species by staying up to date on speed restrictions and visual sightings. Full details on our website.

https://clearseas.org/insights/endangered-north-atlantic-right-whales-2/

04/09/2026

Did you know that ferry noise can disrupt marine species at risk? 🐋

While ferries are essential for connecting our regions, they share their routes with sensitive ecosystems. Fortunately, solutions exist to mitigate underwater noise from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

Learn more about current initiatives for quieter, more respectful navigation: https://clearseas.org/insights/qvi-en-41-canadian-ferries/

04/09/2026

Saviez-vous que le bruit des traversiers peut perturber les espèces marines en péril ? 🐋

S'ils sont vitaux pour la connectivité de nos régions, les traversiers partagent leur route avec des écosystèmes sensibles. Heureusement, des solutions existent pour atténuer le bruit sous-marin, de l'Atlantique au Pacifique.

Apprenez-en plus sur les initiatives actuelles pour une navigation plus silencieuse et respectueuse : https://clearseas.org/fr/insights/qvi-fr-41-naviguer-bruit/

03/19/2026

Can we silence the seas without slowing down global trade?

New research emerging from Transport Canada' Quiet Vessel Initiative shows that while long-term ship design is vital, operational changes are the fastest way to reduce underwater radiated noise right now.

The marine industry is proving that small operational shifts can have a massive impact on marine ecosystems and habitat protection.

Read the full insight and first article of that series here: https://clearseas.org/insights/operational-changes-and-slower-speeds-are-silencing-the-seas-for-marine-life/

03/19/2026

Comment apaiser les océans sans freiner le commerce mondial ?

De nouvelles recherches issues de l'Initiative pour des navires silencieux de Transports Canada montrent que, si la conception des navires à long terme est essentielle, les changements opérationnels constituent actuellement le moyen le plus rapide de réduire le bruit sous-marin rayonné.

L'industrie maritime démontre que de petits ajustements opérationnels peuvent avoir un impact considérable sur la santé des écosystèmes marins et la protection des habitats.

Découvrez l'analyse complète et le premier article de cette série ici : https://clearseas.org/fr/insights/qvi-fr-31-changements-operationnels/

03/13/2026

Will a waiver of the Jones Act spark a surge in short-sea shipping? And what would that mean for Canada’s Coasting Trade Act?

It’s time to think globally and ship locally. Explore how coastal and inland waterways can move goods more efficiently:
👉 https://clearseas.org/insights/think-globally-ship-locally-short-sea-shipping-moves-goods-efficiently-and-reduces-emissions/

03/06/2026

🚢 Navigating toward a more inclusive future, together

At Clear Seas, we believe that the safety and sustainability of our waters cannot be fully achieved without a diversity of perspectives. From environmental science to port logistics, women are playing a vital role in shaping the future of our coasts.

Through the Indigenous Marine Career Advancement Program, 20 Indigenous women received valuable training and are now working in the marine sector.

The Internship Program supported 26 emerging Indigenous women researchers integrating traditional knowledge to their projects.

This International Women's Day, we celebrate those who are breaking barriers and bringing innovative solutions to make marine shipping more responsible.

🚢 Naviguer ensemble vers un avenir plus inclusif.

Chez Clear Seas, nous croyons que la sécurité et la durabilité de nos eaux ne peuvent être pleinement atteintes sans une diversité de perspectives. Des sciences environnementales à la logistique portuaire, les femmes jouent un rôle essentiel dans l’élaboration de l'avenir de nos côtes.

Le programme de développement de carrière maritime pour les autochtones a permis à 20 femmes autochtones de recevoir une formation précieuse et travaillent désormais dans le secteur maritime.

Le programme de stage a accueilli 26 chercheuses autochtones émergentes qui intègrent les connaissances traditionnelles à leurs projets.

En cette Journée internationale des femmes, nous célébrons celles qui brisent les barrières et apportent des solutions innovantes pour rendre le transport maritime plus responsable.