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Exploring for me is about something other than travel, adventure or even photography. It is about keeping a pulse on the health of our oceans from the frontlines. It means checking to see if all the parts that keep our planet's planetary ecosystem are still there and working together. It is about documenting and understanding interconnectivity. Whether exploring the warm, shallow waters of the Caribbean or navigating through endless fields of savannah grass, my experience as a marine biologist shapes how I perceive the world—through a lens of interconnection. From small villages in the mountains of rural China to vibrant reefs off coastal shores to your own backyard, the intersections of life are everywhere if you know what to look for.
Our interconnectedness extends beyond the boundaries of human society to encompass all forms of life.
Everything on Earth is part of a delicate balance, with life thriving on the continuous exchange that sustains it.
A healthy, interconnected planet holds immeasurable value, as it allows natural cycles—like rainfall, carbon flow, and nutrient cycles—to function predictably, benefiting all life that depends on them.
When the Earth is in balance, ecosystems flourish. Crops grow, fish are abundant, and communities around the globe experience peace and prosperity. But when this balance is disrupted, we feel the effects as hunger, extreme weather, and widespread anxiety. The most vulnerable—children, the elderly, women, and those whose livelihoods depend on the land and sea—are the first to suffer, but make no mistake, suffering has a way of spreading rapidly, and it doesn't distinguish race, gender, age or nationality.
As environmental destruction accelerates, it can be tempting to lose hope. But the interconnectedness of our planet is powerful and resilient. The knowledge that our actions have a far greater impact than we often realize is empowering. Even the smallest positive change may seem insignificant, but when multiplied, these small actions can create a powerful wave of hope. To ignite this change, we must look to nature, the ultimate source of wisdom.
Back home on Vancouver Island, I witness the annual journey of salmon as they return from their ocean journeys to coastal rivers and streams to spawn and die.
Though their numbers are dwindling, their determination endures.
As their journey upstream culminates, they will reproduce and die, becoming food for bears, wolves, and eagles. Their bodies, rich in ocean nutrients, nourish the forests, where towering trees—some over 100 feet tall—thrive. In years of abundant salmon, these trees grow stronger, with growth rings that tell the story of the salmon's contribution.
If a single fish can nourish entire ecosystems, imagine the beauty we can cultivate when we work together, as a community. Nature has mastered the art of resilience, and we can learn from it. No matter how small, every action we take together holds the potential to nourish the planet and build a future of hope and interconnectedness.