Ocean Pathways

Ocean Pathways (formerly Direct Action) is an exciting program for immersive learning and professional mentorship with oceanic and aquatic conservation efforts across Canada. This national service-learning program connects Canadian youth and young professionals with experts in marine and aquatic conservation organizations, empowering them through experiences in conservation initiatives, adventurous opportunities for fieldwork, professional research projects, and educational and outreach programs.

The Ocean Pathways program places young people (ages 19-30) with government, not-for-profit, and grassroots organizations to participate in field-based and virtual conservation and communications projects. Each host organization welcomes one or more participants and provides them the opportunity to work closely with established scientists, researchers, communicators, and educators on aquatic and marine ecology and conservation projects. These 3-month full-time placements immerse youth in virtual, urban, or remote marine, coastal and watershed environments across Canada.

Youth receive coaching sessions and training by Ocean Pathways staff to build their capacity as ocean and freshwater leaders and to support them throughout their service-learning placements. Ocean Pathways will fund costs associated with travel, living expenses, training, and materials for each participant for the duration of the 3 months.

Ocean Pathways is responsible for recruiting and matching eligible youth candidates with a partner organization and arranging for related travel and accommodation.