Shaugn’s Experience with the Ucluelet Aquarium

The Ucluelet Aquarium Society is Canada’s first catch-and-release aquarium. Their mission is to raise awareness about local marine biodiversity and promote respect for the ocean environment. Shaugn joined them in greeting visitors from all over the world and treating them to a very personal view of the fish and invertebrates from our local waters in Clayoquot and Barkley Sounds.

Shaugn volunteered alongside the Ucluelet Aquarium animal care and education teams to raise awareness about local marine biodiversity and to promote respect for the ocean. During her placement, Shaugn both assisted with the collection and care of specimens and maintained the exhibits and delivered ocean literacy programs. She learned about water quality measurements and water quality parameters and assisted the Aquarist/Interpreters with daily data collection. She also assisted with kelp collections by swimming in intertidal areas to select kelp specimens to bring back to the UA to create beautiful displays and ensure proper food sources for many of the UA’s specimens. Shaugn became a vital part of the public education program and delivered educational information to some of the 35,000+ visitors that arrive at the UA each season.