What sets us apart?


 

RCRS was formed in 2017 by a small group of adventurers and ocean enthusiasts. We have been exploring remote areas of our coastline in search of surf and adventure for many years - what we didn't anticipate was how much marine debris we would find along the way. Starting with shoreline clean-ups, the organization has grown and diversified into research, monitoring, education and restoration.

CORE VALUES

“Protect What You Love”

— Jacques Cousteau

 

 

“Protect What You Love” - This simple statement, coined by Jacques Cousteau to inspire ocean conservation, is what drives  Rugged Coast Research Society. 

Our project team is comprised of marine biologists, marine industry professionals, project managers, wilderness guides and GIS specialists. We work in partnership with Indigenous governments, community organizations, stewardship groups, businesses and other non-profit organizations to collaboratively restore and protect remote and sensitive marine habitats.

 
 

We were proud to receive the 2022 Ecological Stewardship Award from the Synergy Foundation in recognition of the 100,000 kg (and counting) of marine debris that we have removed from sensitive marine areas on Vancouver Island.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  • RENNY TALBOT

    Director/ Biologist

  • JESSE MCCONNELL

    Director

  • SEAN PEDERSEN

    Director / Assets Manager

  • ANDREW GARDINER

    Director

STEERING COMMITTEE

  • BEN ARMSRTONG

    Videographer / Technician

  • JENELLE HIGHAM

    Operations Manager

  • BEN BOULTON

    Project Manager / Vessel Captain

  • BRETT BICKERTON

    Events/ Supervisor

  • BEN WHYTE

    Logistics / Engineer

  • CRAIG GENTRY

    Technical Crew

TEAM

  • MEG BAKER

    Researcher / Captain

  • MARA LI

    Technical Supervisor / Captain

  • SASHA HOWEY

    Environmental Coordinator

  • PETER HERNANDEZ

    Communications Coordinator

  • BRIAN TRESS

    BRIAN TRESS

    GIS / Data Analyst - Safety Officer

  • HANNAH MILNER

    Education Coordinator

  • JEFF IGNACE

    Captain / Technician

  • ANGUS JOHN

    Environmental Technician

  • ANIA JAVORSKI

    Scientific Researcher

  • SCOTT DONKER

    Project Manager