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
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OWEN GARDINER
Director
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JESSE MCCONNELL
Director
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JENELLE HIGHAM
Director / Operations Manager
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BEN WHYTE
Director
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BRETT BICKERTON
Director
STEERING COMMITTEE
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BEN ARMSRTONG
Videographer / Technician
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BEN BOULTON
Project Manager / Vessel Captain
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CRAIG GENTRY
Technical Crew
TEAM
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RENNY TALBOT
Founder / Biologist
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SEAN PEDERSEN
Founder / Mechanic
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MEG BAKER
Researcher / Captain
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MARA LI
Technical Supervisor / Captain
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SASHA HOWEY
Environmental Coordinator
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PETER HERNANDEZ
Communications Coordinator
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BRIAN TRESS
GIS / Data Analyst - Safety Officer
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HANNAH MILNER
Education Coordinator
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JEFF IGNACE
Captain / Technician
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ANGUS JOHN
Environmental Technician
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ANIA JAVORSKI
Scientific Researcher
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SCOTT DONKER
Project Manager