Sea Smart is making waves — and we’re growing bigger than ever.

When I started Sea Smart in 2016, I never imagined we’d grow from one marine biologist with a dream to empower kids to become ocean heroes to a powerhouse team that’s taught over 45,000 people in-person and reached more than 1 million youth in over 65 countries with our free online resources.

I’ve always believed in the power of individual action to create big waves of change. And today, I’m thrilled to tell you that we’re taking our impact to the next level.

Sea Smart is merging with The Starfish Canada, an incredible values-aligned national charity that empowers young environmental leaders. We’re joining forces to amplify our collective impact — and I cannot wait for what’s ahead.

There are many reasons why I’m so excited about this merger - the most important being that together, our two organizations will be able to make a much greater impact for environmental conservation and youth empowerment than we could have ever made as separate organizations.

So what does this mean?

It means we get to do more of what we love, empower even more youth across Canada, and have the support of a nation-wide team that shares our values and vision. Sea Smart's programs, brand and team will continue to thrive under The Starfish Canada but with more support and resources to enable us to power even bigger waves of change together.

I’m so proud of what Sea Smart has accomplished and our impact exceeds my wildest dreams. But what fills my heart the most are the incredible kids I had the privilege to mentor or be a role model for, and their supportive families. 

Kids like Alexa, who started with Sea Smart at just seven years old. She was such a passionate ambassador for our ocean, and joined me for many news interviews to talk about why the ocean is so important to her and to share her tips on protecting the ocean. Alexa participated in all of Sea Smart’s programs until she aged out and then started volunteering for us as soon as she turned 15. Or Caitlin, one of my first-ever students who started with Sea Smart when she was 14, and went on to volunteer and work with Sea Smart as an educator. 

Or the parents who have told us we’ve not only changed their child’s life, but their entire family’s life. Parents are telling me that they spend more time together at the beach, don’t use single-use plastics anymore, only eat sustainable seafood, and have dinner-time conversations focused on ocean conservation.

What’s next for me?

After nearly 10 years as Executive Director, I’ll be stepping back this fall to return to my first love as a marine biologist: doing conservation research on endangered marine animals. I’m looking forward to exploring new adventures, experiences and opportunities in the next chapter of my journey. I’m not going too far though - I’m staying on as an advisor to support the transition and ensure that Sea Smart’s legacy continues strong within The Starfish Canada. 

This was a big decision, but not a hard one — because I know Sea Smart is in incredible hands. The Sea Smart team is joining The Starfish Canada team, which is full of smart, compassionate, deeply aligned leaders who are just as excited about our mission as we are. I’m confidently leaving Sea Smart in the trusted hands of The Starfish Canada’s co-EDs Kyle Empiringham and Sylvie Stojanovski, who represent the next generation of young leaders bringing fresh perspectives on how to power even bigger waves of change in our work with young people.

And I’m leaving knowing this isn’t the end — it’s a new beginning. One that opens the door to more impact, more collaboration, and more growth — for Sea Smart, for the youth we serve, and for all the passionate people behind this work.

Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Your support has helped us power waves of change — and now, together with The Starfish Canada, we’re about to create even bigger waves.

Sending oceans of love,

Dr. Elaine Leung
Founder & Executive Director (until Fall 2025)