Creating a sustainable environment amid economic growth and development is a complex and persistent struggle. SeaDoc supporters Rick and Cathy Svoboda know that maintaining diligence on that front requires all of us to play our part.
We had a chance to ask Wildlifers Rick and Cathy about why they support our mission here in the Salish Sea.
What inspired you to support SeaDoc Society?
Cathy and I have always loved the ocean and have lived by the Pacific Ocean most of our adult lives, both in Huntington Beach, in Southern California and Alki Beach, near Seattle. Over the years in the Puget Sound region, we have often seen orcas, seals, otters, porpoises, crabs and the multitude of birds, including bald eagles, that live off the sea and we want to support efforts that will help protect this exceptional natural treasure. With the SeaDoc Society being part of UC Davis, we were confident the efforts to protect the Salish Sea would be scientifically sound and the people involved would remain dedicated to their mission of ensuring the health of marine wildlife and their ecosystem.
What's your biggest concern about Salish Sea health?
Our biggest concern is the continued unchecked expansion of urban life, not only in the Puget Sound region affecting the Salish Sea, but globally. Without education and a new way of thinking, we’re concerned the urban sprawl will simply continue to contribute to a multitude of pollution-related impacts, including: ocean noise, oil spills, industrial agriculture, acidification, plastic waste, overfishing, and deterioration of existing watersheds and seascapes.
What's your favorite aspect about SeaDoc Society as an organization?
We appreciate that the SeaDoc Society is science-based and focuses on both adult and child education, which we believe is key if we’re going to make positive change to our environment. Also, being a UC Davis alumnus, I’m proud to support an organization that is supported by an amazing institution and the many alumni that share our love of the ocean.
Why should others consider supporting ocean health?
We believe, along with many environmentalists, the ocean is one of, if not the most, important natural resource necessary to maintain a healthy world. For example, the ocean produces over half of the world’s oxygen and absorbs 50 times more carbon dioxide than our atmosphere, it regulates the earth’s climate and weather and is an important source of food and medicinal products. If we all pitch in, we can make a difference.
What's your favorite species in the Salish Sea?
We actually have two: we love to watch the orca pods swim by our home, and we love to eat salmon.