Salt and Scholar

https://orcalab.org/ - Listening to the orcas for over 50 years on Northern Vancouver Island.

OrcaLab Our work is based on the philosophy of: Do No Harm. Using a network of remote, land-based hydrophones and cameras we have been learning about the Northern Resident Orcas and other cetaceans of Northeast Vancouver Island for over 50 years. We respectfully acknowledge that we live and work on Yukusam....

Flashback Friday to the Destination BC Conference on the Mainland, where we gathered for the annual Visitor Services Conference — a grounding experience during my now almost three and a half years with Sunshine Coast Tourism.

In that time, I’ve had the opportunity to grow into the role of Visitors Specialist overseeing the Coordination of our Mobile services, bringing the stories, places, and people of the Sunshine Coast directly to our communities and visitors.

The backdrop here — showcasing our Sunshine & Inner Coast region — says it all: iconic orcas, immersive nature, and the small but powerful moments that make this place unforgettable.

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve taken on recently is helping lead Sunshine Coast Tourism’s involvement in Whale Week, an exciting new festival launching this August, spearheaded by Ocean Wise. After connecting with their team at the Ocean Day Festival, I saw the potential for collaboration — and now we’re building something truly special together.

This has been one of the most rewarding parts of my role — creating bridges between organizations, amplifying marine education, and supporting community-driven initiatives that deepen our coastal connection. 🐋

Here’s to growth, gratitude, and big-picture teamwork. 🌊

🌊 Saltwater soul | Scholarly heart | Always chasing the view

Hey new friends & long-time followers! 👋
It’s time for a little reintroduction 🐚

I’m Izabella — founder of Salt and Scholar, an ocean-loving creative with a background in tourism, storytelling, and saltwater science. I’ve lived in some wild and wonderful places and I’m endlessly curious about how people and coastlines connect. 🧭🌊

🔹 You’ll often find me hiking coastal trails, diving into cold water (mermaid tail optional), or journaling somewhere near the sea.
🔹 I’m currently building something new — a dive club and storytelling hub on the Sunshine Coast of BC — stay tuned for that salt-kissed adventure.
🔹 My passion lies at the intersection of environment, culture, and coastal living — and this space is where I share it all.
🔹 My spirit animal? The orca — intuitive, bold, and deeply tied to community and the sea. 🐋

If you’re into oceans, exploration, slow travel, sustainability, salty science, or poetic deep dives into place — you’re in the right spot.

Thanks for being here 💙 Let’s get tidal. 📍 Mount Daniel, Sunshine Coast

🌊 The ocean covers 75% of the Earth’s surface, holds 97% of its water and produces 50% of the oxygen we breathe. A healthy ocean is vital for people and planet. Yet, overfishing, pollution, climate change, waste and other threats are pushing our seas to the brink. We all have a role to play. Consumer pressure and individual actions —such as avoiding single-use plastics & ocean-harming products, participating in beach clean-ups, and only eating seafood from sustainable fisheries— are key. But real change needs to come from companies, investors, policymakers and governments. The @unitednations Ocean Conference, starting today, is set to be a critical moment to #SaveOurOcean. ➡️ We urge world leaders gathered in France to find solutions to restore the ocean's health and protect our world.