This blog post was written by Audrey Berlie, a 2024 Youth Leadership Council Member.

Fun fact, my favorite animals are sea cucumbers. Now, sea cucumbers are not the beauty queens of the sea. Named after the long tubular vegetable, the animal more so resembles a brown slug with a spiky skin disease. Despite its uncharismatic persona, sea cucumbers are the unsung heroes of the sea. While a singular sea cucumber is not a force to be reckoned with, they become a keystone species when together in herds. That’s because these bioeroders spend their days vacuuming up debris from the seafloor, cycling nutrients to keep the ocean healthy. Essentially, sea cucumbers are nature’s Roombas. 

So you can imagine my excitement when I found several of these fascinating little critters while touring the Seattle aquarium. However, the Seattle Aquarium is more than a destination for marine life enthusiasts like myself. Nestled on the edge of Puget Sound, the organization is a leading institution in marine research, conservation, and policy, playing a critical role in protecting the vibrant ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. 

We learned the Seattle Aquarium works to research and conserve marine protected areas, which are crucial for preserving biodiversity and maintaining ecosystem services in the face of human impacts. The Seattle Aquarium is also actively involved in policy by working closely at local, state, and federal levels to promote sustainable fisheries, reduce plastic pollution, and address climate change.

This visit to the Seattle Aquarium was part of EarthEcho International’s annual Youth Ambassador Retreat, which brought together ocean advocates from across the world. The retreat gave young environmental leaders the opportunity to learn about climate solutions through conferences, workshops, and field trips––like the one to the Seattle Aquarium. 

We participated in seminars that covered a wide range of topics, from effective communication strategies with Philippe Cousteau to the latest developments in kelp restoration with experts from the Puget Sound Restoration Fund. These sessions were not only informative but also provided us with new tools to be effective environmental leaders in our own communities.

Nevertheless, perhaps the most impactful aspect of the retreat was the relationships we formed with one another. As a member of the Youth Leadership Council, I found this retreat to be an opportunity to connect with my peers. Since the Youth Leadership Council is a global network, we are often working individually in our own communities and meet virtually. The retreat allowed both the returning and new members of the Youth Leadership Council to spend time together as we prepare for our next year of projects and programs. By the end, we left with a support system of peers equally passionate about creating a sustainable future.

Reflecting on my time at the Youth Ambassador Retreat, I feel reinvigorated by a renewed sense of purpose and hope. The knowledge and connections I have made me excited to continue working with my fellow Youth Leadership Council members to create meaningful change in our communities. 

Together, we are not just imagining a sustainable future, but actively building it. And with the passion and dedication I witnessed at the retreat, I have no doubt that our efforts will leave a positive impact and empower others to protect our oceans and the Earth. Much like sea cucumbers, we are mighty in number.

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