A note to readers
The ocean and coast isn’t just for divers, sailors, or scientists—it’s for all of us.
As you go about your daily life—sorting bills, packing lunches, or just trying to catch your breath—the coastal ecosystems are quietly at work. You might not notice it, but it’s there, making things happen in ways that ripple into your everyday.
Every other breath you take comes from the ocean. Tiny organisms produce more than half the oxygen in the atmosphere. Whether you live by the coast or far inland, every inhale connects you to the ocean.
I’ve spent countless hours beneath the waves, but I also know what it’s like to prioritize immediate needs—there have been times I've had to deciding between buying groceries and paying the bills. That perspective stays with me.
I know how it feels to be stretched thin, to want to care about big issues but barely have the energy for tomorrow. That’s why this isn’t a space for guilt, fear, or anger. Instead, it’s a place for connection, curiosity, and gratitude—for the ways the ocean systems already show up in our lives.
This isn’t about big actions or saving the world. It’s about seeing things differently—recognizing the ways the ocean and coastlne are quietly working for you, wherever you are.
So take a moment. Breathe in. That breath is a gift from the ocean. And whether you’re noticing it for the first time or have felt its pull all along, I’m glad you’re here.
Thank you,
Victoria
My Code of Ethics
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Respect for the Ocean and Its People. I will honor the ocean as a shared resource that connects and supports all of us, regardless of where we live or our circumstances. I will recognize and amplify the voices of coastal, rural, and Indigenous communities who have lived in harmony with the ocean for generations.
Truthful and Transparent Storytelling. I will share stories that are grounded in truth and science, and informed by experience, avoiding exaggeration, fear, or guilt to provoke reactions. I will always strive to provide accurate, clear, and honest information, making complex topics accessible to everyone.
Empathy in Every Message. I will approach every story, every fact, and every image with empathy—understanding that life is overwhelming, and that people are doing the best they can. I will not frame ocean-related issues in ways that make people feel ashamed, inadequate, or powerless.
Gratitude Over Guilt. I will focus on the ocean’s generosity and the ways it already supports our lives, celebrating its beauty and abundance rather than emphasizing scarcity or loss. I will invite connection and curiosity, not obligation or despair. -
Inclusive and Accessible Content. I will create content that feels approachable and relevant to people from all walks of life, avoiding elitism or exclusivity in the way I talk about the ocean. I will ensure that my work reflects the diversity of experiences and relationships people have with the ocean.
Commitment to Inspiring Wonder. I will use photography, storytelling, and exploration to spark curiosity and appreciation for the ocean, inviting others to see it not as a distant force but as part of their daily lives. I will prioritize uplifting and hopeful messages that leave people feeling connected rather than burdened.
Respecting Marine Life and Ecosystems. I will practice and promote ethical photography, diving, and exploration that avoids harm to marine life and ecosystems. I will avoid glorifying practices or content that could encourage harmful interactions with wildlife or the environment.
Collaboration Over Isolation. I will value collaboration with scientists, conservationists, and communities to ensure the stories I tell are informed, accurate, inclusive, and respectful. I will actively seek and share solutions, amplifying the work of those making a difference for the ocean and the people who rely on.