7-year old Alek, inspired by scientists and explorers like Sylvia Earle, has always been fascinated by the ocean. Learning about oil spill catastrophes, such as the Exxon Valdez in Alaska and the BP Deepwater Horizon spill, spurned him into environmental action. Last year, he dove into research about the devastating effects of oil spills on marine ecosystems and the environment. The end result was a science project on the effectiveness of booms in containment of spilled oil.

This year, Alek upped his game in a project requiring more than 400 hours. He just released two videos (one 53 minutes long, the other a condensed 17 minute overview) analyzing the events and consequences of a simulated major oil spill in the Salish Sea.

Visit citizen scientist Alek’s website to learn more about his study, view both videos and sign his petition. Kudos to Alek for this significant achievement and to the numerous consulting agencies who helped him with his science, including SeaDoc Society chief scientist Joe Gaydos. The Salish Sea is lucky to have young Alek as a passionate environmental steward.

Seal Sitters MMSN is very proud that we, too, have some pretty awesome kids who participate in our stranding activities on the beach, learning about marine mammals and the marine environment. Empowered with this knowledge about our fragile Salish Sea ecosystem, these young wildlife advocates promote stewardship in their schools and far beyond.