Meet the people who power Clear Seas

Donald Bouchard is the Coordinator of Maritime Activities for the Council of the Innu First Nation of Essipit. In this role, he represents the Council’s interest regarding maritime activities, commercial and communal fisheries, and whale-watching cruises, and participates in environmental assessments and consultations.

Mr. Bouchard trained as a biologist and acquired extensive experience in maritime communications over the years. Throughout his career, he worked as a commercial fisheries observer in the St. Lawrence River and Labrador regions and served as Marine Communications and Traffic Services Officer for the Canadian Coast Guard, for over 15 years. Mr. Bouchard holds a deep knowledge of the sea and the people that navigate through it.

Alain Brophy (Quebec Bar Association – 2002) is a lawyer who has been working in private practice for more than 20 years, mainly in business, corporate and environmental law. He acts as a corporate advisor for established companies in various fields, including fisheries and seafood markets, marine transportation, wines and spirits. Alain Brophy acted as General Counsel and Head of Government Affairs for the Coopérative de Transport Maritime et Aérien – Association Coopérative (CTMA) and was also a member of the board of directors of the St. Lawrence Shipoperators.

Alain holds a Master of Laws – Research Option (LL.M.) from the Université de Montréal (Honour List of the Faculty of Graduate Studies). He has extensive knowledge and published articles on environmental law, climate change and international trade. Over the years, he has developed a business network in Quebec, Canada and internationally. Alain stands out for his calm, rigour, availability and his ability to synthesize information.

Gary Drouillard is a proud member of the Cowichan Tribes and a lifelong subsistence fisherman and hunter. He shares a deep connection with his territory and the nature that grows and thrives on it. He is passionate about marine conservation and possesses a wealth of knowledge about the effects of marine shipping on his band’s territory.

Gary Drouillard is currently working as a First Crew Member for the Cowichan Tribes Salish Sea Watch, where he observes, records and reports on cultural sites, resource harvesting, pollution, and illegal activities throughout the territory. Gary is also very involved in his community, where he sits on the Cowichan Bay Fisherman’s Wharf Board, the Cowichan Tribes Community Land Use Committee, and the HFLP Seafood Garden Working Group.

Captain Hearn is the Director of the Centre for Marine Simulation, a special maritime training and applied research facility within Memorial University’s Marine Institute.

In his role of Master Mariner and Marine Superintendent, Captain Hearn commanded several vessels in the deep sea and subsea sectors and supported at-sea operations for various shipping companies. Throughout his career, he maintained an active role in the advancement of the maritime sector with contributions to industry and government working groups focused on adapting new technologies into maritime training.

Captain Hearn is a graduate from the School of Maritime Studies (N.L.) and serves on several marine industry boards and associations including the Regional Coast Guard Advisory Board and Oceans Advance. He is a former National President of the Master Mariners of Canada.

Debbie Murray, BAH (Queen’s), MA (Ottawa), is Senior Director, Policy and Regulatory Affairs, Association of Canadian Port Authorities. Debbie will draw from her 25 plus years of international policy, regulatory, research and public affairs experience in the areas of sustainability, supply chains, innovation and governance. Since joining ACPA in 2017, Debbie has galvanized the policy and regulatory presence of CPAs with government and stakeholders alike. Debbie is the first elected chair of the newly formed Transport Canada National Seafarers Welfare Board of Canada, is co-chair of the Natural Resources Canada Hydrogen Strategy Ports and Marine Working Group, represents ACPA on the National Adaptation Strategy Economic Advisory Table as well as a broad range of government forums ranging from critical infrastructure to COVID response. Previously, with the Canadian Shipowners Association, Debbie led efforts at the International Maritime Organization and with the US EPA, on ballast water and decarbonization, and with the Government of Canada on the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement negotiations. Prior to joining the marine sector, Debbie worked on innovation, public research funding, sustainability, market access and human capital policy and advocacy with Universities Canada, Innovative Medicines Canada and The Conference Board of Canada.

Captain Oxford is a Senior Master at Transport Desgagnés, a Director at the Nautical Institute-BC Branch as well as a part-time Instructor at the Camosun College. He is an experienced shipmaster, ice navigator, and educator. He graduated from Memorial University’s School of Maritime Studies and is a Master Mariner with over 35 years of experience at sea on commercial and government vessels engaged in near-coastal and foreign trade. Captain Oxford taught at Camosun College’s Nautical Department from 1999 to 2014, returned to sea, and is currently serving as Shipmaster and Ice Navigator on commercial heavy-lift vessels engaged in Arctic operations. He also sits on the Board of Directors of the Nautical Professional Education Society of Canada.

Dr. Francis Wiese is the President of Climate, Ocean & People and an applied system thinker interested in affecting global change through robust science, innovation, partnership building, strategy, visioning, governance, and policy. He has spent the last 30 years working around the world, designing, implementing, and managing large interdisciplinary, multi-institutional science programs that address important socio-ecological issues related to climate change, the ocean, and its uses. His emphasis has been on solving complex real-world issues while increasing sustainability, equity, and climate change awareness and action. This has taken him far beyond his initial training in marine science and included anthropogenic stressors, climate change, resilience, system science, environmental policy, adaptive management, governance, theory of change, and change management.

To gain a diversity of perspectives into today’s complex socio-ecological challenges, and be effective in partnership building, he has worked for and with academia, government, non-profits, and industry in a variety of roles. He has a diverse publication record, is a technical reviewer for over 20 international journals, and serves on a variety of national and international science panels, boards, committees, and working groups. Francis is a strong advocate for teamwork, co-production, equity, and the power to create and implement vision for change. For all this, communication is key and as such he is a prolific and engaging public speaker within academia, industry, the media, and with the general public. Dr. Wiese earned a B.Sc. in Marine Biology from the University of Victoria, and a PhD in Conservation and Marine Science from Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Paul leads the team at Clear Seas as they work to advance the safety and sustainability of marine shipping. Before joining the organization in 2020, he worked in a variety of industry roles including supply chain, product development and strategy positions for Westport Innovations and Rolls Royce. Through his consulting work, he has specialized in the impact of technology on the transportation sector and building innovation clusters through university research. He holds a PhD in engineering science from the University of Oxford.

“I’m fascinated by the ships that bring cargo to Canadians for their use and the vital trade links we have. My ‘why’ is to help manage Clear Seas’ finances and ensure that we follow and meet the rules and regulations that govern us.”

With Clear Seas since November 2016, Andrea brings extensive experience as an Office Manager, Assistant Accountant, Executive Assistant employed in a range of large international corporations in India, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen, and Canada. This includes working with a cross-section of organizations from oil and gas, government, hospitality, information technology, legal and accounting firms, to a national airline, providing support to senior executives including Chief Executive Officers, Chief Financial Officers and Presidents. Her wide-ranging experience, keen eye for detail, comprehensive understanding of financial affairs ensures that her work meets the highest standards offering a superior level of assurance to leadership, stakeholders and public alike. This helps Clear Seas meet its financial reporting requirements and contributes to a successful, well-managed organization.

“Each person in Canada is touched by marine shipping in a multitude of often unseen ways – from the goods we buy to the air we breathe. Marine shipping is part of a fascinating system facing complex challenges; many different perspectives and knowledge systems need to work together to solve them. I work with Clear Seas to clarify issues and make connections among people and ideas.”

Meghan joined Clear Seas in 2016 to establish the organization’s collaborative and innovative research program. Since 2020, her priorities include developing cross-sector relationships, identifying opportunities for collaboration, and directing strategy. With a background in science and technical communications, Meghan shares complex information in an accessible way to support better decision-making. With Clear Seas, she has had the opportunity to work on a range of issues affecting commercial marine shipping in Canada, including vessel traffic patterns, drift rates, emergency towing, coastal sensitivities, air emissions, and alternative marine fuels. Prior to Clear Seas, Meghan supported port and terminal engineering work through risk assessment and stakeholder engagement. Meghan has a BA (English) and MBA from the University of British Columbia.

Sarah Thomas is a member of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation. Through her role at Clear Seas, she links a western communicator’s lens to her traditional knowledge of relationships and oral history through storytelling. Sarah holds several leadership roles in the community and volunteers her time with various boards and committees, including the Board of Governors for Capilano University, as a trustee for the Vancouver Maritime Museum. Sarah was selected as co-chair for her study group in the 2022 Governor General Leadership Conference with 250 other leaders from across Canada. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Communication Studies from Capilano University and an MBA with a focus on Indigenous Business and Leadership from Simon Fraser University.

“I’m driven to make a difference through thoughtful plans, policies, operations and designs that challenge the status quo, reduce impacts and promote well-being, for a healthy and sustainable future.”

Jennifer joined Clear Seas in 2020 and brings extensive multi-disciplinary experience in scientific research, environmental management, and sustainability planning from across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. Jennifer helps the organization advance its operations and research program while supporting the skills development of early career professionals. Before joining Clear Seas, Jennifer provided facilitation, strategic planning, and technical research support to collaborative multi-stakeholder processes on a range of projects including port infrastructure development, marine risk assessments, Marine Protected Area planning, and Water Use Planning. Jennifer has a B.Sc. (Chemistry) from the University of British Columbia and a Master of Marine Management (MMM) from the Marine Affairs Program at Dalhousie University.

“As I explore the fascinating world of marine shipping, I want to tell its stories. I’m looking to connect people to this essential part of everyday life, which can be a key player in an ecological and social transition that is fair and equitable.”

JF has an eclectic background in outdoor and adventure tourism, management, sustainable development, conservation and environmental education. He has many years of experience, particularly in the Quebec non-profit sector, where he specialised in communications. As Communications Manager, he oversees the development and implementation of strategic and digital communications and the mobilisation of stakeholders, including the general public. He works out of Tio’tià:ke (Montreal) and is a proud representative of the Clear Seas Quebec team.

“In my work, I am guided by a quote from Cree lawyer and activist, Sharon Venne: ‘The healing of our communities, of our relationships with each other, and with all of creation, will not happen until we begin to listen and learn from one another, and until we are willing to walk together on a path of understanding and respect.’”

Stephanie is a member of the Sapotaweyak Cree Nation living on the unceded traditional territories of the Kwikwetlem, Musqueam, Squamish, Stó:lō and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations. With an arts degree from UBC in Anthropology and History, a Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Management Studies from Thompson Rivers University and a career in government, private and not-for-profit sectors, Stephanie brings a unique combination of academic knowledge and practical skills to her work. As a Program Lead for the Indigenous Career Pivot Program at Clear Seas, Stephanie is dedicated to fostering mutually beneficial partnerships and collaborations between Indigenous communities and organizations. Through Clear Seas’ Indigenous Career Pivot Program and Indigenous Internship Program, she has played a key role in providing pathways into the Marine Industry for Indigenous peoples.

Charlene Seward is a member of the Squamish Nation, with close family ties to the Snuneymuxw Nation. Charlene joined Clear Seas in the summer of 2023 to support the development of culturally safe programming and engagement that supports capacity development for First Nations communities invested in marine stewardship. Charlene’s background includes convening diverse groups for dialogue on reconciliation, decolonization, sustainable community development and food sovereignty. Her previous experience includes the co-development of the 2017 Walk for Reconciliation in Vancouver, BC, and delivering workshops and programs to government agencies, institutions and organizations across Canada. Charlene is passionate about building meaningful relationships and creating brave spaces for dialogue that support change at multiple levels.

“I have always been fascinated by ports, and I enjoy exploring the world of marine shipping from coast to coast to coast. I am passionate about understanding the full impacts of marine shipping – economic, environmental, health, social, and cultural – and working to find a balance between all of them.” 

Clara comes from a multidisciplinary background in geography, public health, and psychology, with extensive experience in research and data analysis and an overarching focus on health- and social-equity. Clara contributes to the research program in many ways, including scoping and leading research projects, managing a multi-year project with academic partners, GIS mapmaking and data visualization, and mentoring student researchers in the Indigenous internship program. Clara is based in Montreal and enjoys supporting Clear Seas’ activities in Quebec. She holds a B.A. (Honours, Psychology and French) from Bryn Mawr College and an M.A. (Geography) from McGill University.  

“Making information about marine shipping clear and accessible is a key role we play at Clear Seas. For me, that looks like developing GIS mapping tools that allow users to learn about shipping in a fun, interactive way.”

As a Research Lead, Tessa brings skills and experience in spatial analysis and data visualization to the Clear Seas team. She enjoys learning about the interconnectedness of people and the environment and has a B.Sc. in Geography and Environmental Studies from the University of Victoria. Tessa is based in Vancouver, on the shared, unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, & Tsleil-Waututh Nations.

“Understanding shipping regulations, vessel movements, and the potential impacts can be challenging; I aspire in our work to ensure Clear Seas’ writing and data visualization products are equally accessible to policymakers and coastal communities’ members so everyone can engage in cooperative decision-making seated at the table with the relevant information.”

In her role as a Research Associate, Rachel focuses on interdisciplinary research, GIS-based spatial analyses, cartography, data visualization, and science communication. Prior to starting with Clear Seas in 2021, she worked in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors as a naturalist, studying the Rights and Title of First Nations in British Columbia, and researching plastic pollution in Canada and Fiji. Rachel holds a B.Sc. (Honours, Geography and Anthropology) from the University of Victoria. 

After completing the Indigenous Internship Program with Clear Seas, Chanessa is now part of the research team. She is passionate about uplifting traditional Indigenous Knowledge in research, specifically marine based research. Chanessa is looking forward to learning from the research team and continuing her research with Clear Seas.