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Did you know we offer an annual membership? Learn more here

About

Who We Are

BlueAct Marine Society is a non-profit charitable society that operates the Nicholas Sonntag TidePools Aquarium (formerly Nicholas Sonntag Marine Education Centre). Our Mission is to inspire, educate and change behaviour through the successful operation of a collect-and-release aquarium, community and education programs, and conservation initiatives to sustain healthy Coastal life.

Nicholas Sonntag TidePools Aquarium resides at Gibsons Public Market. The Market is run by the Gibsons Community Building Society (GCBS), a non-profit organization whose mission is to build a thriving community through the successful operation of the Gibsons Public Market – integrating vibrant community programs and public gathering spaces, an inspiring marine education centre, and a bustling local market – to showcase Coastal life and support community economic development.

BlueAct Marine Society and Gibsons Community Building Society are partner organizations whose missions align to support, showcase, and sustain healthy Coastal life.

Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw Squamish Nation, Stories of Ch’kw’elhp Gibsons Lands and Waters​

We are honoured that our work takes place on the unceded territory of the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), shíshálh Nation and Tla’amin Nation.

Watch Video:

Annual Community Report

Each year, the Gibsons Community Building Society and BlueAct Marine Society come together to present our Report to the Community, which serves as a comprehensive summary of our achievements, activities, and contributions, shared with our valued members and the wider community.

To review past editions of this report, visit the Gibsons Public Market website.

Download

To view the 2023 Financial Report for our non-profit organization, you can find more information on the BlueAct Marine Society website.

 

Nicholas Sonntag

In Loving Memory: Honouring Nicholas Sonntag, Founding President and Co-Founder of Gibsons Community Building Society

The Nicholas Sonntag TidePools Aquarium stands as a tribute to a remarkable individual who devoted his life to the preservation of our planet and its treasures. Nick was more than a leader; he was a devoted family man and friend, deeply invested in nurturing our community. His boundless dedication to environmental sustainability was matched only by his sharp mind, warm humor, and compassionate spirit.

Nicholas Sonntag’s legacy lives on as a founding member of our Society and the inspiration behind this extraordinary collect-and-release aquarium. May his memory continue to guide and inspire us as we embark on a journey to explore, protect, and cherish our precious oceans, ensuring their sustainability for generations to come.

Our Team

Board of Directors

Debbie Amaral, Chair
James Askew
Unni Claridge
Barb Cochran
Aleria Ladwig
Pam Robertson, Treasurer
Doug Rogers

Staff

Nancy Cottingham Powell, Executive Director
Emily Cook, Business & Operations Manager
Christina Wilson, Education & Conservation Manager
Mackenzie Douglas, Education & Conservation Coordinator
Emma White, Senior Aquarist & Aquarium Supervisor
Tatiana Jones, Interpreter-Aquarist
Joelle Prevost, Interpreter-Aquarist
Sam White, Interpreter-Aquarist
Isobel Humphrey, Interpreter-Aquarist
Emily Foster, Interpreter-Aquarist
Anna Reznick, Interpreter-Aquarist

To contact one of our staff, please reach out at Info@tidepoolsaquarium.org

Join the Team

Careers with Tidepools Aquarium

Do you have a love of the ocean? Do you have a background in marine biology? Have you worked in an aquarium setting? Do you like working with children and talking with the general public? Are you engaged in ocean-based conservation work? These are some of the skills we need to help us run our collect-and-release aquarium and education and conservation programs.

Marine Naturalist & Interpreter

Location: Tidepools Aquarium, Gibsons, BC (in-person)
Start Date: September 2026 (or earliest availability)

About the Role

Position(s) Type: Part-time (7.5 + hours/week)
Regular Hours: As needed, with regular scheduling on Saturdays, 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
(may change from time to time, depending on organizational needs)
Reports to: Manager, Business & Operations
Supervised by: Senior Aquarist & Aquarium Supervisor

Wage: $20 – $23 per hour, commensurate with experience

Description: Tidepools Aquarium is seeking an enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and engaging Marine Naturalist to inspire curiosity and foster meaningful connections between people and the marine ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest. This role combines environmental education, public interpretation, and animal care support, creating memorable experiences for visitors while helping maintain the highest standards of aquarium operations.

As one of the public faces of the aquarium, you will interpret the incredible biodiversity of the Salish Sea through engaging conversations, educational programming, interactive exhibits, and guided experiences. Behind the scenes, you will also assist with aquarist tasks, daily animal care, and aquarium operations to ensure exceptional care for our living collection.

If you are equally comfortable speaking to small groups, gently handling marine animals, and enthusiastically answering a five-year-old’s endless questions, we’d love to hear from you.

How to Apply:

Email your resume and cover letter to: info@tidepoolsaquarium.org

  • Please confirm in the email that you either live on the Sunshine Coast or can relocate.
  • Please confirm in the email that you are comfortable with the working conditions and are available to work the regularly scheduled hours described above, which include both Saturday and Sunday.
  • Please confirm your earliest availability to start the position if hired.
  • Please mention where you saw the job posting.

Application Deadline: Ongoing

Full Job Description

Feedback

We’d love to hear from you! Please email us ideas, comments, feedback to info@tidepoolsaquarium.org
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