A new group of conservation-minded students have banded together to preserve the marine environment in Pismo Beach and promote awareness by forming the In Motion With the Ocean club. The founders, Emma D’alo (’27) and Willow Vogler (’27), plan to hold future meetings in AP Language and Composition teacher Amber Derbidge’s class, where they will discuss environmental issues and raise awareness on reducing our community’s environmental impact.
D’alo and Vogler utilize their own knowledge of the ocean, combined with an intense passion for nature in general—especially marine ecosystems—to educate other students about their impact on the ocean and how to reduce it. They recruit students through their Instagram page, where D’alo and Vogler post the club’s information and fundraisers to support their goals.
“I think a lot of people are really passionate for the environment, but not a lot of people have a space to hone in on this passion,” D’alo said.
The club aims to provide a space for students to hone in their passions for the environment. D’alo is very passionate about the ocean and feels that it is frequently harmed by tourists and even our local population.
“Our beaches are disrespected,” D’alo said.
She also pointed out that many people “are not conscious of the waste they create.”
D’alo and Vogler strive to not only raise awareness of this waste and disrespect, but also to combat it. Since childhood, both founders have cared for the ocean and its ecosystems.
“I’ve always been very fascinated with preserving our oceans and marine biology,” Vogler said.
They also pointed out that our society and local community rely heavily on the ocean due to living in a microclimate and generating so much income and business from the ocean. However, their motivation for their club is based on genuine care for the environment.
“Not everybody has the resources to make that change all the time, but you can still be part of the voice motivating it,” D’alo said.
D’alo and Vogler strive to be the motivation for that voice, as they share plans of beach clean-ups, informational meetings to raise awareness, and talk to city council members, such as Caren Raymussen, to make lasting changes.
The community, as well as some faculty at AGHS, are supportive of D’alo and Vogler’s plans to improve the local marine ecosystems and decrease pollution. Some faculty members have a personal connection to the ocean.
“As a surfer, [the ocean and its ecosystems are] an important part of my life,” Derbidge said.
Derbidge believes that awareness of ocean ecosystems, and of our own impact on them, is the best way and first step in actually reducing our ecological footprint.
“Knowing that you can be part of the solution, not the problem,” Derbidge said.
Derbidge and many others who support their club strive to be part of the solution to save our local marine ecosystems.
The In Motion With the Ocean club strives to reduce our hurtful impact on the ocean ecosystems and the community is with them. Follow their instagram: @inmotionwiththeocean- to learn more about the club and their upcoming projects.
