The Loving Ocean
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About

This site is a dedicated space to learn more about marine-related issues in a non-biased way, how we can better protect and appreciate the ocean and its inhabitants, and to find light and motivation so we can keep fighting. If there is something you would like to see mentioned on the site, please use the contact page to submit your ideas!
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Zach Affolter:
​Creator of The Loving Ocean

Zach Affolter is a passionate marine biologist and animal/environmental advocate. In 2019, he graduated from Humboldt State University (HSU) with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology and a minor in Oceanography. Throughout his studies, he worked as the Resident Sustainability Adviser within HSU's Housing and Residence Life. In this position, he educated and inspired residents on campus about sustainability and environmental issues by hosting events, having discussions with students, and other initiatives.

Before his pursuit of a degree, Zach was still passionate about advocating for animal and environmental rights. He petitioned his school board to remove field trips from SeaWorld in place of ones that didn't involve holding cetaceans in captivity. He also worked on Peta2's Youth Advisory Board, wrote a blog on the site For All The Animals, served as a Youth Ambassador for Earthrace and Dolphin Project, and helped to organize the Miracle March for Lolita in 2015. Additionally, he volunteered with Earthrace and Pretoma to protect sea turtle eggs from poachers.  Throughout all of these endeavors, he continually created videos, articles, and short stories to educate and inspire.
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The Loving Ocean's Goal

The aim of The Loving Ocean is to instill an emotional connection between humans and the natural world, to educate people on issues that animals and their ecosystems face, and to inspire them to make a difference in the world. 

We despair every day at the state of the world.

​Yet, amidst that darkness, there is still so much beauty left worth fighting for that can give us hope - even amongst ourselves.

When we feel lost and divided, the natural world can inspire, guide, and unite us.  

Together, we can be the light that reaches over the mountains and the tide that washes across the sea. 

Together, we can ensure that this beauty remains in our world for those after us to enjoy and be inspired as we are.  
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Why The Loving Ocean Was Founded

Sometimes it feels like there is no hope of change, that things are taking too long, that nothing is getting done. Each horrible atrocity drains our energy and spirit. There are times even when we begin to question ourselves and lose faith in our goals. I’ve felt nauseous and afraid at times that we might fail. But it is in those times when our faith is tested that we must find the strength to keep fighting. All of the negative things in the world, even though they seem big and loud, are minuscule compared to all of the positive change and good in the world. And we can forget about the good sometimes when we are constantly surrounded by seemingly insurmountable walls of horrible, horrible things.

Evil wants you to think that it is all-powerful and that there is nothing you can do so it can manipulate you with fear and doubt. If no one is strong enough to keep weathering the storm, to keep fighting until we win this war, then evil will always prevail. We all have those feelings of doubt. It’s not about when or if we fall but how we get back up, even if we are beaten and tired. The essence of inner strength is finding a spark within yourself when it seems there is no more light left in the world.

Hope isn’t something that the world gives us – it’s something that we create within ourselves. And I know there is so much reason to hope right now, even with all of these horrible things going on. I believe that collectively we are at a paradigm shift in many different causes. Even though, say gay marriage and animal rights, seem totally different they are in fact connected - all beings deserve compassion and respect. It is all about people’s mindsets and how they think about the world.

Do not let your doubts and fears drown you. Instead, let them wake you up and motivate you even more to keep fighting. We must never relinquish hope, for without it we would have no fire. I have faith that there will be much more change within the coming years. People ARE becoming more awake. Everything we are doing IS making a difference. We shall never give up!

The Loving Ocean was founded to help lift people in these hard times and provide information on environmental and animal rights issues so people can make their own informed choices to create a better world.
Keep in mind that without the night there would be no stars. Keep in mind that only you have the power to gain or lose hope. Keep in mind that if you can’t see a light you have the power to make one. We cannot back away from something just because we might fail. We have to keep going. After all, it is always the darkest before dawn and stormiest before the sun comes out. We will never see the sun unless we go through the darkness.
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​© The Loving Ocean 2023 
Disclaimer: Some images may belong to third parties. These images are strictly for educational use. All rights remain entirely with their owners.
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  • Home
  • Blog
  • Videos
  • Marine Issues
    • Plastic Pollution
    • Climate Change
    • Ocean Acidification
    • Coral Bleaching
  • About
  • Contact