Inspired by Study Abroad, CIEE High School Alumna Organizes Deep Sea Conservation Event
Authored By:
For Ellen Rikhof, a high school student from West Seattle, the ocean has always been a source of wonder.
Growing up along the Puget Sound, she was drawn to the mysterious depths of the sea and the interconnectedness of science, sustainability, and conservation.
Her passion and curiosity led her to participate in CIEE’s Ocean Conservation & Sustainability program in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2023, where she deepened her understanding of marine ecosystems and the human impact on ocean health. Her experience was made possible with the support of a CIEE Academic Merit Scholarship.
Ellen credits her experience in Cape Town as a key inspiration for launching the Deep Sea Conservation Festival, a day-long festival to educate and engage her community on the importance of environmental responsibility.
A Ripple Effect: From Cape Town to Conservation
After returning from her CIEE Global Navigator high school study abroad program, Ellen attended a National Geographic Live seminar where marine biologist Dr. Diva Amon discussed the threats posed by deep sea mining—a controversial practice that risks destroying fragile marine ecosystems and disrupting the global carbon sequestration processes (The ocean absorbs a significant portion of carbon dioxide from the earth’s atmosphere).
“I was shocked that, despite being involved in ocean conservation, I had never even heard of deep-sea mining,” Ellen recalled. “That realization helped me understand that others in my community, especially those less involved in environmental issues, likely knew nothing about this looming threat.”
Turning a Concept into Reality
Drawing on her experiences from the CIEE Cape Town program, where she researched the impact of marine protected areas on local communities, Ellen designed the festival through a holistic lens that emphasized both environmental and social concerns.
Over a year and a half, she built partnerships with local, national, and international conservation organizations—including the Sustainable Ocean Alliance, Seattle Aquarium, and Marine Conservation Institute. She assembled a five-person team, including fellow youth volunteers and experienced ocean advocates, to bring her vision to life.
The first-ever Deep Sea Conservation Festival took place in August 2024 at the University of Washington’s Fisheries Science Building. The free, day-long event featured educational booths, expert speakers, live music, crafts, and food.
Festival attendees were encouraged to write letters to state representatives advocating for policies to reconsider deep sea mining.
A Resounding Success
The festival attracted over 500 attendees, surpassing expectations. A post-event survey revealed that 90% of respondents reported an increased understanding of the deep sea, while 76.7% said they felt more motivated to engage in ocean conservation efforts.
Reflecting on the event’s impact, Ellen shared, “Seeing so many people come together to celebrate and protect the deep sea reaffirmed my belief that education and action go hand in hand. I’m incredibly grateful for the support of my team, my mentors, and the organizations that partnered with us to make this event possible.”
Making Waves: The Lasting Influence of CIEE
Ellen credits her CIEE experience with giving her the confidence and knowledge to undertake such an ambitious project. “Studying ocean conservation in Cape Town broadened my perspective on the intersection of human and environmental issues. It empowered me to think bigger and act boldly,” she said.
Ellen’s story is a testament to the power of international education in shaping future leaders and changemakers.
For more information about Ellen’s festival, visit Deep Sea Fest. You can also read her article about the event in The Revelator here.
Learn more about CIEE High School Study Abroad scholarships and programs.