Diving for Change: Clay Helkenberg's Mission to Clean the Depths including BC's Sasamat Lake

In this episode of Face to Face, Genevieve Kyle-Levebvre interviews Clay Helkenberg, who is widely known as Aquatic Monkey on social media, He is a fervent advocate for underwater environmental stewardship. The conversation plunges into the depths of his mission, beginning with a notable clean-up initiative at Sasamat Lake, situated north of Port Moody.

"What sparked the Sasamat Lake clean-up and your focus on responsible trash disposal?", he is asked. It is all about Clay's for a cleaner underwater world. His emphasis on responsible trash disposal stems from a passion dedicated to preserving aquatic ecosystems.

The narrative unfolds with the fascinating recount of recovering a cell phone during the clean-up—a moment that highlights both the unexpected artifacts lurking beneath the lake's surface and the environmental impact intertwined with them.

Clay's clean-up efforts transcend Sasamat Lake, reaching locations from Kelowna to Tofino. The motivation behind this extension lies in a deep-seated sense of responsibility, compelling him to broaden the impact of his environmental endeavors.

Documenting recovery dives on YouTube is another aspect of Clay's mission. The platform becomes a powerful tool, enabling him to share his experiences, educate the audience, and inspire others to join the mission for cleaner waters.

Amidst the challenges presented by the pandemic, Clay seized the opportunity for more clean-up dives, utilizing the additional time to contribute further to the preservation of underwater ecosystems.

As we delve into the collaborative aspect of Clay's mission, he sheds light on the collective spirit among divers and sponsors. This collaboration is a commendable force, showing the shared effort required to make a meaningful impact.

Reflecting on challenges faced during the Sasamat Lake clean-up, such as cold water and limited visibility, Clay's narrative showcases the adaptability and determination essential to his underwater conservation missions.

Find Clay, the Aquatic Monkey, across various social media platforms, where his passion for underwater conservation continues to make waves and inspire positive change.