A Conversation with Paul Watson + Supporting the Future of Our Oceans

At salt+blue, our love for the sun has always gone hand in hand with a deep respect for the sea. Protecting the oceans and waterways we play in is core to why this brand exists.

Recently, our co-founder Rachel Pachivas sat down with legendary ocean activist Paul Watson for a live conversation about the realities our oceans are facing, what meaningful conservation looks like today, and why small daily choices still matter. Here is a short moment from that conversation, a reminder of how interconnected we are with the natural world:

If you missed the live event, you can watch the full replay here.

Decades on the frontlines of ocean conservation

For decades, Paul Watson has been one of the most recognized voices in ocean conservation. As the founder of Sea Shepherd and now the Captain Paul Watson Foundation — an organization dedicated to protecting marine wildlife and defending the future of our oceans — he has spent his life leading direct-action conservation efforts and bringing global attention to the realities facing marine ecosystems.

Shaped by decades at sea confronting illegal fishing, whaling, and environmental destruction firsthand, his perspective offers a rare and deeply personal look into the fight to protect our oceans.

Why a sunscreen brand cares about this

The connection is more direct than most people realize. Many conventional sunscreens rely on chemical UV filters that have been detected in waterways and linked to harm in marine environments. We made a different choice from the start: a mineral formula built on non-nano zinc oxide, designed to protect your skin without leaving that kind of footprint behind.

That is the throughline of this partnership: the same daily product you reach for before the beach can either add to the problem or quietly stay out of the way. Our BODY Sunscreen is built for the second option, and the Sun Lover's Guide to Daily Sun Protection walks through how to use it — how much, how often, and when it actually matters.

A partnership rooted in purpose

This conversation also marked the beginning of our partnership with the Captain Paul Watson Foundation. Together, Rachel and Paul explored:

• The connection between everyday products and ocean health
• The growing impact of pollution and environmental destruction on marine ecosystems
• How ocean activism has evolved over the years
• The importance of conscious choices, collective action, and long-term thinking
• Practical ways people can support healthier oceans in their everyday lives

Throughout, Paul shared personal stories and reflections from a lifetime spent defending the ocean.

Supporting the Captain Paul Watson Foundation

As part of this partnership, we are honored to support the Captain Paul Watson Foundation through a donation initiative on our website. For a limited time, customers can add a small optional donation to their order from salt+blue's BODY Sunscreen product page or cart, directly supporting ongoing efforts to protect marine life and defend the future of our oceans.

At salt+blue, we have always believed sunscreen should do more than protect skin. It should reflect a deeper respect for the oceans, waterways, and ecosystems that make life in the sun possible — letting us enjoy the outdoors more consciously, with less harm left behind.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this conversation and continues to support a healthier relationship with the sea. Watch the replay here.