Are you a creative middle or high school student that loves the ocean as much as Nathaly does? Do you want to make art that makes a difference? Submit to the 2016 Ocean Awareness Student Contest by June 13. You may win up to $1,500 for you and your school!
Meet a Wavemaker: Nathaly Soto-Velez
May 22, 2016Here at Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs, our mission is to inspire the next generation of ocean caretakers. In our “Meet a Caretaker” series, we feature inspirational young artists, activists, writers, filmmakers, poets, conservationists, and anyone working to clean and protect our oceans.
Give us a picture of who you are. Where are you from, and what do you love?
Hi, my name is Nathaly Soto-Velez and I am from Puerto Rico. I love to read, write, and draw. For me to love a piece 
of art or literature it must speak to me… say something bold that shows awareness, perhaps of issues people are too afraid to speak out about, such as pollution.
What is your connection to the ocean?
Growing up in Puerto Rico, the ocean is where I grew up as well. The ocean is part of me. I, like all the organisms that inhabit it, am part of it.
Do you have a favorite ocean species?
I am particularly intrigued by octopi. They are truly unique and remarkable. An octopus is a loner, intelligent, and crafty when it comes to attacking prey. They are beautiful creatures with the ability to change colors to camouflage themselves. In many cultures they symbolize mystery and the supernatural. Without a doubt, the octopus is my favorite.
The ocean, once beautiful, clear and sheer,
Now filthy and tainted, offering death and disease to all who come near,
The fish once swam freely now poisoned and dying,
Birds are sleeked with oil, now stopped flying,
I once sat at the beach and saw a mermaid drag herself to shore,
Oil matted up her dirty hair,
Her gills were stained black, a gaping look her face bore,
Her scales were torn, her face distorted with despair,
Excerpt from “The Dying Sea,” by Nathaly Soto-Velez, 2015 High School Honorable Mention in Poetry
How has participating in the project changed the way you think about plastic pollution? Have you made any changes in your everyday life?
I know that pollution of all kinds, not just plastic, is a very real issue that affects us all. Since the contest, I have renewed hope that a difference can be made, since there were so many people involved in the project. With enough like-minded people working towards a common goal, anything can be achieved, including clean and protected oceans. I recycle at home and everywhere I can. It doesn’t seem like a lot, but if everyone did their part, the impact would be great.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
I see myself traveling in ten years, learning all that I can, teaching what I can, and trying to make a difference wherever I go, whether environmental or other.
What advice would you give to other young people who want to protect the ocean?
Pollution affects everyone. We only have one Earth. Do not give up, and always speak up against what is wrong.
Help Me, Don’t Photograph Me
This image is a satirical response to the event during which many spring breakers held a baby dolphin out of water so long that it died… just because of their need for photos. In the image and story, the roles of creature and human are reversed to raise awareness of the fact that humans pollute and disturb ocean habitats, not the other way around. It is sick that today everyone is so obsessed with phones to where a new level of ignorance is reached, and a baby dolphin had to die for narcissists’ photos. Wild creatures are not entertainment, and have a right to be in their environments undisturbed.