I understand people's reticence in regards to a manager from a commercial venture now being responsible for animal welfare. However what is not clear from the "Sea Life Adventure" website is that we were very involved with animal welfare advocacy, rescuing injured marine life and educating the public on welfare issues.

A large majority of our animals were abandoned by owners who could not care for their aquatic pets. Very often fishermen would catch an unintended "victim" in their nets and bring them to us.

The problem then was what to do with them after medical treatment. Local bylaws would not allow us to release the animals back into the estuary if they had ever been treated with antibiotics. The fear was that they would reenter the food chain.

Therefore we retained them and used them to educate the public. Yes this was a commercial for profit business but rest assured with me in charge the welfare of the animals in that centre was my first priority.

We were very active in the community and won awards for "Environmental Awareness". We ran a successful program against shark finning and gave people the opportunity to "sponsor" wild dolphins.

If we ever had to humanely euthanize a fish, the same consideration was given as would be expected anywhere else. A vet would visit and sedate the fish then deliver a lethal injection. We cared deeply for our watery charges.

Now I am responsible for the animals in the Nanaimo community; a responsibility which I do not take lightly. The community has shown both myself and the shelter great support this year and I am grateful more than you could know.

This support is ensuring our growth and success and secures a continued effort to protect all those who have no voice of their own. We still need help going into the second half of 2009 but I am confident that support will continue. I have a steadfast eye on moving forward with plans for a new shelter and if we can continue to grow public support this now has the potential to become a reality.