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It's our river; let's keep it clean!

Otis the OtterOtis

Janelle and Kara helping Otis

Janelle and Kara are helping Otis the Otter
Chief Steward (and Captain) Janelle Seaborg, and Steward Kara Kindrachuk, were out on the river on a blustery cold day in May, combing the riverbanks for garbage. And they found some! The "haul" included clothing, plastic, bottles, lawn furniture, hypodermic syringes and yes - the shopping cart!

ABOUT OTIS:

Otis the Otter is an almost mythical creature who lives in and around Saskatoon along the riverbank. Like his cousins (Wanda Weasel, Marvin Mink and Martin Marten), Otis is fond of fish but is a curious little fellow who will investigate and nibble on anything he can find along the shore.

Being a curious little scavenger is part of Otis’ nature, but some things just shouldn’t be part of his diet: old pop cans and coffee cups, yesterday’s leftover sandwiches and hypodermic needles are not listed in the otter version of the Canada Food Guide.

Otis, an energetic soul, is happy to work at keeping our riverbanks clean, but he needs your help!

 

THE GOAL:  is to keep the river – and in particular the riverbanks – through the City of Saskatoon free of trash and debris.

THE PLAN: Shearwater’s river cruise vessels carry over 5000 passengers along the river every year. Shearwater will invite these passengers to participate in spotting debris along the riverbank, and communicate any sightings to the vessels’ captains and stewards. Using Shearwater’s workboat (and trucks if appropriate), staff (and any identified volunteers) commit to regularly removing debris and ensuring it is disposed of properly.

 

 

A few words about Otis himself: the graphic of the otter we are using as a visual brand for this campaign is from a 1994 painting by British Columbia wildlife artist Lissa Calvert. The painting is entitled “River Otters”, and was featured as a Ducks Unlimited print. As a person who herself champions the conservation of wildlife and wildlands, the artist has graciously given Shearwater permission to use this piece as the visual brand for this campaign.