Students at the University of British Columbia are harmonizing for a cause, using their voices to raise funds for vital ocean conservation. The initiative, known as the Ocean Song Project, has produced its first charitable single, a complex a cappella mash-up recorded by dozens of singers.
Engineering Student Composes Ocean-Themed Mash-Up
The project is spearheaded by Emiko Wijeysundera, a fifth-year student pursuing a unique double major in engineering physics and honours human geography. A lifelong choir singer and member of the UBC a cappella club, Wijeysundera took on the ambitious task of arranging and directing the project's inaugural track, titled 'Saltwater.'
"I've always loved singing," said Wijeysundera. "But this project definitely felt out of my comfort zone, so I am really happy with how it turned out." The self-taught arranger spent several months, beginning in July 2025, weaving together six popular songs with ocean-related lyrics into a cohesive piece for multiple vocal parts.
Beach Rehearsals Lead to Studio Recording
The final track blends elements from hits like Astronaut in the Ocean by Masked Wolf, Ed Sheeran's Salt Water, the Beatles' Octopus's Garden, and Billie Eilish's Ocean Eyes. In total, 35 people were involved, with 26 voices featured in the final mix.
Before entering the studio, Wijeysundera insisted the group rehearse by the water. The choir practiced at Spanish Banks beach, embracing the connection to their cause. "A cappella really is about gathering and bringing people together," she explained. "I wanted us to rehearse near the water, for it to be this kind of gathering and singing and music-making by the ocean."
The official recording session was held last month at the SAE Institute Vancouver.
All Proceeds Directed to Mangrove Restoration
The Ocean Song Project is a not-for-profit, student-led ocean stewardship effort funded by Ocean Wise and run in collaboration with other international groups. Every dollar raised from the song's sales will be directed toward a specific environmental action: planting mangroves.
Mangroves are critical coastal ecosystems that act as natural barriers against rising sea levels and erosion. They also filter pollutants and provide crucial habitat for marine life, making their restoration a powerful tool for ocean protection.
The song 'Saltwater' is now available for purchase on Bandcamp, offering the public a chance to enjoy the student-made music while directly contributing to coastal ecosystem restoration. The project demonstrates how academic passion, artistic talent, and environmental advocacy can converge to create meaningful change.
