An evening for the ocean.

At Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving Club, the ocean was visible from the balcony. It was a fitting place for Sea Shepherd Sunshine Coast to show a film about the lives beneath its surface.

I photographed the people who made the evening happen: volunteers welcoming guests, speakers sharing what they know about marine life, and a community gathering around Before the Last Octopus. The film follows Sea Shepherd’s campaign against illegal octopus traps in northern Greece.

A portrait for the cause

Icon Studios contributed a portrait photography session valued at around $1,000 to the night’s fundraising. It was a small way to support people who devote their time to protecting marine life.

There was local music, conversation, raffles and an auction, with beautiful plant-based food served throughout the evening. I left thinking about both the scale of the work at sea and the generosity of the people doing it here on the Sunshine Coast.

For the full account of the film, the Sunshine Coast chapter and ways to help, read my InsideOut Plant-Based story. You can also support Sea Shepherd Australia directly.

Words and photographs by Peter Trainer. Published 26 September 2026.