A Song to Inspire Ocean Stewardship

October 13, 2024

The ocean covers about 70 percent of Earth, many people living along coastlines worldwide depend on it for resources, and it needs our help. This inspired Khmer artist Soup Pha over the past two years to write the song Ocean Family for the Aquarium of the Pacific. The goal of the song is to inspire others to take care of the ocean.

One of the many places that Pha has traveled to is the Kep Province in southern Cambodia. The coastal fishing-dependent area relies on the ocean and connected waterways, much like other island groups in the Pacific Ocean. Sea level rise is a concern for these areas as the ocean warms from a changing climate. By creating this song for the Aquarium to share with its community and guests, Pha hopes to use music to draw awareness to the challenges facing the ocean and coastal and island communities.

“…let’s make a dream come true / sea animals they rely on you / so keep the ocean clean / we can all be one ocean family…”– excerpt from the chorus of “Ocean Family”

In addition to his musical talent, Pha is a multi-hyphenate who is currently the emcee/host for multiple media outlets and an entertainment journalist. He prides himself on being involved with several different organizations of varying backgrounds. Pha serves on the committees for the FilAm Creative’s Southeast Asian representative, and Long Beach Sankranta as well as being actively involved with the Asian World Film Festival. His philanthropic work includes actively supporting Southeast Asian community events throughout the world, doing so since he was twelve years old. Locally, Pha supports the Los Angeles County Cambodian Employees Association, Cambodia Town, and the Aquarium of the Pacific’s Southeast Asia Day.

“Working with Soup on ‘Ocean Family’ allows the Aquarium to continue its mission of raising awareness about the ocean’s significance and protecting it for our community and future generations.”– Chanwantha “Sam” Limon, Aquarium board member