The Ocean Impact Podcast: Recent Episodes
The Ocean Impact Podcast
The Ocean Impact Podcast follows co-founders Tim Silverwood and Nick Chiarelli on a ‘journey of discovery’ as they launch Ocean Impact Organisation and pursue their mission to ‘create an abundant and sustainable ocean through inspiration, innovation, leadership, and good business’.
You can’t manage what you don’t measure. This is just one of the gems that Jayson Berryhill, co-founder and CEO of Wholechain, dropped in this episode of the podcast. As he says, it’s astounding how little we measure when it comes to how we use resources such as the ocean and what comes out of it. Wholechain is a blockchain-based solution for enhancing traceability in supply chains, making visible the unseen. It’s capable of both producing and consuming data across the supply chain, breaking down not just the chain of custody but the entire chain of events in a standardised way. Not only can this impact ocean health, but climate health too. Enabling us to better manage critical resources like the ocean and broader environment.→ https://www.ocean-impact.org/podcast/tech-to-make-the-seafood-supply-chain-visible-with-jayson-berryhill
The fisheries sector plays an important role in social & economic development in many countries around the world, including Tanzania, which is where the founder and CEO of NovFeed – Diana Orembe – joins us from in this episode. Diana charts a course from her childhood connection to local waterways and fisheries, to her career as a microbiologist, to starting NovFeed. NovFeed is addressing two problems in tandem – the impacts of traditional fish feed and the problem of food waste – to bring both environmental and economic benefits to communities that need it most with their novel products.→ https://www.ocean-impact.org/podcast/turning-food-waste-into-fish-feed-with-diana-orembe
One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish. You may know this children’s book, but did you know that video footage from fishing vessels is manually reviewed in a similar way? OnDeck Fisheries AI is tackling this challenge with its automated catch monitoring platform that aims to make review faster and more affordable. We chat to CEO and co-founder Alexander Dungate about how OnDeck is working on scalable monitoring solutions that can be deployed around the world, and some of the real-world benefits. Including data sovereignty for Indigenous Nations, enhancing seafood traceability, enabling sustainable fisheries management, and much more.→ https://www.ocean-impact.org/podcast/making-fisheries-monitoring-accessible-and-scalable-with-alexander-dungate
How did the ocean get here? And how did it make us human? We chat to James Bradley, author of Deep Water: The World in the Ocean, about his incredible book that weaves science, history, and personal reflection together to explore how the ocean connects every living being on this blue planet. We’ll discuss discoveries mentioned in the book such as how groupers “point” and hunt together with moray eels, how elephant seals are helping to gather data from the mesopelagic zone, and - most importantly - how despair is not an option when it comes to planetary crisis. An unmissable conversation!→ https://www.ocean-impact.org/podcast/understanding-planet-ocean-like-never-before-with-james-bradley
The podcast is back! We’re excited to have Elisa-Marie Dumas, our Head of Global Programs, making her podcast debut in our first episode for 2024. She chats about her extensive career helping founders through growth & commercialisation programs, and how Ocean Impact Organisation has evolved its programs to help entrepreneurs at the right stage of their journey. Her and host Tim Silverwood also discuss why we’re doubling down on the ocean health ecosystem in the Asia-Pacific region, and why it’s critical to follow the capital to drive impact and financial returns.→ Show notes: www.ocean-impact.org/podcast/elisa-marie-dumas-helping-founders-make-their-greatest-impact-and-our-new-accelerator-cohort
A single load of laundry releases up to 700,000 microfibres every wash into our waterways! But solutions exist! We chat to Avril Greenaway, Co-founder & Impact Director of Cleaner Seas Group, about their filter system to prevent microfibre and microplastic pollution from ending up in the ocean. She discusses her surprising career journey from marketing & design to Cleaner Seas, as well as winning the Ocean Impact Pitchfest 2023, attending INNOVOCEAN in Sydney, and advice for emerging entrepreneurs.→ https://www.ocean-impact.org/podcast/saving-the-seas-from-microfibre-pollution-avril-greenaway
A study of fish sold around Australia, by Minderoo Foundation, found that more than one in ten products didn’t match their label. And with 65% of seafood consumed in Australia being imported - to the shock of many Australians - poor labelling was more likely to conceal the sale of threatened or overfished stocks. So, what exactly is on our plates? We chatted to Dr Chris Wilcox about the study, Fair Catch Alliance, and how consumers can help change seafood labelling in Australia. → Shownotes: https://www.ocean-impact.org/podcast/how-sustainable-is-your-seafood-with-chris-wilcox→ Website: https://www.faircatchalliance.org.au→ Seafood Mislabelling Study: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-37066-4https://www.minderoo.org/global-fishing-index→ Global Fishing Index: https://www.minderoo.org/global-fishing-index
There’s a big chance the items you’ll find in your bathroom make up some of the 120bn units of packaging produced by the beauty industry annually. And those single-use amenity bottles in hotels? According to The Wall Street Journal, an estimated 5bn of them are thrown away yearly. But Nohbo, Winner of The Ocean Impact Pitchfest 2022, has developed a solution to help CPGs and the hospitality industry ditch single-use plastic. Encapsulating your favourite personal care products into plastic-free single-use or full-size ‘serves’ that disappear with water.→ Shownotes: http://www.ocean-impact.org/podcast/ben-stern-helping-cpgs-ditch-single-use-plastic→ Nohbo: https://nohbo.com/→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nohboinc/→ Ben on Shark Tank (age 16): https://youtu.be/bMFfxDUG-jE
Did you know that the equivalent of one garbage truck’s worth of plastic ends up in the ocean every minute? And with 40% of global plastic waste coming from packaging, sustainable packaging options have never been more important. Better Packaging Co. is a carbon-neutral BCorp creating sustainable packaging that doesn’t just do less harm, but also delivers some good. Founders Kate Bezar and Becs Percasky are no strangers to the podcast either, with BPCo. being two-time Pitchfest Finalists!→ Shownotes: https://www.ocean-impact.org/podcast/sustainable-packaging-better-packaging-co→ Website: https://www.betterpackaging.com/→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterpackagingco/→ BPCo’s other episode: https://www.ocean-impact.org/podcast/rebecca-percasky-and-kate-bezar→ OBP Certification: https://www.au.betterpackaging.com/pages/certifications
The humble potato is endlessly useful and almost universally beloved. But Netherlands-based startup BESE is taking it up a notch, recycling the waste from potato chip manufacturing (as well as materials like oyster shells, and waste wood chips) into biodegradable ocean ecosystem restoration products. Karin Didderen and Peter Vodegel from BESE chatted to us about their mission to restore degraded coastal ecosystems, and to replace current restoration products that use plastics or concrete.→ Shownotes: https://www.ocean-impact.org/podcast/peter-vodegel-karin-didderen→ Website: https://www.bese-products.com/→ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bese-products%C2%AE/?originalSubdomain=nl→ Pitch Video: https://youtu.be/BKeyyEzPDoQ
Did you know the industry standard coating for marine vessels, antifouling paint, is toxic? Often containing solvents, biocides to prevent growth, and designed to self-erode when organisms eventually take hold. With the commercial shipping fleet growing to over 90,000 vessels in 2022, this global problem is hidden below the water. But one German startup is bringing it to the surface. We chatted to Christina Linke, Co-founder and CEO of Clean Ocean Coatings, about their innovative biocide-free coating, and the challenges involved in disrupting this unwavering industry.→ Shownotes: https://www.ocean-impact.org/podcast/christina-linke→ Visit their Website: https://www.cleanoceancoatings.com/en/clean-ocean-coatings→ Follow them on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cleanoceancoatings/?originalSubdomain=de→ Watch their Pitch Video: https://youtu.be/Lyix0UlkHV4
Wet trade slurry (eg. cement slurry) is generated on building sites daily. Angus Hudson, an experienced builder and founder of SLURRYTUB, has seen first-hand the issues and difficulties around the wash-up and disposal of slurry. Including shortcuts that can result in chemical-laden slurry getting into waterways. Angus tells us how SLURRYTUB’s innovative - but deceptively simple - solution makes job site cleanup quick, easy, cost-effective, and better for the ocean. Their filtering system has been used by everyone from bricklayers to tilers, landscapers to plumbers, and even contestants on The Block!→ Shownotes: https://www.ocean-impact.org/podcast/angus-hudson→ SLURRYTUB Website: https://www.slurrytub.com/→ SLURRYTUB’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SLURRYTUB/→ SLURRYTUB’s ’No Wucking Slurries’ Music Video: https://youtu.be/HHq3Aegi94k
Not only do coral reefs promote biodiversity, provide vital ecosystems for life underwater, and benefit economies, they also provide natural coastal protection. But coastal erosion is getting worse, with climate change impacting reef health and contributing to sea level rise, stronger waves, and more severe storms. Luckily, ocean impact startup CCell has developed a solution to grow digitised living reefs through a process called mineral accretion. CEO Dr Will Bateman tells us how CCell is helping combat the impacts of coastal erosion.
How do you monitor catch on fishing vessels at sea? Managing catch, bycatch, and adherence to laws & regulations is often done via camera footage from boats being manually reviewed. An archaic process that isn’t scalable, is expensive, and can be inaccessible in many countries around the world. But early-stage Canadian startup OnDeck Fisheries AI is trying to change this, by automating sustainable fisheries monitoring with artificial intelligence in a way that is both scalable and accessible.→ Shownotes: https://www.ocean-impact.org/podcast/alexander-dungate→ OnDeck’s Website: https://www.ondeck.fish/→ Careers with OnDeck: https://www.ondeck.fish/copy-of-careers→ OnDeck’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ondeck-fisheries-ai/
Around 700,000 microfibres are released doing an average load of washing. Mocja Zupan (Founder and CEO of PlanetCare) compares this to an average household dumping one plastic bag per week into the ocean, just by doing laundry! It’s a big problem; after all, microplastics have been found in the Mariana Trench, in our food, and even in our blood. But PlanetCare is on a mission to stop microfibres from your washing finding their way into places they shouldn’t be. And they want other ocean impact entrepreneurs to follow suit.→ Shownotes: https://www.ocean-impact.org/podcast/mojca-zupan→ PlanetCare Website: https://planetcare.org/→ PlanetCare Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/planetcare.solutions/ → Plastic Soup Foundation: https://www.plasticsoupfoundation.org/→ Study on the release of synthetic fibres from washing machines: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0025326X16307639
What if we could predict how the removal, reefing, or installation of an offshore energy structure could impact fisheries? That’s where spatial planning tool FishLAT by Blue Latitudes comes in. With the decommissioning of thousands of offshore oil and gas platforms imminent, and renewables like offshore wind on the way in, co-founder Amber Sparks tells us how their web-based platform can provide data for financially and environmentally sustainable decision-making.→ Shownotes: https://www.ocean-impact.org/podcast/amber-sparks→ FishLAT Website: https://www.fishlat.com/why-we-do-it→ Blue Latitudes Website: https://www.rig2reefexploration.org/→ Research mentioned in intro: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969723016339?via%3Dihub
Did you know that biofouling - the growth of organisms on ship and boat hulls - can contribute to a 20-55% increase in global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per vessel? An increased carbon footprint is just one of the consequences of this pesky problem. Welcome to the first episode of our Pitchfest 2022 series with Hullbot CEO and co-founder Tom Loefler. Hullbot builds robots for healthy oceans and is working on creating the world’s most sophisticated underwater drone. → Shownotes: https://www.ocean-impact.org/podcast/tom-loefler→ Hullbot Website: https://hullbot.com/→ Hullbot LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hullbot/posts
If the ocean was a country, it would be the 8th largest economy in the world! Martin Koehring, head of Economist Impact’s World Oceans Initiative, joins us for part two of our conversation. Picking up from SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth, Martin discusses how the export value alone of the blue economy is 3% of global GDP, and how the ocean is a key solution to achieving each of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.→ Episode show notes: https://www.ocean-impact.org/blog/ocean-un-sustainable-development-goals→ “The Ocean and the UN Sustainable Development Goals” Feature: https://impact.economist.com/ocean/ocean-sustainable-development-goals/→ World Oceans Initiative: https://ocean.economist.com→ Follow Economist Impact on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/economist-impact/
Did you know that UN SDG 14: Life Below Water is the most underfunded? Or that the economic value of a great whale in the ocean is $3 million US dollars? Martin Koehring, head of Economist Impact’s World Oceans Initiative, joins us to chat about how the ocean and emerging blue economy is a solution to achieving all 17 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. → Episode show notes→ World Oceans Initiative: https://ocean.economist.com → “The Ocean and the UN Sustainable Development Goals” Feature: https://impact.economist.com/ocean/ocean-sustainable-development-goals/ → Follow Economist Impact on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/economist-impact/
Dr Tony Worby is the Director of the Planet Portfolio and Flourishing Oceans at Minderoo Foundation and is a global leader in advancing positive actions to improve ocean health.
In this far-reaching conversation, Tony shares fascinating insights into his career and passion for protecting Planet Ocean with a focus on the remarkable work Minderoo Foundation is doing to support their bold mission: ‘to return the oceans to a flourishing state’. We learn about the incredible breadth of work being supported by Minderoo Foundation and the ways in which Tony believes Minderoo can make its biggest impact, and fast.
OIO recently announced a 3-year partnership with Minderoo Foundation to build the team and scale our impact. The partnership will empower OIO to double its previous goal of accelerating 100 ocean impact startups and entrepreneurs in five years, with the organisation now targeting a total of 200 startups and entrepreneurs supported and accelerated by 2027.
We thank Tony Worby for his time in sitting down for this podcast and for all the work Minderoo Foundation is doing to support improvements to ocean health.
→ Connect with Tony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAAM4H8sBsA-PSRM1hWR7tm8wpRNHeIcW_gQ → Follow Minderoo Foundation on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minderoofoundation → Visit the Minderoo / Flourishing Ocean Website: https://www.minderoo.org/flourishing-oceans/news/partnership-to-accelerate-ocean-health-startups-and-entrepreneurs → Get the show notes: https://www.ocean-impact.org/podcast
Sam Elsom is the co-founder and CEO of Sea Forest, a Tasmania-based startup cultivating asparagopsis seaweed for use as a feed supplement in livestock industries to drastically reduce methane emissions and fight climate change. Through small additions of Sea Forest feed supplements, methane emissions can be reduced by up to 98%.
Sea Forest were the overall Winner of The Ocean Impact Pitchfest 2021 and also received the Climate Spotlight Award funded by OIO’s philanthropic community.
Sam appeared previously on Episode 38 of The Ocean Impact Podcast where he provided deeper context on the origin story of Sea Forest and the technology they are pioneering. In this episode we focus on what has been happening in the past 14 months in what is a rapidly growing business moving at the fastest possible rate it can.
Since winning Pitchfest 2021, Sam and the Sea Forest team have made great strides with advancements in research and development, production, new locations, new team members, awards and customers. Sea Forest isis ready to make their greatest impact but still require macro settings to motivate more farmers and primary industries to take up this incredible solution.
→ To learn more visit: https://www.seaforest.com.au/ → Follow Sea Forest on IG: https://www.instagram.com/seaforestaustralia/ → Follow Sea Forest on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sea-forest-australia/ → Get the show notes here: https://www.ocean-impact.org/podcast
An inspiring and moving conversation with the co-founders of Saathi; a groundbreaking impact startup based in Ahmedabad, India that manufactures 100% biodegradable and compostable sanitary pads made from banana and bamboo fibres.
Saathi is also an OIO overachiever! Finalists, Runners Up, and Plastic Pollution Spotlight Award Winners in the Ocean Impact Pitchfest 2021, as well as Ocean Impact Accelerator Program 2022 participants. The only startup in our ecosystem to achieve this so far.
Driven by their personal experiences and backgrounds, Kristen Kagetasu and Tarun Bothra built a startup with both social and ocean impact. Kristin - a graduate of MIT - was passionate about making a product that impacted women and was sustainable, using natural materials. Tarun - deeply influenced by his mother’s experience facing menstrual hygiene taboos in India - was driven to use his business background in renewable energy and materials to make people’s lives better.
Saathi's mission is to create hygienic products that are good for the body, community and environment in a sustainable and responsible way. Addressing the combined challenges of plastic pollution, circular manufacturing solutions, accessibility to sanitary pads, education around menstrual hygiene, female empowerment and even helps alleviate poverty - by employing women and providing farmers with an additional income stream.
Did you know: Saathi Pads degrade within only six months – 1,200 times faster than conventional pads, which take around 600 years to degrade and contribute to the approx. 8 million tons of plastic entering the ocean each year.
→ To learn more visit: https://saathipads.com → Follow Saathi on IG: https://www.instagram.com/saathipads/ → Follow Saathi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/saathipads → Get the show notes here: https://www.ocean-impact.org/podcast
An insightful chat with Syrine Chaalala, co-founder and Managing Director of nextProtein, a Tunisia/France-based insect technology startup producing insect-based protein for animal feedstocks using food waste - returning protein to the food cycle.
nextProtein was the Winner of the Ocean Impact Pitchfest 2022 Sustainable Harvesting Spotlight Award presented by Austral Fisheries.
Founded in 2015 with her partner Mohamed Gastli, nextProtein is helping to tackle land and resource scarcity using insect protein from Black Soldier Flies as feedstock for a range of industries - including poultry, pork, pet foods and of course, aquaculture.
In this inspiring episode Syrine shares her deep knowledge, passion and experience for tackling the big issues of food security and land scarcity with a rapidly growing global population. Syrine also doesn’t hold back in sharing lots of great words of advice and wisdom for others embarking on an ocean impact startup journey.
Fascinating fact: 1kg of nextProtein’s feed used in aquaculture can prevent 3kg of fish meal harvested from the ocean. Now that’s ocean impact!
To learn more visit: https://nextprotein.co/ Follow nextProtein on IG: https://www.instagram.com/nextprotein_/ Follow nextProtein on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nextprotein/ Get the show notes here: https://www.ocean-impact.org/podcast
A dynamic discussion with Jesse Baines, Chief Marketing Officer for Atlantic Sea Farms and a proud Maine native with deep connections to the local lobster fishery.
Atlantic Sea Farms is a Maine-based startup - and Ocean Impact Pitchfest 2021 Finalist - creating craveable, innovative products made from sustainably farmed sea greens, all while expanding opportunities for Maine's fishing communities.
Despite a long legacy of sustainable management, Maine’s lobster industry is unable to fight the impacts of climate change with warming waters spelling disaster for the future of this proud fishery. In a bold and forward-thinking approach, the original founders of Atlantic Sea Farms recognised a huge opportunity to help local lobster fishers diversify their businesses to encompass the prime conditions and rich future for… kelp.
In this fascinating and inspiring episode we learn about the challenges and successes in helping to transform a deeply historical industry into a modern, thriving, future-proof and regenerative practice. Spoiler alert - it’s working! And that’s with thanks to the incredible work of Jesse and the Atlantic Sea Farms team.
A key call to action from this episode: get more sea greens in your diet and vote for the future!
To learn more visit: https://atlanticseafarms.com/ Follow Atlantic Sea Farms on IG: https://www.instagram.com/atlanticseafarms/ Follow Atlantic Sea Farms on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atlantic-sea-farms/ Get the show notes here: https://www.ocean-impact.org/podcast
Adam Root is the founder and CEO of Matter, a UK based microplastic technology company pioneering innovative solutions for the capture, harvest and recycling of microplastics. Matter’s mission is to improve the health of our oceans by capturing microplastics from source.
On a mission to change our relationship with water and the environment, Adam set-up Matter to provide solutions to the colossal challenge of microplastic pollution. A trained mechanical engineer and keen scuba diver, Adam worked on gas turbines at GE before moving to Dyson, where he worked in New Product Innovation. He was awarded Innovate UK’s Innovator of the Year in 2018 and 2019 and represented the UK at the G7 Summit in Canada.
In this far reaching and revealing conversation, we learn the unique origin story of Matter and the tremendous efforts Adam and his team have invested in building this pioneering startup and their brilliant innovations - including GULP - a game changing filtration unit that enables the capture and harvesting of microfibres from washing machines.
The passion and commitment that Adam and his team bring to the mission of Matter is inspiring and powerful. We are thrilled to have been able to recognise their great work as a Finalist of The Ocean Impact Pitchfest 2021 and look forward to their future success.
To learn more visit https://matter.industries/ Follow Matter on IG: https://www.instagram.com/hq_matter/ Follow Matter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/matterindustries/ Get the show notes here: https://www.ocean-impact.org/podcast
Jack Hurley is the Founder of Firetail Robotics, Winner of The Ocean Impact Pitchfest 2021 Ocean Monitoring Spotlight Award for their pioneering work using technology to increase ocean knowledge. A commercial helicopter pilot and aerial surveyor by trade - Jack is driven to help businesses ‘think outside the box’ when it comes to solving problems.
Based in Albury in regional Australia, (quite a long way from salt water) Firetail Robotics are an Australian startup delivering full cycle services to help customers ride the wave of digital transformation. From workplace safety AI systems; robotic road safety ‘witches hats’ and unmanned surface vehicles delivering coral spawn - Firetail Robotics don’t mind tackling a problem with new ideas and big thinking.
For the Ocean Impact Pitchfest 2021, Firetail were awarded the inaugural Ocean Monitoring Spotlight Award sponsored by Dicker Data for their Lagoon AI technology that is helping marine scientists to quickly, accurately and cheaply assess fish populations. The AI solution developed in conjunction with Griffith University can replace existing BRUVS methodology to bring down costs and increase accuracy in bringing hidden undersea knowledge to light.
To learn more visit https://firetailrobotics.com/ Follow Firetail Robotics on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/firetail-pty-ltd/ Get the show notes here: https://www.ocean-impact.org/podcast
Declan McAdams is the co-founder and Chairman of Pinovo, a Norwegian startup on a mission to transform the $12bn environmentally destructive sandblasting industry.
As Declan eloquently shares in this podcast - the vast majority of paint used in the world today is actually plastic. And when painted infrastructure is routinely maintained or degrades over time - enormous quantities of microplastic paint particles enter the environment.
Pinovo have pioneered innovative grit blasting technology and methods to ensure the servicing and maintenance of infrastructure, particularly that in or close to the oceans (eg. bridges, offshore rigs, vessels etc) doesn’t have to cost the earth. Pinovo’s patented front end tools enable the capture of microplastic pollutants whilst creating cost and carbon emission savings by repurposing sand and grit.
A key opportunity for Pinovo’s continued growth is changes in policy that will ensure industries capture microplastic contamination from their operations and as such, Pinovo actively engages in research and thought leadership to further this agenda.
We are always amazed by the variety of startups working on ocean impact innovations globally and Pinovo’s work to address the previously misunderstood issue of microplastic paint pollution is fascinating and critical.
To learn more visit https://www.pinovo.com/ Follow Pinovo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pinovo/ Get the show notes here: https://www.ocean-impact.org/podcast
Rebecca Percasky and Kate Bezar are the co-founders of Better Packaging Co., a New Zealand based startup on a mission to design revolutionary packaging solutions for the new eco-nomy.
Better Packaging Co. commenced their journey pioneering world first home compostable packaging solutions for the burgeoning eCommerce courier industry before diversifying into reusable mailer solutions, garment bags, tape, labels and other packaging items. Recently, the fast growing startup launched their ‘Pollastic’ range made from 100% recycled ‘ocean bound’ plastic in a coordinated effort to create a net positive impact from their products.
In this conversation with Rebecca and Kate we dive deep to discover the unique ingredients and circumstances that have helped start and shape this inspirational startup. Driven by a burning desire to build a better future and leave a positive legacy, the pair have created a company that not only succeeds in supplying transformative packaging solutions but in being certified across the board from the way they ‘do business’ to the supply chain and life cycle of their products.
In this wide ranging conversation we learn the power of a great team, great products and great relationships - especially between co-founders. We loved diving in to the Better Packaging Co. story and hope you do too!
To learn more visit https://www.au.betterpackaging.com/ Follow Better Packaging Co. on IG: https://www.instagram.com/betterpackagingco/ Follow Better Packaging Co. on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-better-packaging-co/ Get the show notes here: https://www.ocean-impact.org/podcast
Julia and Jordy Kay are the founders of Great Wrap, an Australian startup tackling the enormous problem of plastic pollution and waste generated by the stretch wrap industry. Great Wrap replaces petroleum based stretch wrap with a compostable alternative derived from food waste. Great Wrap were the 2nd Runners Up in The Ocean Impact Pitchfest 2021.
Julia and Jordy weren’t always ocean impact entrepreneurs - Julia is an architect and Jordy was a winemaker before they both leapt into the world of compostable stretch wrap and the range of applications they are pioneering for transport/ shipping, hospitality and home uses.
In this episode, Jordy and Julia inspire us with their down-to-earth attitudes and commitment to innovation in order to protect Planet Ocean. They share insights into their significant growth over a short period, their openness to help other startups and founders, and their plans for the future - including their expansion into the US.
To learn more visit https://www.greatwrap.co/ Follow Great Wrap on IG: https://www.instagram.com/great_wrap/ Follow Great Wrap on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/greatwrap/ Get the show notes here: https://www.ocean-impact.org/podcast
Simeon Pieterkosky and Liane Thompson are the founders of Aquaai, an innovative startup using robotics and biomimicry to gather critical data from the ocean and waterways.
A unique feature of Aquaai’s technology is a nature-inspired, ‘fish like’ design that moves seamlessly through the ocean allowing for accurate data collection and reduced stress in certain settings, eg. aquaculture.
Aquaai have also pioneered ‘FaaS - Fish as a Service’ and a control system that showcases real time data and quality video for rapid and precision decision making.
Simeon and Liane are genuine and enthusiastic ocean impact entrepreneurs and share plenty of valuable insights from their journey to date and future ambitions.
To learn more visit https://www.aquaai.com/ Follow Aquaai on IG: https://www.instagram.com/aquaaicorp/ Follow Aquaai on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aquaai/ Get the show notes here: https://www.ocean-impact.org/podcast
Nathan Pyne-Carter is the CEO of Ace Aquatec, an award-winning aquaculture technology company specialising in in-water electric stunners; automated waterjet bleeding; gentle contactless pumping; biomass cameras and Sea Lice removal systems.
There are many challenges in ensuring fisheries attain a high standard of ethical and sustainable practices. One often overlooked challenge is the ethical and humane treatment of fish in aquaculture and wild-caught fisheries. Thankfully, businesses like Ace Aquatec exist, helping operators maintain ethical standards and become more profitable.
In this episode of our Pitchfest 2021 Series, Nathan talks about how Ace Aquatec has pioneered new technologies and approaches and navigated the long road of building and leading a successful ocean impact startup.
To learn more visit https://aceaquatec.com/ Follow Ace Aquatec on IG: https://www.instagram.com/aceaquatec/ Follow Ace Aquatec on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ace-aquatec-ltd/ Get the show notes here: https://www.ocean-impact.org/podcast
Crowdsource Cleaning the Planet: Jeff Kirschner from Litterati | EP01 Pitchfest 2021 Series
Jeff Kirschner is the founder and CEO of Litterati, a startup on a mission to identify, map, and eliminate the world's litter.
A former world backpacker turned bartender, Jeff is a serial entrepreneur with a love for storytelling. When his 4-year old daughter saw a plastic tub lying in the woods, little did Jeff realise that it would be the spark for creating Litterati - a data-science company empowering people to create a litter-free world.
Jeff's work has been featured by Rolling Stone, National Geographic, and CNN. He is a Global Good Fund fellow, and former resident at TED.
In this first episode of our Pitchfest 2021 Series, Jeff talks about how Litterati found a business model that worked, how integrating machine learning made the app even better, and how data is driving change.
To learn more visit https://www.litterati.org Follow Litterati on IG: https://www.instagram.com/litterati Follow Litterati on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/litterati/ Get the show notes here: https://www.ocean-impact.org/podcast
Mike Smith is the Founder and Chief ‘Used Pouch Salesman’ of Zero Co, an Australian startup on a mission to untrash the planet by stopping the production of new single use plastics in the home cleaning and personal care industries. An experienced entrepreneur and founder, Mike zeroed in on developing a solution to the plastic pollution problem after an 18-month adventure around the globe with his now wife, Alyssa. No matter where Mike and Alyssa trekked they couldn’t escape the scourge of discarded plastic.
With a fire ignited in Mike to develop a solution to the plastic problem it was in depth analysis of supermarket aisles that led him to the glaring opportunity of innovation in the home cleaning and personal care product categories. Mike, Alyssa and a new recruit Kate set about building Zero Co in April 2019, launching a Kickstarter campaign to launch the business in October 2019 that raised $740k in pre-sale orders. Fast forward to October 2021 and Zero Co launched an equity crowdfunding campaign on Birchal that raised $5m in 7 hours - the fastest and biggest equity crowdfunding campaign in Australia’s history.
Disrupting a product category fuelled by multinational corporations with household brands that have existed for decades is not an easy task. Nor is building a business built on circular economy principles and supply chains that don’t exist yet. Through his tenacity, intellect and the right support structures Mike is doing what others might have considered infeasible, even impossible. Mike is the first to put up his hand and admit to the mistakes he’s made and also the first to nominate himself to try something new and bold.
At OIO we are fuelled by the growing urgency and opportunity to tackle the enormous challenges facing Planet Ocean through inspiration, innovation and ‘good business’. When you come across entrepreneurs like Mike and startups like Zero Co, you can’t help but be inspired and optimistic at the potential for this emerging ocean impact ecosystem to truly help transform the future.
For more information on Mike and Zero Co visit: https://www.zeroco.com.au/
To follow Zero Co on Instagram visit: https://www.instagram.com/zeroco.com.au/
To read more about Zero Co’s Birchal campaign please visit: https://www.birchal.com/company/zeroco
Lisa Blair is an Australian adventurer, author, keynote speaker and multi world record holding sailor. After the passionate and rapid adoption of open ocean sailing and solo ocean sailing, Lisa set off from Albany, Western Australia in January 2017 in a bold effort to break the world record for a solo circumnavigation of Antarctica. 72 days into the adventure tragedy struck when a storm dismasted her vessel - Lisa was stranded 1000 nautical miles from land with no mast and enormous challenges ahead.
Limping back to land for repairs in Cape Town, South Africa it was clear Lisa wouldn’t break the speed record but by persevering through the remainder of the leg to set the record as the first woman to sail solo around Antarctica with one stop. Lisa’s competitive spirit and ambitious goals to break the speed record have led to her repeating the adventure, Lisa will depart Albany again in December 2021 for ‘Antarctica 2.0’ with a goal to break the solo speed record of 102 days. OIO will be closely following the journey and reporting back to our community as one of Lisa’s community partners.
For anyone who has experienced sailing or traversing vast stretches of the open ocean, Lisa’s efforts to undertake these enormous adventures solo is viewed as either an amazing feat or just plain crazy. What makes Lisa so unique and inspirational is that her efforts are not just for the fame and glory of setting world records but to raise awareness of the critically important issues facing Planet Ocean. Lisa’s boat, aptly named ‘Climate Action Now’, is blazoned with graphically designed images of post it notes from people across the world pledging their messages of support for action to restore our majestic planet. Members of the public can head to her website (https://lisablairsailstheworld.com/) to add their own pledge and support the project.
At OIO we are constantly in awe of Planet Ocean and the brave people who boldly persevere through adversity to bring awareness and action to restore ocean health. If you are as inspired by this conversation and Lisa’s efforts please consider supporting the project through a tax deductible donation or by sponsoring a degree of the voyage. The Antarctica 2.0 expedition is proudly sponsored by Canva, Laurus Projects and Red Sky Insurance and a diverse range of in-kind partners.
For more information on Lisa and the Antarctica 2.0 expedition please visit: https://lisablairsailstheworld.com/
To follow Lisa on Instagram visit: https://www.instagram.com/lisablairsailstheworld/
To sponsor a degree of the voyage please visit: https://lisablairsailstheworld.com/360-degree-sponsors
Dr. Clinton Schultz is a surfer, psychologist, proud Gamilaroi man and the co-founder of First Nations owned and operated business Sobah. Sobah are pioneers of the Australian non-alcoholic craft beer industry with a distinctive unique selling point in the use of Australian native plant ingredients in their growing range of beverages.
In this podcast recorded live on Instagram, Clinton shares some of his unique backstory that sets the stage for the mission behind Sobah. Having battled through his own challenges with alcohol and substance abuse, Clinton was driven to build a business that would enable bold positive impacts on the lives and livelihoods of many.
In this first Ocean Impact Podcast episode recorded with a First Nations owned and operated startup we discuss some of the challenges associated with the flourishing Australian native foods sector where increasing demand is placing pressure on supply chains and the First Nations businesses and communities that are positioned to capitalise on opportunities whilst caring for country and caring for community.
Clinton also talks about the future ambitions of Sobah and how, by building a successful beverage business, they plan to initiate broad positive impacts in a range of areas, including: protecting coral reefs and the Daintree Rainforest. Having just closed a successful $1m equity crowdfunding campaign through Birchal, the future is looking bright indeed for this homegrown First Nations led startup.
Clinton, his wife Lozen and the entire team at Sobah are a brilliant example of how a business can be built on passion and a commitment to make positive impacts. We look forward to seeing where the journey takes them, keep up the great work Clinton and team!
For more information on Sobah please visit: https://sobah.com.au/
To follow Sobah in Instagram please visit: https://www.instagram.com/sobahbeverages/
To review the recent equity crowdfunding campaign on Birchal please visit: https://www.birchal.com/company/sobahbeverages
Dr Vanessa Pirotta is a wildlife scientist, science communicator and ‘Superstar of STEM’. Vanessa’s achievements in wildlife conservation, research and science communication have led to wide acclaim in recent years, including being the national Winner of FameLab (and 2nd globally); recognised as a Top 100 Women of Influence by the Australian Financial Review and a Superstar of STEM with Science and Technology Australia.
Vanessa’s research efforts include a focus on whales, and how novel technologies can help capture new information about the biology and behaviour of these magnificent creatures. Vanessa has received global awareness and acclaim through a pioneering methodology that uses drones to capture whale ‘snot’, a technique that can replace more invasive approaches and lead to a range of new insights otherwise difficult to ascertain.
In this podcast recorded live on Instagram, Vanessa shares her inspirational story about how a young woman from regional Australia can embark on a passion-fuelled journey to become a globally recognised and celebrated ocean researcher and science communicator. For anyone driven to make a positive difference on Planet Ocean this is sure to captivate and motivate.
With Vanessa’s passion for ocean science, communication and innovative technologies you can bet we’ll be keeping close tabs on her future efforts. Keep up the great work Vanessa!
For more information please visit:
Vanessa Pirotta website: https://www.vanessapirotta.com/
Vanessa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drvanessapirotta
Vanessa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drvanessapirotta/
Footage of Vanessa discussing whale snot capture using drone technology: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PXgFoTtwi0
Vanessa’s TED talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PXgFoTtwi0
Footage of humpback whales ‘bubble’ feeding in Southern NSW, Australia: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-09-13/whales-filmed-feeding-off-nsw-sapphire-coast/100457078
Courtney Boyd Myers (aka CBM) is the co-founder and CEO of AKUA, a US based startup on a mission to bring healthy, sustainable seagreens (kelp) products to markets across the world. AKUA launched their business with ‘kelp jerky’ via a successful crowdfunding campaign in 2017, and recently launched a new ‘kelp burger’ via an equity crowdfunding campaign that secured over $US1m on the Republic platform.
Each time we speak about seaweed and the remarkable opportunities to accelerate seaweed startups on the Ocean Impact Podcast we get a huge response, and that’s no surprise. Seaweed is a ‘zero input crop’ meaning that no water, fertilisers, pesticides or additives are required during the growing process and the result is a growing medium that is left in a better state than when it was found i.e. cleaner water.
Sourcing their sustainable kelp from a network of (majority female owned) seaweed farms along the coast of Maine, USA, AKUA is helping an industry that currently supplies more seaweed than is in demand - we all need to help change that!
A global citizen, CBM has had a diverse career as a journalist, community builder, entrepreneur and investor. Courtney is also an avid kite surfer and is most happy when on, in or near salt water.
We thank CBM for her determination and leadership in building AKUA and being a pioneer for sustainable seagreens - keep up the great work Courtney and Team!
P.S. Customers across the US can now order AKUA’s ‘kelp burgers’ online and find them on an increasing number of menus, keep an eye out and ask for one at your local burger joint!
Please visit the following links for more information
AKUA website: https://akua.co/ Order kelp burgers (US): https://akua.co/products/kelp-burger AKUA campaign on Republic: https://republic.co/akua AKUA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeakua/
Dr Easkey Britton is an Irish surfer, author, marine social scientist, artist and ocean leader. Easkey’s research, passion and writing explores human connection with the natural cycles of the environment and, in particular, with the ocean. In her new book, ‘Saltwater in the Blood’ Easkey has penned a memoir of her unique ocean story and adventures that have helped shape her own connection to the sea and enabled many others to generate their ocean story.
Easkey is part of a growing movement of academics and researchers exploring the role and enormous potential of water in healing and enhancing human beings. These include previous guests on the Ocean Impact Podcast: Wallace J. Nichols and Dr Cliff Kapono. ‘Blue Health’ and ‘Blue Care’ are themes that Easkey explores to help understand the role the ocean can perform in repairing the cycles of disconnect we often face and improving the lives and wellbeing of diverse groups, including those with disabilities.
A scan of Easkey’s website reveals a vast range of projects and collaborations that have seen her: help foster a new surfing movement with women in Iran; aid gender equality in the ocean in Papua New Guinea; drive progress in ocean health policy and much more.
We thank Easkey for her time and all that she is doing to bring awareness to the remarkable gifts that Planet Ocean provides to people and communities the world over.
Please visit the following links for more information
Easkey Britton website: https://easkeybritton.com/
Where to purchase ‘Saltwater in the Blood’: https://www.penguin.com.au/books/saltwater-in-the-blood-9781786785558
Easkey’s TEDx Talk: https://youtu.be/83YnsBQzGM8
INCLUSEA website: https://inclusea.eu/
A Lunar Cycle short film: https://vimeo.com/288338638
Sarah Wilson is an award-winning author, minimalist, philanthropist and climate activist. After a career in the limelight of media and TV and as the founder of ‘I Quit Sugar’, Sarah has increasingly strengthened her voice to bring colour, understanding and lived experiences to many of the complex social, environmental and personal challenges that we face as a species.
Sarah’s most recent book, ‘This One Wild and Precious Life’ is a personal journey through understanding the climate crisis and what has led humanity to be in our current predicament. Notably, Sarah explores the perils of western capitalism and neo liberalism and how these systems have led to the crumbling of environmental, social and cultural structures and what needs to be done to piece a better version of the puzzle back together.
Our podcast host Tim and Sarah have a long history as friends and allies in the pursuit of rational progress on environmental issues in Australia, particularly around living with less and introducing systems to reduce and better manage waste. Naturally, the conversation flows into the current situation with Australia’s political leadership and inaction on bold climate policy.
For more information on Sarah and the subjects discussed in this podcast please visit the links below:
Sarah Wilson website: https://www.sarahwilson.com/ Read: ‘This One Wild and Precious Life’: https://www.sarahwilson.com/this-one-wild-and-precious-life/ Podcast: Wild With Sarah Wilson: https://www.sarahwilson.com/podcast/ Sarah Wilson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_sarahwilson_/ ‘They Vote For You’ website: https://theyvoteforyou.org.au/ List of grassroots political groups in Australia under the ‘Voices Of” umbrella: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_grassroots_political_engagement_groups_in_Australia
Emily Jateff is the Curator of Ocean Science and Technology at the Australian National Maritime Museum (Sea Museum) and a distinguished maritime archaeologist. Emily is a passionate science communicator on a mission to ensure the ocean is understood and appreciated for its vital role in shaping a better future.
In this podcast episode we learn all about Emily’s unique career that has seen her travel to far corners of the globe and to the depths of the ocean - exploring historical artefacts that provide a glimpse into where we have come from, where we are going and how to navigate challenges that may come our way. Notably, Emily was part of the team with James Cameron to explore the wreck of the Titanic in a deep MIR submersible - it’s not everyday you talk with someone who has explored the Titanic!
Emily is performing a valuable role in Australia’s ongoing efforts to be a leader in ocean science and technology and helping the Australian National Maritime Museum to continue in it’s long tradition of documenting, researching, collecting and exhibiting Australia’s maritime history. The next big exhibition Emily is working on will be the ‘One Ocean Our Future’ exhibition that is not to be missed.
In this episode we also reference Emily’s 2020 TEDx talk ‘The Tortoise Approach to Solving Climate Change’ that reinforces the critical importance of following the scientific approach to solving problems - even if it takes longer.
We hope you enjoy this episode of the podcast with Emily Jateff - thanks for all that you do Emily!
Please visit the following links for more information:
Sea Museum website: https://www.sea.museum/
Emily’s 2020 TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFSWwLJ48iM
The UN Decade for Ocean Science and Technology: https://oceandecade.org/
Ocean Decade Australia: https://oceandecadeaustralia.org/
Watch and Listen to Emily talking about what sunk the Titanic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXYUSD1eoys
In this special episode of the Ocean Impact Podcast recorded live on Instagram, the Co-founders of OIO, Tim Silverwood and Nick Chiarelli, take a deep dive into the organisation and share all that has been happening in the past 12 months as they pursue their bold mission. The last time the pair sat down to record a podcast together was all the way back at Episode One.
Tim and Nick also answer all of your burning questions about Pitchfest and this year’s new program, the HP Generation Impact Incubator. Specifically, the founders outline the eligibility criteria and features/ benefits for each category of the campaign this year and reiterate why anyone working in a startup or business that can help to improve ocean health should apply.
Applications for both The Ocean Impact Pitchfest 2021 and the HP Generation Impact Incubator close on 21 September 2021 with applicants encouraged to complete their Step One written application asap in order to allow ample time to complete the Step Two pitch video. Both the written form and pitch video are required by the closing date.
Please visit the following links for more information and to apply:
Pitchfest 2021 landing page and application form: https://www.ocean-impact.org/pitchfest2021
HP Generation Impact Incubator landing page and application form: https://www.ocean-impact.org/generation-impact
OIO blog post showcasing the Pitchfest 2020 Finalists: https://www.ocean-impact.org/blog/pitchfest-2020-finalists
OIO blog celebrating the Pitchfest 2020 Winner and Runners Up: https://www.ocean-impact.org/blog/pitchfest-2020-winner-announcement
Belinda Baggs is a professional surfer, mother, ocean lover and Co-founder of Surfers for Climate, a ‘sea-roots movement dedicated to climate action’. Belinda is also a ‘Global Surf Activist’ with Patagonia.
The question our host wanted to explore in this Instagram Live recording of the podcast with Belinda was: “what does it take to detour from the comfort of exotic surf holidays and a life of adventure and fun to put yourself on the frontline of climate action? Why would anyone do that?”
Of course Belinda Baggs is not ‘anyone’. Throughout her career as a professional surfer she contributed to impactful causes and led from the front as a crew of impassioned ‘eco’ surfers chose to showcase both their surfing prowess and their vision for a better world in films, magazine features and their social media channels.
Joining forces with another globally recognised ‘goofy foot’ surfer, Johnny Abegg, the pair spawned ‘Surfers for Climate’ and commenced the wild ride in mobilising the surfing community to save ocean playgrounds.
Whether you’re a surfer or not, Surfers for Climate want your support to showcase a united front in critical issues that affect the ocean and coastlines that bring joy to so many humans and are home to countless creatures and fragile ecosystems.
We encourage you to visit the SFC website to explore the campaigns and initiartives they are actively supporting, including: Stop PEP11; No Gas Across the Bass; No Way In Otway; Don’t Pass Gas and Wipeout Your Emissions.
We want to send a huge shaka and some abundant ocean karma to Belinda for all her amazing work.
To learn more about Surfers for Climate visit: https://surfersforclimate.org.au/
To watch Belinda’s surfing prowess visit here: https://youtu.be/xgwJAta4gy0
To learn more about the Stop PEP11 campaign visit: https://www.surfrider.org.au/stop-pep-11/
To learn more about the No Gas Across the Bass campaign visit: https://www.facebook.com/nogasacrossthebass/
To find Belinda on Instagram visit: https://www.instagram.com/belindabaggs/
Titouan Bernicot is the founder and CEO of Coral Gardeners, a reef restoration project based in Mo’orea, French Polynesia with a mission to revolutionise ocean conservation and generate collaboration to save the reef.
Titouan has an incredible backstory that frames his passion and dedication for saving coral reefs. Growing up on isolated atolls with his pearl harvesting family, the ocean was entrenched in every aspect of his life where a healthy coral reef was essential to the survival of his family and the industry that sustained them.
Fast forward to Titouan as a young surfer who began witnessing the coral reefs he loved so dearly in a state of decline and death and you can understand his motivation in doing all in his power to protect and restore the underwater biomes surrounding his island home and beyond.
Coral Gardeners illustrate an impeccable example of how to build global awareness to pursue local outcomes that in turn will create planetary results. Through their creative communications and exceptional ability to take ‘viewers’ from all around the world into their underwater world they not only inspire and educate the masses but motivate people to support their mission by adopting corals, donating and purchasing merchandise.
If you haven’t taken a dive into the world Coral Gardeners we strongly encourage you to do so via the following links:
Coral Gardeners on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coralgardeners/
Coral Gardeners website: https://www.coralgardeners.org/
Coral Gardeners on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzyDUsGn3UfKT0dnCbwwXkA
Titouan Bernicot on Instagram (@toutiess): https://www.instagram.com/toutiess/
At 16 years of age, Solli Raphael is the youngest guest to appear on the Ocean Impact Podcast to date. An accomplished poet, author, conservationist and public speaker, Solli was just 12 years old when he was the youngest person ever to win the Australian National Slam Poetry Competition (against an all adult field). Solli has since performed his mission-driven poetry at distinguished forums around Australia including the Commonwealth Games, TEDx Sydney and on The Project.
In the podcast Solli performs some of his poetry taken from the two books he has authored: Spotlight (2020) and Limelight (2018).
As our podcast host, Tim Silverwood wanted to make a conscious effort to include the voice of youth in our conversation about the future of Planet Ocean - it is the planet they will inherit after all. It’s clear we need to spend more time listening to the feelings and expectations of youth in order to help shape a prosperous future for them and generations to come.
This podcast, recorded on the eve of Plastic Free July 2021, includes plenty of hints and tips for behaviours that Solli has introduced to make his life more sustainable and we hope you can too.
Keep up the great work Solli, we’ll be watching, reading and listening with great interest.
Learn more about Solli and his poetry and books here: https://solliraphael.com.au/
Watch Solli perform ‘We Can Be More’ at TEDx Sydney in 2018: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lm0r3yFh0zU
Learn more about Solli’s non-profit organisation Earth Enablers here: https://www.earthenablers.org/
Julie Mathers is the founder and CEO of Flora and Fauna, Australia’s largest online eco retailer and the world’s largest vegan online marketplace.
A genuine impact entrepreneur, Julie is an inspiring example of how a business leader can build a ‘better business’ with deeply held values to care for people, places, animals and the planet. Julie’s accolades for building and leading Flora and Fauna are considerable, including being awarded No.1 in eCommerce in 2019 and 2021 and Top Sustainable Retailer in 2020 and 2021.
In this conversation Julie shares a wealth of insights into her background and career working with ecommerce for large corporations that led to the journey of building her own business (with her husband Tom) that embodied their values and goals of creating a positive impact.
Julie speaks at length about the power of better business and the rise of B Corps and impact driven entrepreneurs to challenge the status quo and to help ensure people, animals and the planet are not adversely affected where possible.
There are plenty of tips and highly valuable pieces of advice within this podcast so if you are a fan of ‘good business’ or a budding impact entrepreneur then this conversation is for you!
We wish to send Julie a big thanks for her time and all that she is doing to help Planet Ocean and its inhabitants.
For more information on Flora and Fauna and Julie’s origin story visit: https://www.floraandfauna.com.au/
To follow Julie on LinkedIn visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-mathers-92149b1/
Improvise. Adapt. Overcome. This is a mantra that had been drilled into Paul De Gelder since the earliest days of his military training in the Australian Army. It’s a mantra that Paul has embodied throughout his unique life but in particular, since a Bull Shark tore through his flesh, resulting in the loss of his right forearm and right leg during a routine Navy drill in Sydney Harbour in 2009.
Since that fateful incident that almost took the Navy clearance diver’s life, Paul has been on a wild ride that has seen him become a highly accomplished public speaker, TV host, actor, author and leading voice for the conservation of the species that so nearly ended his stint on Planet Ocean: sharks.
In this podcast, recorded whilst Paul was in Australia filming for Discovery Channel’s Shark Week, we take a journey that reveals the extent to which the very existence of sharks is threatened and the critical role they perform in the ocean. It’s a captivating journey that will have you on the edge of your seat and marvelling at the grit and determination of this one man who has overcome so much to give back to the very species that nearly took his life.
We want to take this moment to thank Paul for everything he has done to protect Planet Ocean’s sharks and to extend that gratitude to all the wonderful people the world over who are driven to ensure that healthy populations of sharks exist for many more years to come.
For more information on Paul De Gelder visit: https://www.pauldegelder.com/about/
To follow Paul on Instagram visit: https://www.instagram.com/pauldegelder/
Dr. Cliff Kapono is a professional surfer, chemist and journalist from Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii. Amongst a broad and distinguished career, Bruddah Cliff (as he’s become known) has become a proud and profound voice for stronger focus and representation of indigenous voices in decision making for the planet.
In this episode, our host Tim plays the role of the active listener as Cliff shares deep insights into the reasons why Cliff, as a young Native Hawaiian from a disadvantaged community in the remote Pacific, chose academia and a Doctorate to help him have a voice at the table in decision-making and policies for the ocean in his backyard and across the world.
We discover how surfing and a life spent on, in and near the ocean has shaped Cliff and enabled him to travel to far-reaching corners of the globe to study and share his knowledge of how the blue blanket that covers 71% of the planet’s surface connects us all.
A clear lesson for everyone in this podcast is that it’s well overdue that a greater focus on indigenous knowledge and perspectives are embedded in processes and decision making for our shared future.
We wish to extend deep gratitude and respect to Bruddah Cliff for sharing his intimate perspectives and for all the work he does in inspiring and activating the next generation of ocean guardians in Hawaii and the world over.
For more information on Cliff visit: http://www.cliffkapono.com/
To follow Cliff on Instagram visit: https://www.instagram.com/cliff_kapono/
To watch some of Cliff’s films visit his YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-yySLZqrowTq4rL_zK2H3w
We are excited to bring you the first ever Ocean Impact Podcast episode recorded at sea! For this episode, our guest Jess Leitmanis was tuning in live from the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s RV Falkor as it criss-crossed the Tasman Sea to the north of Australia mapping the ocean floor in January 2021 during the ‘Pinging in the New Year’ expedition.
Jess was onboard RV Falkor as part of the ‘artist-at-sea’ program developed by Schmidt Ocean Institute to ensure that art, creativity and science work hand in hand in inspiring the masses to understand and protect Planet Ocean.
Jess Leitmanis is an Australian sculpture artist and conservationist with a deep connection to Planet Ocean. Through her work Jess explores ideas that encompass the environment, design, consumer culture, sustainability, sociology and philosophy. Jess is interested in our connection to the space around us – how we sculpt our environment, and how it sculpts us.
In this episode Jess shares the story of her artistic journey and her passion for sculpture using found objects, namely marine debris rope (ghost gear) that has been washed ashore on remote coastlines. If you tune in to the YouTube recording of the podcast you can even see a work in progress of the artwork she completed at sea during the voyage. The finished piece can also be viewed on Jess’s website and social media.
We would like to send a huge thank you to Jess and the team at Schmidt Ocean Institute for arranging this conversation and recording. For more information about Jess visit: https://www.jessicaleitmanis.com/
To learn more about Schmidt Ocean Insitute, the artist-at-sea program and the voyage Jess participated in please visit: https://schmidtocean.org/ https://schmidtocean.org/apply/artist-residency-program/ https://schmidtocean.org/cruise/pinging-the-new-year/
To follow Jess on Instagram visit: https://www.instagram.com/jessleitmanis/
Pete Ceglinski is the Co-founder and CEO of Seabin Project, a brilliant innovation that is “part rubbish bin, part pool skimmer” and helping to create cleaner waterways and oceans in 93 countries around the world. The viral video that helped crowdfund the first Seabin units was seen by 1.7 billion people and raised US$276k in 2016, catapulting the organisation to global recognition.
This is the second time we’ve had Pete on the Ocean Impact Podcast, you can tune in to Episode 2 for a deeper dive into the origins and features of the innovation and the story behind the founders. In this episode we wanted to focus on recent updates from the organisation with a particular focus on the partnerships Pete has secured to scale this ocean clean up solution, notably, the recent announcement regarding a partnership with Coca Cola.
Since the announcement of the partnership between Seabin Project and Coca Cola in late May 2021 there has been plenty of conversation online from both sides of the fence. Pete declares that 99.9% of feedback has been positive but a vocal segment has certainly made it clear that the partnership is not to their liking and worthy of a ‘please explain’ from the CEO.
So, here you have an update on all things Seabin and that ‘please explain’ conversation with Pete Ceglinski.
Please let us know what you think about the Seabin Project, the partnership with Coca Cola and the future plans for the organisation in the comments or on our social media channels.
Thanks for tuning in.
For more information Seabin Project visit: https://seabinproject.com/
To read the media release on the Coca Cola partnership visit: https://www.coca-colacompany.com/au/media-centre/media-releases/coca-cola-australia-teams-up-with-seabin-project
To follow Seabin Project on Instagram visit: https://www.instagram.com/seabin_project/
To follow Seabin Project on Facebook visit: https://www.facebook.com/seabinproject/
To follow Seabin Project on LinkedIn visit: https://www.linkedin.com/company/seabin-project/
Have you heard the buzz about asparagopsis seaweed and it’s remarkable ability to reduce carbon emissions from livestock when blended with animal feed? This podcast takes a deep dive into the wonderful world of asparagopsis through the eyes of Sam Elsom, Co-founder and CEO of Australian seaweed startup Sea Forest.
Sam Elsom previously worked in sustainable fashion with his label Elsom forging an rarely trodden path in it’s pursuit of sustainable materials and processes that would meet Sam’s standards. Fast forward to 2017 and Sam answered the call from Australia’s eminent climate advocate Professor Tim Flannery (our guest on Episode 38 of the podcast): there was no time to waste in reducing carbon emissions and drawing down carbon from the atmosphere. Sam didn’t know how but he knew the answer was in seaweed and this was his next calling.
In this fascinating episode we learn how Sam and the Sea Forest team have rapidly built a remarkable seaweed business set to revolutionise the livestock, dairy and wool industries in Australia and across the world. This is a truly heartwarming account of what is possible when you put passion, science and opportunity in the room together. We look forward to following the Sea Forest journey and hope you do too.
For more information Sea Forest visit here: https://www.seaforest.com.au/
To follow Sea Forest on Instagram visit here: https://www.instagram.com/seaforestaustralia/
To follow Sea Forest on LinkedIn visit here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sea-forest-australia/
Professor Tim Flannery is one of the world’s foremost climate scientists, activists and communicators. Starting his science career as a paleontologist and mammalogist Professor Tim became absorbed in the science of climate change having seen the impacts first hand, notably in the mountains of New Guinea where he witnessed the tree line encroaching on alpine peaks and on the Great Barrier Reef where devastating bleaching events occurred for the first time.
As the host of this podcast episode (Tim Silverwood) and a devoted environmentalist, I have the utmost respect for Tim Flannery. His early books The Weather Makers (2005) and Here on Earth (2010) were transformative to my evolving mind that wrestled with my innate sense that humans were radically transforming the planet and the science that supported my concerns. Tim Flannery helped make me into the environmentalist I am today. And I’m not the only one, hundreds, thousands, millions have listened and read his science and posturings - charging them with a fire to turn their thoughts into actions.
In this episode we focus on the current state of affairs in 2021 and how humanity’s recent experience in “following the science” to address the Covid-19 pandemic sets the stage for a renewed approach to addressing the climate crisis. Now, more than ever, humanity has proven our ability to respond to an immediate threat and navigate the disruption with our species’ interests at the centre - can we do the same for the imminent and gargantuan threat of climate change.
For more information on Professor Tim Flannery visit his Wikipedia page here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Flannery
To learn more about his new book ‘The Climate Cure’ visit here: https://www.textpublishing.com.au/books/the-climate-cure-solving-the-climate-emergency-in-the-era-of-covid-19
To learn more about The Climate Council visit here: https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/
In episode 12 of the Ocean Impact Podcast ‘Pitchfest 2020 Series’ Nick Chiarelli speaks with Dr Sara Andreotti, co-founder and Chief Operating Officer at SharkSafe Barrier.
SharkSafe Barrier, a Pitchfest 2020 Finalist, has a mission to provide the tools for an environmentally friendly coexistence between sharks and humans. SharkSafe Barrier provides a novel and sustainable solution to shark and human protection through a patented technology that incorporates a magnetic field with a kelp-forest mimicking structure, where sharks are deterred without affecting other marine life.
Sara has been involved in marine biology since the age of sixteen, when she started working as a volunteer at the Natural Marine Reserve of Miramare in Trieste, Italy. In 2008 she completed a Masters of Science in marine biology at the University of Trieste, and in 2009 she began working in South Africa to create a database of great white sharks based on photos of their dorsal fins. The project evolved to include genetic data, for a PhD at Stellenbosch University, and after six years of field work, Sara had managed to catalogue 426 white sharks from 5000 photos and collected more than 300 genetic samples. She was awarded a PhD for this research in March 2015.
SharkSafe Barrier is scientifically proven to deter both Bull Sharks and Great White Sharks, requires minimal maintenance, and in addition, the infrastructure over time becomes an artificial reef protecting marine life and enhancing biomass.
In 2020 SharkSafe Barrier was one of a number of innovations featured in a proposal to the Queensland Government as cost effective and non-lethal alternatives to the very outdated shark nets used at popular Queensland beaches. NSW and Western Australia being the other Australian states that are still using lethal shark nets. Shark nets are indiscriminate killers of a variety of marine life including turtles, dolphins, whales and sharks and the idea that they keep humans safe from negative shark interactions is not supported by credible science.
For more information on SharkSafe Barrier visit: https://www.sharksafesolution.com/
To follow SharkSafe Barrier on LinkedIn visit: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sharksafe-barriers-rf-/
This episode is the last in our 12-part Pitchfest 2020 ‘Meet the Finalists’ Series. We will return with brand new episodes of The Ocean Impact Podcast shortly.
In episode 11 of the Ocean Impact Podcast ‘Pitchfest 2020 Series’ Nick Chiarelli speaks with Fanny Sauvignon, Business Development Manager at Ingine.
Ingine, a Pitchfest 2020 Finalist, are a South Korean startup with a mission to harness wave power to supply clean, sustainable, and affordable energy to remote island and coastal communities.
Offshore renewable energy systems face major challenges due to the violent and unpredictable characteristics of the open ocean. INGINE use a novel approach to creating ocean energy through a system that remains attached to land, minimising these risks.
INGINE’s Wave Energy Converter (WEC) technology generates power using the whole range of wave movements, enabling its application even in shallow waters where conventional technologies otherwise have difficulties. INGINE’s target customers range from off-grid communities in remote islands to city-dwellers of coastal towns. INGINE installations contribute to energy security and independence, fossil fuel pollution reduction, and boost local economic development.
We thank Fanny for her contributions to creating a healthy ocean and for her participation in the Ocean Impact Podcast ‘Pitchfest 2020 Series’.
For more information on Ingine: https://ingine.co.kr/en/
To follow Ingine on LinkedIn visit: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ingine-lnc/
In episode 10 of the Ocean Impact Podcast ‘Pitchfest 2020 Series’ Nick Chiarelli speaks with Juan Peña Ibáñez, CEO of Orbital EOS.
Orbital EOS, a Pitchfest 2020 Finalist, provide satellite-based solutions to challenges in the maritime domain, like oil spill detection, environmental performance monitoring and coastal erosion. Using artificial intelligence, or AI, and high-end ocean modelling, Orbital EOS reduces the cost of monitoring by a factor of 10 while increasing the surveillance capacity by a factor of 100.
One of the primary use cases for the Orbital EOS technology (EOS Viewer) is for oil spill monitoring. EOS Viewer leverages a network of radar and optical earth observation satellites, resulting in cost-efficient surveillance of assets, even at remote locations.
Did you know that oil destroys the insulating ability of fur-bearing marine creatures, such as sea otters, and the water-repelling abilities of a bird's feathers, exposing them to the harsh elements. Many birds and animals also swallow oil and are poisoned when they try to clean themselves or when eating oiled prey.
Did you also know that roughly only 10% of the oil that makes its way into the ocean comes from what we would consider large scale catastrophic events like an oil tanker running aground or an offshore oil rig explosion (eg the Deepwater Horizon spill)... the remaining 90% finds itself there through a range of “business as usual” instances. It’s these instances that Orbital EOS are focussing their efforts (and satellites).
For more information on Orbital EOS visit: https://www.orbitaleos.com/
To follow Orbital EOS on LinkedIn visit: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orbitaleos/
In episode 9 of the Ocean Impact Podcast ‘Pitchfest 2020 Series’ Nick Chiarelli speaks with Andrew Rella, Global Director of Engineering at ECOncrete Tech.
ECOncrete, a Pitchfest 2020 Finalist, have developed concrete technology that combines high structural performance with ecological benefits to restore and regenerate marine biodiversity.
The industrialisation and development of coastlines around the world has led to a drastic reduction in important shoreline habitat. By developing artificial habitat using bio-enhancing concrete ECOncrete can both restore habitat and protect coastlines from the increasing impacts of climate change.
ECOncrete Tech offers a suite of high-performance environmentally sensitive concrete solutions that enhance the biological and ecological value of urban, coastal, and marine infrastructure while increasing their strength and durability. In addition to the ecological and biological advantages, ECOncrete’s technology also creates an active carbon sink through the growth of calcifying organisms that thrive on the structures.
This podcast episode is dedicated to Dr Shimrit Perkol-Finkel, the co-founder and CEO of ECOncrete, who tragically passed away in early March 2021.
Dr Perkol-Finkel was a widely celebrated marine biologist and ecologist who specialized in the sustainable management of urban marine habitats. Passionate about reducing the ecological footprint of coastal and marine infrastructure, she spent the past 20 years eco-engineering innovative concrete products to transform coastlines. She also defied the norm of being a leader within a male-dominated industry. Dr Perkol-Finkel was a Co-founder and CEO, a wife and a Mum and she will be sorely missed by many.
We hope you enjoy this discussion with Andrew Rella on The Ocean Impact Podcast - Pitchfest 2020 series.
For more information on ECOncrete visit: https://econcretetech.com/
To follow ECOncrete on LinkedIn visit: https://www.linkedin.com/company/econcrete/
In episode 8 of the Ocean Impact Podcast ‘Pitchfest 2020 Series’ Nick Chiarelli speaks with Sam Teicher, co-founder and Chief Reef Officer of Coral Vita. .
Coral Vita, a Finalist in The Ocean Impact Pitchfest 2020, are a Bahamas based startup that grows resilient corals to restore our world's dying reefs. Half of the world's reefs have died since the 1970s, and over 90% are on track to die by 2050. This isn't just an ecological catastrophe, but a socio-economic crisis. It’s estimated that coral reefs sustain 25% of marine life and the livelihoods of up to one billion people while generating $30 billion annually through tourism, fisheries, and coastal protection.
Coral Vita sells “reef restoration as a service” to customers that depend on the benefit of healthy reefs’ such as tourism operators and hotel operators. Their vision is to create an industry for large-scale reef restoration through a global network of land-based coral farms. Using these farms Coral Vita can grow corals up to 50 times faster than natural rates by utilising a technique called microfragmenting which involves breaking the breeding corals into tiny pieces to stimulate tissue growth. They are also breeding corals that are more resilient to climate change impacts, including higher ocean temperatures and ocean acidification.
In addition Coral Vita’s coral farms also function as eco-tourism attractions and education centres.
For more information on Coral Vita visit: https://www.coralvita.co/
To follow Coral Vita on Instagram visit: https://www.instagram.com/coralvitareefs/
In episode 7 of the Ocean Impact Podcast ‘Pitchfest 2020 Series’ Nick Chiarelli speaks with John Gradek, CEO of Water Warriors.
Water Warriors, a Finalist in The Ocean Impact Pitchfest 2020, are a US based startup that offers a circular economy solution to phosphorus and nitrogen pollution. Phosphorus is among the world’s most important chemical elements, and it benefits us in a staggering number of ways.
Most phosphorus production is in concentrated phosphoric acids for agriculture fertilizers where high levels of phosphorus runoff from agriculture can cause devastating consequences for waterways, wildlife and the ocean. Notably, excessive phosphorus and nitrogen pollution can lead to rapid growth in algaes and the process of eutrophication where water bodies become oxygen-starved, algae-filled dead zones. These impacts extend into coastlines and open oceans where coral reefs (eg the Great Barrier Reef) and important economic regions (eg the Gulf of Mexico) are also impacted.
Water Warrior's flagship product, Poseidon Pellets, was developed in conjunction with the US EPA, and is an insoluble pellet that absorbs phosphorus and ammonia on contact, improving water quality, preventing nutrient runoff and reducing toxic algae blooms. Once the pellets reach nutrient capacity, they can be used as fertilizer, returning the phosphorus to the land and reducing reliance on unsustainable sources of fertilizer. The primary markets for Waste Warriors are currently farmers (addressing agricultural runoff), and wastewater treatment plants.
For more information on Water Warriors visit: https://www.waterwarriorsinc.com/
To follow Water Warriors on LinkedIn visit: https://www.linkedin.com/company/waterwarriors/
In episode 6 of the Ocean Impact Podcast ‘Pitchfest 2020 Series’ Nick Chiarelli speaks with Mark Runnals, co-founder and CEO of PumpFree Energy.
PumpFree Energy, a Finalist in The Ocean Impact Pitchfest 2020, are a Sydney based clean-tech startup that cleans oil from water and turns waste from commercial kitchens into renewable sources of energy.
Did you know that on average each person produces 8kgs of grease per year and that 1 litre of oil can contaminate up to 1 million litres of ocean water? Did you also know that cities like Sydney still have waste treatment plants that discharge several thousand tonnes of FOG and suspended solids (SS) into the ocean every year. PumpFree Energy technology has been independently measured to reduce suspended solids by up to 65% and reduce the amount of fats, oils, greases (FOG) going to sewer by up to 75%.
Through world-first innovative technology, PumpFree Energy reduces the amounts of Fats, Oils, and Greases (FOG) going into our sewers from commercial kitchens in restaurants, pubs, hotels, and shopping centres. The FOG collected by PumpFree Energy is then sold and processed into biofuels. PumpFree is creating a circular economy by producing a resource out of a waste that would otherwise damage our ocean, reducing pollution and mitigating CO2 emissions.
For more information on PumpFree Energy visit: https://pumpfree.com.au/
To follow PumpFree Energy on LinkedIn visit: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pumpfree-energy/
In episode 5 of the Ocean Impact Podcast ‘Pitchfest 2020 Series’ Nick Chiarelli speaks with Brian Takeda, Founder and CEO of Urchinomics.
Urchinomics is a restorative aquaculture venture that aims to turn the environmental challenge of overgrazing sea urchins into a commercial, ecological and social opportunity.
As Nick opens this podcast he confesses that Urchinomics was “one of his favourite” Finalists in The Ocean Impact Pitchfest 2020 and from this conversation you can understand why.
Due to a combination of overfishing of predatory species, climate change and pollution, sea urchin populations have exploded, causing catastrophic imbalances in coastal ecosystems around the world. Uncontrolled quantities of sea urchins overgraze kelp forests and seagrass meadows, turning once pristine and vibrant, carbon sequestering marine ecosystems into lifeless, barren deserts, or "urchin barrens".
Devoid of food, these urchins then starve away and become empty shells that just barely survive. Empty sea urchins have no nutritional value so predatory fish avoid eating them. Urchin fishers have no incentive to fish them either, as they have no commercial value (no roe). Without any predatory pressure, urchin barrens can persist for decades or even centuries.
Urchinomics specifically target these ecologically destructive, empty sea urchins and re-home them into their proprietary aquaculture ranching systems. Here, they are fed a natural, formulated feed for 5 to 10 weeks until they are full of delicious roe and ready for sale to high end restaurants around the world. As a result of removing the empty sea urchins from the barrens, Urchinomics help kelp forests recover to their original majesty, bringing marine biodiversity and biomass back to coastal ecosystems. The restoration also contributes to carbon sequestration, as well as reducing the effects of coastal erosion and (localized) ocean acidification.
For more information on Urchinomics visit: https://www.urchinomics.com/
To follow Urchinomics on Instagram visit: https://www.instagram.com/urchinomics
In episode 4 of the Ocean Impact Podcast ‘Pitchfest 2020 Series’ Nick Chiarelli speaks with Dan Watson, the founder and CEO of SafetyNet Technologies.
UK based startup SafetyNet Technologies were a Finalist in The Ocean Impact Pitchfest 2020, impressing the judges with their novel technology, compelling written application and creative pitch video submission.
SafetyNet Technologies are in the business of ‘precision fishing’, creating solutions that can reduce the devastating impacts of fisheries bycatch.
Did you know that up to 40% of the total fish catch worldwide is unintentionally caught bycatch? According to WWF this includes (annually): 300,000 small whales and dolphins; 250,000 endangered loggerhead turtles and critically endangered leatherback turtles; 300,000 seabirds, and billions of fish.
SafetyNet Technologies designs and builds solutions that enable sustainable practices in the fishing industry by using light to either attract a target fish or repel non-target fish. SafetyNet’s flagship product is Pisces, a simple to use, affordable, LED (light emitting diode) device that retrofits onto any existing fishing net. It helps fishermen attract the size and species of fish they’re licensed to catch, while repelling non-target species. SafetyNet claims that Pisces can reduce bycatch by up to 90%.
For more information on SafetyNet Technologies visit: https://sntech.co.uk/
To follow SafetyNet Technologies on LinkedIn visit: https://www.linkedin.com/company/safetynet-uk/
In episode 3 of the Ocean Impact Podcast ‘Pitchfest 2020 Series’ Nick Chiarelli speaks with Tom Birbeck, Co-Founder of UK based startup ARC Marine that was established in 2015.
With a vision “to accelerate reef creation around the world”, Tom and the ARC Marine team have made significant progress in recent years, particularly in the design and deployment of their patented ‘Reef Cube’ technology - carbon-neutral and recycled concrete structures that range in size from 15cm to 1.5m and include a open cavity for marine life to inhabitat.
In this conversation Tom provides some intriguing insights into the ARC Marine journey and how important it has been for the startup to be agile and adaptable to new opportunities and customers whilst remaining focussed on their big vision.
The opportunities for ARC Marine are swelling rapidly and originating from sources that may surprise the listener, namely in the deployment of ‘Reef Cubes’ to prevent damage to large scale offshore renewable energy projects.
Tom’s passion and perseverance is evident throughout this conversation and will provide inspiration for budding ocean impact entrepreneurs and the public alike.
For more information on ARC Marine visit: https://arcmarine.co.uk/
To follow ARC Marine on LinkedIn visit: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arc-marine-ltd/
In episode 2 of the Ocean Impact Podcast ‘Pitchfest 2020 Series’ Nick Chiarelli speaks with Tom Denniss, the founder and Chair of Wave Swell Energy.
Wave Swell Energy were the first Runner Up in The Ocean Impact Pitchfest 2020, impressing the judges with their innovative approach to generating renewable ocean energy, the progress they’ve made to date and the future prospects for their technology.
Since placing second in Pitchfest 2020 the team at Wave Swell Energy have made significant progress on the installation of their major demonstration unit at King Island in Tasmania, Australia. Head to www.waveswell.com or our social media to see images of the unit now installed at Grassy Harbour, King Island.
In this episode Tom shares the unique backstory that has shaped his career as an ocean impact innovator. With a PhD in Mathematics and a passion for the ocean, Tom knew the potential of the vast untapped energy reserves of the sea. Growing up near the famous Kiama Blowhole in New South Wales it seems fitting that his ‘Uniwave’ oscillating water column design is inspired by blowholes and the displacement of air created by these natural oceanic features.
This podcast is full of incredible insights from a unique ocean impact innovator and includes some tips for future entrepreneurs on how to navigate the startup path. Thanks Tom for all that you do for Planet Ocean.
To learn more about Wave Swell Energy visit: www.waveswell.com
To follow Wave Swell Energy on LinkedIn visit: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wave-swell-energy/
In this first episode of the Ocean Impact Podcast ‘Pitchfest 2020 Series’ OIO co-founder Nick Chiarelli speaks with Joanne Howarth, the founder and CEO of Planet Protector Packaging (PPP).
Joanne Howarth is a true ocean impact innovator with a vision to eradicate expanded polystyrene (EPS) from the refrigerated goods supply chain. Her ‘why’ extends back to a previous role where she was sending tens of thousands of polystyrene boxes containing home delivered groceries to Australian households each week.
Joanne knew there was a better solution out there and after a global search found the answer on a sheep’s back - waste wool that could be turned into a naturally biodegradable and high performing wool felt that can be used in traditional packaging like cardboard boxes.
PPP are now proud to declare that some 7 million polystyrene boxes have been prevented from entering the market (and landfills, the ocean) through their innovative ‘Woolpack’ packaging solutions.
To learn more about Planet Protector Packaging and their solutions visit https://planetprotectorpackaging.com/
To follow Planet Protector Packaging on Instagram visit https://www.instagram.com/planetprotectorpackaging/
Dr Alex Thomson is the Manager of The Deep Biotech Hub at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), a lecturer in the UTS school of Life Sciences, a Superstar of STEM and an advocate for an algal bioeconomy for Australia. The Deep Green Biotech Hub is spearheading the world's first dedicated algae accelerator, having supported 90+ startups in the past 18 months.
In this episode recorded in May 2020, Tim takes the opportunity to ask Alex all the questions people with a limited knowledge of algae might ask. Dr. Alex, being a guru of the algae world, obliges sharing fascinating insights into the wonderful world of algae and the immense opportunities to be harnessed from dedicated efforts to commercialise and scale the algae bioeconomy.
For more information about Dr. Alex Thomson visit: https://profiles.uts.edu.au/alexandra.thomson
To read more about the Deep Green Biotech Hub visit: https://www.uts.edu.au/research-and-teaching/our-research/climate-change-cluster/deep-green-biotech-hub
To follow Alex on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DRAT_Science
To follow Alex on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drat_science/
Dr Jess Melbroune-Thomas is a Transdisciplinary Researcher and Knowledge Broker with the CSIRO, a lead author with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), A National STEM Superstar and was the 2020 Tasmanian of the Year. Jess is also a co-founder of Homeward Bound, an organisation that leads all women expeditions and projects to Antarctica which aims to heighten the influence and impact of women in decision making for the planet.
In this podcast recorded in June 2020, Jess shares insights into her origins as a research scientist and the unique experiences that have led her to be in the position she is today. Growing up in Tasmania, Jess has witnessed the impacts of climate change first hand and she uses these real world, lived experiences to share critical knowledge on the problems to inspire action and change.
For more information on Jessica and her work visit: https://people.csiro.au/m/j/jess-melbourne-thomas
To follow Jessica on Twitter visit: https://twitter.com/DrJessMT
In this episode we speak with Andrew Davies, CEO of B Lab Australia and New Zealand on the burgeoning B Corp Movement. The B Corp certification program began in 2006 after the founders Jay Coen Gilbert and Bart Houlahan successfully sold their basketball footwear and apparel brand AND1 and joined forces with long time friend Andrew Kassoy. Having already built the AND1 brand with deeply embedded values they faced the reality that those values were not guaranteed to exist within the business after the sale. The trio created the B Corp (B standing for Benefit Corporation) certification system to ensure businesses were obligated within their corporate structure and the law to abide by values and systems that protect people, place and planet.
Andrew Davies shares with razor sharp focus the origins of the B Corp movement and how it is burgeoning across the globe and, specifically, in Australia and New Zealand.
Anyone who has followed the OIO journey to date would notice that we've made a strong effort to align with B Corps. Within the Pitchfest Partner Network we had a range of Australian and International B Corps including: Bank Australia, Patagonia, Republic of Everyone, Digital Storytellers, Compass Studios, StartSomeGood and Edge Environment. At OIO we strongly believe in the power of the B Corp movement to rapidly and radically transform Planet Ocean for the better through impact-driven, business for good.
For more information on B Lab Australia and New Zealand, including a directory of certified companies head here: https://www.bcorporation.com.au/
To follow B Corp ANZ on Twitter head here: https://twitter.com/bcorpanz
In this very special episode of The Ocean Impact Podcast Nick and Tim were honoured to speak with Her Deepness Dr Sylvia Earle to announce the Winner and Runners Up of The Ocean Impact Pitchfest 2020. In this podcast Tim, Nick and Sylvia are also joined by Director of Ocean Geographic Society Michael Aw and editorial contributor Alex Rose.
In the podcast Sylvia shares a heartfelt keynote address on the critical importance of conserving the ocean and inspiring people across the globe to take action in whatever way they can to protect Planet Ocean. Sylvia also sends her warm appreciation to all applicants to Pitchfest 2020, encouraging those who didn't make it to the Top 12 to keep going and to apply again to future OIO Programs.
For Nick and Tim this opportunity to speak with Dr Earle marks a milestone moment in the journey of OIO and a hugely valuable boost to their bold aspirations for the organisation. Tim and Nick would like to send a special thanks to Sheree Marris, Michael Aw and Alex Rose for arranging this opportunity.
For more information on Sylvia Earle visit: www.mission-blue.org/ For more information about Ocean Geographic Society visit: www.ogsociety.org/
For the descriptions and pitch videos of the twelve Pitchfest Finalists visit: https://www.ocean-impact.org/blog/pitchfest-2020-finalists
The task of preventing and reducing negative interactions between sharks and humans has been political dynamite in Australia for decades. The dominant technology used to this day is the same that has been used for over 60 years - shark nets and targeted culling programs.
Andre Borell is the Producer and Director of the soon to be released documentary ‘Envoy: Shark Cull’ that portrays the consequences of the current shark control measures being adopted around Australia and the world to reduce interactions between humans and sharks.
Narrated by actor Eric Bana and featuring a raft of familiar faces in the world of sharks and famous surfers such as Tom Carroll and Layne Beachley, the film is set to send shockwaves as it reveals the strong scientific evidence showing the inefficacy of current approaches, the devastating toll on innocent marine life and the skewed attitudes in media and political circles preventing progress towards better solutions.
Andre Borell is a refreshing figure and force to be reckoned with in the historically complex conversation to conserve sharks and protect human life in Australia and beyond. His focus on innovation, increasing ocean literacy and adopting new thinking to solve old problems provides a breath of fresh air to a stale discussion.
As part of the comprehensive campaign Andre and his team are leading to refresh attitudes and practices to conserve sharks he has developed and costed a plan to modernise Queensland’s shark control program, with the report gaining significant media attention with its recent launch. OIO are proud to be supportive signatories on this report alongside Sea Shepherd Australia, Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS), Humane Society International (HSI) and the No Shark Cull campaign.
For more information on Envoy: Shark Cull visit: https://www.envoyfilm.com.au/
For more information on the Queensland Shark Control Program Modernisation report visit here.
To follow Envoy Film on Instagram visit @envoyfilm
Layne Beachley is the most successful female surfer of all time. Layne is a 7 x World Surfing Champion and the only surfer to have won six consecutive World Titles (1998-2003). Growing up in Manly, NSW, and having entered the professional surfing scene as a 16 year old - Layne had to become a master at overcoming challenges and taking control of her own destiny. Layne now uses her vast, worldly experiences to help other people discover and reignite their full potential.
Since retiring from professional surfing in 2008 Layne has accomplished incredible feats through her grit, determination and strong values. This includes establishing and leading a successful charity (Aim for The Stars) that helped over 500 young women and girls with nearly $1m of funds and support granted; being the first female professional athlete to become the Chair of a National Sporting body (Surfing Australia); being a highly sought after coach, mentor and corporate speaker and now establishing a brand-new online program (Awake Academy) to help people find their ‘flow’ and unlock their own ‘personal GPS’.
Tim caught up with Layne via Instagram Live and had a great chat about the current state of the world, what the ocean means to her, her life’s work and her focus for the future. Thanks so much for your time Layne and all that you do for Planet Ocean.
For more information on Awake Academy visit: https://awakeacademy.com.au/ To follow Layne Beachley on Instagram visit: https://www.instagram.com/laynebeachley/
In 2007 Abigail Forsyth and her brother Jamie had an idea for a reusable coffee cup that could address the burgeoning cup waste they were witnessing from their Bluebag Cafe chain and the rapidly growing coffee culture in Melbourne, Australia.
The KeepCup was born, and in the 11 years since launching the product has gone on to become the ‘category name’ for reusable coffee cups in Australia and around the world. With sales into 65 countries and offices in London and Los Angeles, KeepCup is a true Australian eco-enterprise success story.
In this conversation Tim and Abi discuss the journey in establishing the business, how entrepreneurship runs through their family, the impact that covid-19 has had on the ‘Reuse Revolution’ and what needs to happen next if we are to create a sustainable future on Planet Ocean.
For more information on KeepCup visit: www.keepcup.com To follow KeepCup on Instagram visit: www.instagram.com/keepcup
In this episode of The Ocean Impact Podcast we caught up with Tom Dawkins from StartSomeGood via Instagram Live.
Tom Dawkins is a key figure in the Australian social impact and social enterprise landscape, developing and contributing to a number of powerful organisations, platforms and communities to increase this vital approach to creating positive change. A ‘big’ thinker and outspoken voice on the state of the planet and its citizens, Tom doesn’t shy away from telling it like it is and adding his two cents to a conversation about how the future should look and function.
In this podcast Tim and Tom discuss a range of matters relating to social and environmental impact and the current state of the world. They also talk at length about a campaign StartSomeGood and Ocean Impact Organisation collaborated on with Austral Fisheries called the ‘Seafood for Good Accelerator’.
The Seafood for Good Accelerator is nearing its final stages with the two finalists (Farmer Meets Foodie and Seaweedery) in the middle of their critical crowdfunding campaigns right now. You can learn more about each of these businesses and support their crowdfunding campaigns by following this link. In this episode we cut to a quick call with one of the founders of Seeweedery after the chat with Tom Dawkins to quickly hear their insights from the experience too.
Learn more about StartSomeGood here: https://startsomegood.com/ Follow them on social media here: https://www.instagram.com/startsomegood/?hl=en
Support the Seafood for Good crowdfunding campaign by supporting Seaweedery here and Farmer Meets Foodie here.
A huge thank you to Tom for taking the jump online with us and we hope you enjoy (and even SHARE) this great episode of the Ocean Impact Podcast.
In this episode of The Ocean Impact Podcast we caught up with filmmaker, activist and spokesperson for Planet Ocean, Damon Gameau via Instagram Live.
Remember ‘That Sugar Film’? How about the epic ‘2040 Film’? Yep, Damon is the familiar face from these exceptionally powerful documentaries that have increased awareness at mass scale, and also fundamentally changed behaviours for many individuals and the planet more broadly. In recent years, Damon has become a profound ambassador for Planet Ocean and the sensible changes we should be making to protect it. We figured that having him jump on for a live chat during our Pitchfest 2020 application period was an opportunity we couldn’t miss.
Be prepared to be inspired by this conversation, and remember that applications are still open for Pitchfest 2020, and you or someone you might know could be in the running to take their great idea to the world. Applications close on 5th October 2020.
Learn more about the 2040 film by visiting their website here and make sure you stay up to date with Damon and his team on social media by following them on Instagram @2040film and @damongameau
A huge thank you to Damon for taking the jump online with us and we hope you enjoy (and even SHARE) this great episode of the Ocean Impact Podcast.
In this episode of The Ocean Impact Podcast we caught up with Naude Dreyer from Ocean Conservation Namibia via Instagram Live to learn more about the incredible work Naude and his team are doing to rescue entangled seals from Pelican Point near Walvis Bay in Namibia.
Growing up with conservation in his blood, Naude was always passionate about protecting innocent wildlife from human impacts but it was first hand exposure to the increasing problem of seal entanglement on kayak tours near Pelican Point that inspired him to make it his life’s work. Now Naude along with his family and a growing tribe of supporters make it a regular mission to visit the local seal colony (of 30,000-60,000 seals), carefully identify entangled individuals before embarking on a spectacular race to intercept the seal before they make their way back into the ocean. Over 1200 seals have been rescued to date.
The seals Naude rescues are playful creatures that unfortunately find themselves entangled in the increasing plastic and fishing pollution from the local shipping/ fishing port. What is initially a fun game becomes a life sentence for these seals, unless of course Naude and his team come to the rescue. The seals are not a protected or endangered species and are often seen as a pest, taking fish that would otherwise be stock for local fisheries - creating long term change is Naude’s mission but it won’t be easy.
It’s not uncommon to find passionate conservationists in communities the world over who make it their mission to to rescue, rehabilitate and protect wildlife. What makes Naude unique is that he has taken to documenting each rescue and providing a data driven insight into the problem in this small patch of Planet Ocean. Naude, armed with a GoPro and some basic video editing skills has rapidly amassed a YouTube following of over 245,000 subscribers to his Ocean Conservation Namibia account and 82,000 followers to his @namib_naude account (at 16th Sept 2020).
We salute Naude for his inspirational efforts in showing the impact one person can make on Planet Ocean and the innocent creatures who call it home.
For more information on Naude Dreyer and how you can help his efforts with Ocean Conservation Namibia (OCN): Follow Naude on Instagram Follow OCN on Instagram Subscribe to OCN on YouTube Support OCN via Patreon Donate via Go Get Funding Ocean Conservation Namibia Website
In this episode of The Ocean Impact Podcast Tim speaks with Fiona Nixon, the Head of Strategy and Communications at Bank Australia. With Bank Australia being the Presenting Partner of The Ocean Impact Pitchfest 2020 we thought it was important to dive deep into the origins, focus and future of this unique customer-owned financial institution.
Many people likely know (or care) very little about the impact their bank balance, mortgage or investments have on people and the planet. As long as the money is there and going up (savings/ investments) and going down (mortgage/ debts) then we’re happy.
But an increasing number of conscious consumers care deeply about the impact their funds are having on issues they are passionate about such as: climate change, social justice, inequality, gambling, arms, conservation and animal rights. Movements to divest dollars (particularly superannuation) from institutions and funds embroiled in such investments are growing rapidly alongside increases in ‘shareholder activism’ and the demand for ESG (environmental, social, governance) reform in boardrooms and businesses.
Bank Australia has purpose at its core. Originally established as a credit union for scientists from the CSIRO, the bank has evolved with a purpose built on ‘clean money’ and ‘responsible banking’ to service the growing demands of conscious consumers, future thinkers and everyday bankers alike. A recently certified B Corp, you won’t find many other banks with a carbon neutral stamp and a 954 hectare conservation reserve to their name.
As Head of Strategy and Communications at Bank Australia, Fiona is responsible for the bank’s strategy function and its engagement and communication with staff and customers. Fiona also oversees the Bank Australia Impact Fund, through which the bank invests 4% of after tax profits to create positive social and environmental outcomes.
For more information on Bank Australia please visit: https://www.bankaust.com.au/
Sean Doherty is a renowned surf journalist, author, publisher and voice for the ocean and the diverse cultures it shapes.
A passionate and driven surfer, Sean is also the Chair of the Surfrider Foundation Australia, the Head of Brand Engagement at Patagonia Australia and a vocal champion for the Australian Coastline and the communities that are striving to protect special places from the industrialisation of the sea and the disruption to its pristine surrounds.
Sean was a key figure in the successful ‘Fight for the Bight’ campaign and the unprecedented support from the global surfing community offered to protect the Great Australian Bight and Southern Ocean from offshore petroleum extraction and the consequences of any devastating spills.
In this episode of The Ocean Impact Podcast recorded live on Instagram, Sean reflects on the early starts to his activism, his love of surfing and the treasure-trove of characters it attracts, the diverse roles he performs, the state of Australian politics and his rapid rise as a bold voice on the future of Australia in the context of environmental preservation and political leadership.
Anyone who follows Sean and reads his perspectives knows he is a unique character and a purveyor of a great yarn and in this podcast he doesn’t disappoint.
For more information and to follow Sean on Instagram visit: @seano888
For more information on the Surfrider Foundation Australia visit: https://www.surfrider.org.au/
For more information on Patagonia Australia visit: https://www.patagonia.com.au/
Anyone familiar with the ocean impact landscape will understand that seaweed presents huge opportunities to contribute to an abundant and sustainable ocean and the growing blue economy. Despite the huge (AU$16.8bn) global seaweed industry, Australia, with its rich and diverse coastline currently only hosts a AU$3m gross value of production (GVP), lagging far behind the global leaders in China, Indonesia, The Philippines and Korea.
Jo Kelly, in recognising the opportunity to grow the nascent Australian seaweed sector, has set herself the bold challenge to galvanise and grow the industry to recognise the target of an AU$1.5bn GVP by 2040.
In this podcast Jo outlines her history and reasons for establishing the Australian Seaweed Institute and the results of her ‘deep dive’ into the burgeoning opportunities for Australia to ride the seaweed wave to big, positive economic and environmental outcomes.
Jo has recently released a report in conjunction with Agrifutures titled the National Seaweed Industry Blueprint that establishes a new baseline, clear targets, investment needs and a revised narrative around the wealth of opportunity for Australia to build a thriving seaweed sector rich in green jobs and regional growth.
For more information on Jo Kelly and her work with the Australian Seaweed Institute visit: https://www.australianseaweedinstitute.com.au/
To download the pdf Blueprint visit: https://www.australianseaweedinstitute.com.au/australian-national-seaweed-industry-blueprint-report-agrifutures
To follow the Australian Seaweed Institute on Instagram follow: @australian_seaweed_institute
Bureo first entered the ocean impact startup scene in 2013 with an innovative product and a big idea: skateboards made from discarded fishing nets. The idea was born when co-founders Ben Kneppers and David Stover, living in Sydney Australia at the time, wrangled with the idea of developing a business solution to tackle the emerging problem of plastic pollution. Ben's relocation to Chile for a new job provided an introduction to the feedstock that would go on to become their product ingredient and solution: mountains of discarded nylon fishing nets ripe for collection and reprocessing.
Bringing in third co-founder Kevin Ahearn the team hit their stride and through many varied and exciting evolutions Bureo are now recovering 800 tonnes of net annually from Chile, Argentina and Peru and have turned over two million pounds of waste net into products as varied as: sunglasses, chairs, skateboards, Jenga games and recently, Patagonia's hat brims.
In this revealing and raw podcast Ben gives us the 'founders' perspective of what it has been like to invest seven years and a whole lot of sweat into an ocean impact startup. Ben offers a range of tips, advice and guidance to other ocean impact entrepreneurs to help them on their journey and sets the scene for the future of this innovative business.
For more information on Bureo visit: https://bureo.co/
To learn more about the process of turning Bureo nets into Patagonia hats visit: https://bureo.co/pages/patagonia-hats
Follow @bureo on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/bureo/
To learn more and apply to The Ocean Impact Pitchfest visit: https://www.ocean-impact.org/pitchfest2020
Richard Leck is the Head of Oceans and the National Manager for Marine Conservation and Sustainable Development at WWF Australia. Richard has spent over 17 years at WWF where he has used his passion for the ocean and skills in leading highly effective campaigns and programs to further ocean conservation around critical issues such as: destructive fishing; protecting coral reefs, reducing agricultural pollution, preventing plastic pollution and stemming climate change.
In this episode Tim takes the chance to dive deep into the history of WWF and the approach the leading organisation takes to achieving its mission. In particular, Tim and Richard discuss contemporary approaches to supporting innovation and working with proactive businesses and partners to further sustainable development and, ultimately, government policy.
We are pleased to announce that Richard Leck is part of the esteemed judging panel who will help select the Runners Up and Winner of The Ocean Impact Pitchfest 2020. Stay tuned towards the end of the podcast to gain some insights from Richard into what he is hoping to see from applying startups and businesses. Applications are now open for The Ocean Impact Pitchfest 2020 and close on 5th October 2020. More information here: https://www.ocean-impact.org/pitchfest2020
For more information on WWF Australia and Richard's work please visit:
Richard Leck, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-leck-a1a79424/
WWF Australia, Oceans: https://www.wwf.org.au/what-we-do/oceans/protect-our-oceans
WWF Australia. Panda Labs: https://www.wwf.org.au/get-involved/panda-labs#gs.ecl8d9
WWF Australia/ OpenSC: https://www.wwf.org.au/get-involved/panda-labs/opensc#gs.eclah1
WWF Australia/ Impactio: https://impactio.global/about
Dr Natasha Deen was going about her everyday life in Newcastle, Australia when a profound call to arms stopped her in her tracks and sent her down a path of grassroots ocean activism. The call was deafening - it was the prospect of a relentless seismic testing regime that would blast 260+ decibel signals through the deep ocean off the coast of Newcastle in the search for vast deposits of oil and gas. The same deep ocean where the whales, dolphins and other marine she loved so dearly called home and habitat.
It was 2018 when Natasha answered this call and embarked on a journey that would change the course of her life. Natasha started a campaign called ‘Stop Seismic Testing Newcastle’ that later evolved into Save Our Coast. For two and a half years Natasha has put life on hold to pursue the campaign to end seismic testing in the PEP-11 (petroleum exploration permit-11) zone encompassing over 4500km2 of ocean between Sydney in Newcastle.
Natasha’s campaigning started with a cardboard sign and a hand-written petition at a local market. She has since evolved her skills to: building a contemporary campaign website and social media; developing strategic relationships with non-profits, councils and politicians; engaging with the media and building a community to support her on the mission. And all on the ‘smell of an oily rag’ and no previous campaigning experience.
In the words of our host Tim Silverwood “Natasha is the embodiment of the grassroots campaigner that’s within everyone who loves the ocean dearly and believes in standing up to defend it”. And it’s clear that grassroots activism around the Australian coast is making an impact. From the success of the ‘Fight for the Bight’ campaign to the recent decision to stop the seismic testing in PEP-11.
But, there’s a new side to this story - the permit holders are now attempting to bypass further exploration and proceed directly to gas extraction off the NSW Central Coast. Learn all about the new focus of the Save Our Coast campaign and what Natasha would like you do to help in this episode of The Ocean Impact Podcast.
https://www.saveourcoast.org.au/
https://www.facebook.com/stopseismictestingnewcastle/
https://www.instagram.com/save_our_coast/
Mark Mathews is a renowned big wave professional surfer and acclaimed corporate keynote speaker.
Throughout his professional surfing career Mark Mathews has made a name for himself surfing some of Planet Ocean’s biggest and most intimidating waves. But increasingly, in recent years, Mark has made a name for himself in a very different environment, corporate offices and boardrooms. In this two-part podcast episode Tim Silverwood explores the unique skills, traits and experiences that make Mark tick. In order to understand his own reaction to fear and anxiety, Mark has dived deep into a world of self discovery, research and networking to develop a vast knowledge that we can all learn from.
For more information, to follow Mark and to explore the references he makes in this recording, please visit:
www.markmathews.com www.instagram.com/markmathewssurf https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathewsmark/
References Byron Katie: Loving What is https://www.booktopia.com.au/loving-what-is-byron-katie/book/9781400045372.html
The Work - https://thework.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/English_LB.pdf Understandmyself.com
Self authoring suite - https://www.selfauthoring.com/self-authoring-suite
Coursera.com - Self Determination theory course
Mark Mathews is a renowned big wave professional surfer and acclaimed corporate keynote speaker.
Throughout his professional surfing career Mark Mathews has made a name for himself surfing some of Planet Ocean’s biggest and most intimidating waves. But increasingly, in recent years, Mark has made a name for himself in a very different environment, corporate offices and boardrooms. In this two-part podcast episode Tim Silverwood explores the unique skills, traits and experiences that make Mark tick. In order to understand his own reaction to fear and anxiety, Mark has dived deep into a world of self discovery, research and networking to develop a vast knowledge that we can all learn from.
For more information, to follow Mark and to explore the references he makes in this recording, please visit:
www.markmathews.com www.instagram.com/markmathewssurf https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathewsmark/
References Byron Katie: Loving What is https://www.booktopia.com.au/loving-what-is-byron-katie/book/9781400045372.html
The Work - https://thework.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/English_LB.pdf Understandmyself.com
Self authoring suite - https://www.selfauthoring.com/self-authoring-suite
Coursera.com - Self Determination theory course
Matt Draper is a fine art photographer and conservationist who uses his unique abilities and passion to capture images and stories that create an intersection between art and science.
Matt’s prestigious pieces are shown and sold at galleries and private events where the rich, famous and influential mix with scientists and conservationists to generate conversations and capital to protect Planet Ocean and its majestic species.
In this deep and considered conversation Matt shares insights into his meteoric rise that saw his photography and focus rapidly shift from the fast-paced fury of Instagram ‘likes’ to now creating highly prized, limited edition works that are coveted for their scarcity and rich context.
Tim and Matt have a friendship that stems back to 2014 when Matt was leaving a career in construction and working in mining to launch head first into his artistic career. It’s evident in this podcast that Tim is as intrigued as he is impressed by what Matt has achieved and that Matt is a willing participant in divulging the unique characteristics that make him tick. For more information on Matt Draper and his work please visit:
https://mattdraper.art/ https://www.instagram.com/mattdraperphotography/
In this episode of the Ocean Impact Podcast Tim takes a breather and our podcast producer Josh Kirkman takes on the task of interviewing multiple world champion bodyboarder, bodysurfer, and internationally-acclaimed wave-riding pioneer Mike Stewart.
Recorded on Sunset Beach in March 2020, Mike discusses his learnings from a life in the ocean, his work innovating products for the enjoyment of countless numbers of people around the world, and his thoughts on how the surf industry might be able to ‘get off the plastics’ and be part of the solution to Planet Ocean’s woes.
This episode provides some great insight into the mind of a very unique individual and we’re sure that after listening to it many of you out there will join the ‘Church of Mike Stewart’ and dive in to enjoy and protect our vulnerable pale blue dot.
For more information and to follow Mike’s work please visit: https://sciencebodyboards.net/ https://www.instagram.com/mikestewart/
It’s well reported that plastic pollution leakage is a dire problem across South and South East Asia. A lack of infrastructure, education and coordinated corporate responsibility and policy has hindered effective attempts to contain the burgeoning tide of plastic products and packaging introduced to diverse cultures.
Many initiatives from grassroots to international diplomacy exist to tackle the problem in the region but our new podcast guest Rob Kaplan spotted a big gap where investments in innovative solutions for the circular economy were lacking.
Rob Kaplan is founder and CEO of Circulate Capital, a Singapore based investment firm that aims to identify, incubate and invest in opportunities that intercept sort and process ocean bound plastics. Together with some of the worlds largest brands (Coca Cola, PepsiCo, Unilever, Procter & Gamble), Rob has established the US$106m Circulate Capital Ocean Fund that is investing in innovative circular solutions in Indonesia and India.
In this episode Rob, a passionate environmentalist with a proven track record in improving recycling and advancing the circular economy in North America shares his vision for Circulate Capital and the successes he’s achieved to date.
For more information on Rob and his work visit: https://www.circulatecapital.com https://twitter.com/robbyk
In this episode of the Ocean Impact Podcast Tim speaks with Kahi Pacarro, Director of Parley for the Oceans Hawaii and co-founder of Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii (SCH). Kahi has been at the forefront of action on plastic pollution for over a decade through his work leading Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii.
Kahi shares some great advice and insights into the challenges and rewards in setting up a non profit organisation and why, in 2018, he made the decision to transition from the non profit sector into a ‘profit for purpose’ role with Parley for the Oceans.
It’s clear to Kahi that if we are going to solve plastic pollution and ‘end virgin plastic’ there is an immense need for diversity and different approaches to tackling the problem.
For more information and to follow Kahi’s work please visit:
https://www.parley.tv/#fortheoceans
https://www.sustainablecoastlineshawaii.org/
https://www.instagram.com/instakahi/
To celebrate the commencement of Plastic Free July 2020 we held an Instagram LIVE discussion with the queen of plastic free living, Kate Nelson aka @plasticfreemermaid
Kate is a waterwoman, activist, plastic science communicator and author of the new book 'I Quit Plastics'. In this fun and lively conversation Tim and Kate discuss the problems of plastic pollution in depth and the solutions that must be championed to create large scale changes. A firm believer in individual and community level actionism, Kate dives deep into her ten year journey living single-use plastic free and how she has used social media, her blog iquitplastics.com and now her new book to inspire and educate the masses.
Kate's dedication to education and providing practical solutions to plastic pollution has been instrumental in raising global awareness of the issue and supporting individual, community and systemic action.
We hope you enjoy this episode of the podcast as much as we did.
What were you doing at 14 years old? Unlike many girls her age Madison Stewart was diving with sharks on the Great Barrier Reef and sharpening her skills in filmmaking to commence what would become her life's work: protecting these vulnerable and misunderstood marine creatures. When Spielberg took Jaws to the big screen all those decades ago a death sentence was cast upon an untold number of sharks. Fear, misinformation, mismanagement, by-catch, shark fin soup, shark mitigation and the shark meat trade have left the global shark population teetering on the edge whilst science concludes with conviction that these apex predators are essential to a healthy ocean. So, what on earth does one do about this perilous and tragic situation? In this episode Tim speaks with Madison whilst she's in covid-19 lockdown at her home near Byron Bay, Australia. Tim explores the depths of what makes the 2017 Australian Geographic Young Conservationist of the Year tick. What makes this remarkable young woman befriend a notorious Floridian shark hunter, take on giant supermarket chains for selling toxic shark meat or establish a sustainable tourism project in one of the world's largest shark fishing communities? Tune in for all the stories and answers. For more information and to support Madison's work please visit: www.projecthiu.com and @sharkgirlmadison
In this episode Tim sat down with our Podcast Producer and Communications Advisor Josh Kirkman. Recorded in February 2020 before the COVID-19 crisis, Josh discusses his unique career and life that has seen him journey from professional bodyboarder to startup founder; cleantech Communications Director; podcaster; environmental campaigner; communications specialist and back to competitive bodyboarding.
The pair share insights into their long-standing friendship that has become reinvigorated with Josh’s recent contribution to OIO. From this conversation, recorded on the first weekend of the Ocean Impact Podcast’s production schedule, Josh stepped in to produce every episode of the podcast and to offer invaluable support to OIO’s communications mission.
Josh is also the founder and producer of the Le Boogie Podcast and a contributor to the Nordic Surfers Magazine Conversations Podcast. Through his connections and experience in the Nordic surfing community Josh became a vocal figure in the successful lobbying of Norwegian petroleum giant Equinor that saw him assist in getting the word out about paddle outs in Scandinavia, documenting and podcasting about the Equinor AGM and helping generate great media exposure alongside the likes of Heath Joske and the rest of the Australians fighting hard for the Great Australian Bight.
Have you ever stood on the shore of the ocean or been tossed around in a boat at sea and thought to yourself, “Whoah, the ocean sure is powerful!”. For most of us the energy captured and exerted by the vast ocean is immense, unfathomable, incomprehensible but for some people and businesses the ocean’s energy is yes a source of wonder but also a sense of massive untapped opportunity.
In this week’s episode of The Ocean Impact Podcast we speak with Stephanie Thornton, CEO of the Australian Ocean Energy Group (AOEG). As CEO of the AOEG, Stephanie is charged with steering this industry led cluster to facilitate collaboration in the Australian ocean energy sector.
In this episode Stephanie shares insights into her unique life that saw her growing up on fishing boats, working in the energy industry and finding herself at the helm of the burgeoning ocean energy sector in Australia.
As our podcast host, Tim took the opportunity to ask Stephanie lots of the questions that you too may have about ocean energy. Who were the pioneers? Where is it working well? What are the differing types and technologies? What are the possibilities now and into the future? Stephanie does a great job in providing a wealth of intriguing answers and insights.
Peter Steinberg is a Professor of Biology at the University of New South Wales and was the inaugural Director and CEO of Sydney Institute of Marine Sciences (SIMS) from 2009-20. Peter will shortly step down from his role as CEO of SIMS after a distinguished career at the helm of one of Australia’s most respected marine research institutions.
With an interest in seaweed ecology, diseases of marine organisms, biofouling and antifouling, bacterial biofilm biology, marine chemical ecology and marine biotechnology, Professor Steinberg has more than 200 international publications to his name. Peter is also a member of the OIO Advisory Group and has provided invaluable invaluable assistance as the organisation grows.
In this episode released to coincide with World Oceans Week, Peter provides a snapshot of the state of Planet Ocean and in particular the importance of protecting the fragile edges where the sea meets the increasingly urbanised and industrialised coastline. We learn of Peter’s passion for the WOD 2020 theme ‘innovation for a sustainable ocean’ through various projects including the Living Seawalls Project sponsored by Volvo that creates habitat for marine organisms in otherwise homogenised coastal structures.
We want to send a special thanks to Peter for all his work in establishing SIMS and supporting OIO and wish him the best of luck as he embarks on new endeavours.
Louise Hardman is the founder and CEO of The Plastic Collective. They are working with communities, who are often forgotten by the rest of the world, as they fight back against the tide of plastic waste that is engulfing their environment. Louise and her team provide education programs that encourage plastic to be viewed as a valuable resource and not ‘waste’, as well as engineering solutions to help operate sustainable plastic recycling micro-enterprises.
The Plastic Collective is an ocean impact initiative that has strong and well communicated social justice outcomes embedded and their work is so important if we are to achieve transformational change both environmentally and socially.
Learn more about the Plastic Collective here: https://www.plasticcollective.co/
Ben Player is a 3 x World Champion Bodyboarder, advocate for the oceans and an entrepreneur. In this week’s episode of the Ocean Impact Podcast we learn about the depth of his relationship with the ocean, including his career as an elite athlete and a very real friendship that was developed with a specific cetacean near his office on the Pittwater.
Ben has been a long-time supporter and ambassador of Take 3 for the Sea and he’s thinking much bigger than cleaning beaches. You’ll have to listen to this episode to learn what he’s working on.
For more information about Ben Player, you can check him out on Instagram at @ben_player
How much thought do you give to the role of the high seas in your daily life? Do you consider the fact that 90% of the goods we buy have moved across the sea via maritime shipping? Have you ever wondered if the seafood you consume could in fact have been caught illegally contributing to an illicit trade worth $160bn/yr.
Ian Urbina is an award-winning investigative journalist and the Pulitzer prize winning author of the incredible book ‘The Outlaw Ocean’, which documents riveting stories rarely told about crime and survival on the high seas.
This is a must-listen podcast that will open your mind to the human and environmental injustices occurring daily on the vast blue space that covers ⅔ of Planet Ocean.
For more information on Ian and his work please visit https://www.theoutlawocean.com/ and follow @ianurbina
Ep. 7 - Capturing the life aquatic with Julia Wheeler In this week’s episode of The Ocean Impact Podcast we speak to competitive freediver, photographer, conservationist and documentary filmmaker Julia Wheeler. Julia’s passion for the wild has taken her all over the world, sharing captivating images and stories driven by her passion for wildlife and conservation. Some of Julia’s recent projects include WildShots; a four part documentary series that takes her behind the scenes of endangered species conservation; Apex Survival - a new documentary on Great White Sharks, now screening on Amazon Prime or Vimeo; and Wheeler Wetsuits. For more information on Julia please visit https://www.juliawheeler.com/ and follow her at @iamjuliawheeler
Wallace J Nichols is a renowned marine biologist, thought leader and bestselling author of ‘Blue Mind’. In this podcast Tim and J dive deep into what has become his life’s work, the study of water, our Blue Minds and the rewriting of the narrative on what healthy waterways mean. In this new story, society accurately describes all of the physical, ecological, economic, cognitive, emotional, psychological, physical, and social benefits of healthy oceans and waterways and enacts measures to protect them. This episode will most certainly have you reassessing and reevaluating the critical role water plays in your life and your passion for conserving Planet Ocean. For more information on Wallace J Nichols’ work please visit: https://www.wallacejnichols.org/ or to become a patron visit: https://www.patreon.com/wallacejnichols
Laura Wells is an environmentalist, presenter, ocean advocate and model. In this episode Tim speaks with Laura whilst she’s in mandatory 14-day quarantine in a Sydney hotel due to COVID-19 restrictions. Laura was fresh from an incredible adventure where she sailed for 19 days from Rapa Nui to Tahiti with an all female sailing crew as part of the Exxpedition voyage. In addition to discussing her recent expedition, Tim and Laura speak about their origins in becoming advocates for plastic pollution and waste and dive deep into the current state of the world and the forecast for a positive future. For more information about Laura and her work please visit https://www.laurawells.com.au/ or @iamlaurawells
What are we really talking about when we discuss ‘seafood for good’? The unfortunate reality of many fishing fleets is that they are too focused on the catch and not concerned enough with the long term consequences. Well, not Austral Fisheries. David Carter is a legitimate sustainability leader when it comes to fisheries management and in this episode Tim gets the full run-down on what motivated David in the early days, some of the challenges fisheries around the world face and the victories hard-won by Austral Fisheries and others along the way, as well as a bit more info on the ‘Seafood for Good Accelerator’ that is looking for applicants right now! When it comes to sustainable business, every industry needs its bold and fearless leader. When it comes to fisheries, David Carter is that leader. Don’t miss this episode. For more information visit https://www.australfisheries.com.au/ and follow @austral_fisheries
Scott Gooding is a chef, author, health guru, entrepreneur, thought leader and loving father. Scott is the author of eight books, including his most recent publication ‘The Sustainable Diet’. He is the creator of the ‘Reconditioned:Me’ 8-week health and wellness course, as well as ‘The Good Place’ eateries and ‘Good Meals’. Scott blends his love of health, food and sustainability into a range of entrepreneurial pursuits and in this episode Tim and Scott sit down to record each other for their respective podcasts in Scott’s home on Sydney’s northern beaches. Tim and Scott share insights into their histories, passions and focus on shared focus and passion for sustainability. For more information on Scott please visit https://www.scottgoodingproject.com/ and follow @scottgoodingproject
Chances are you’ve seen viral videos of The Seabin Project, an incredible invention that sucks in seawater to remove floating pollutants in ports and marinas. The pitch video for the Seabin Project’s first crowdfunding campaign was viewed over 1.7 billion times and helped them to raise $276k USD to further develop and rollout Seabins in 2016. Fast forward to 2020 and there are now over 700 Seabins in 50 countries. In this episode Tim sits down with co-founder and CEO Pete Ceglinski to learn the story behind the Seabin Project and their plans for the future. For more information please visit https://seabinproject.com/ and follow @seabinproject
Welcome to the Ocean Impact Podcast! In this first episode of the podcast you’ll hear from the founders of Ocean Impact Organisation, Nick Chiarelli and Tim Silverwood. Nick and Tim sat down with OIOs Strategic Communications Advisor Josh Kirkman to answer questions about their respective histories, the mission of OIO, and their plans for the future. This podcast was recorded on the 7th February 2020 at OIO’s office in WOTSO Manly. For more information please visit: www.ocean-impact.org and follow @oceanimpactorg