The Ocean Impact 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

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/blog

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