The Ocean Impact Podcast

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