The Ocean Impact Podcast

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/