Author: Jess Hartjes
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster Launches National Research on Perceptions and Pathways to Ocean Careers
For Immediate Release
October 3, 2024
(Ottawa, ON) – Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC) launched a new research report today titled “Careers in an Evolving Ocean Industry: Perceptions of Access and Opportunity Among Youth and Young Professionals.” The report highlights findings from an OSC-commissioned study gauging youth and young professional perceptions and attitudes towards careers in the ocean industry.
The study builds on previous work by SES Workforce Research & Consulting, which looked at self-reported data from youth aged 11-15 from Canada’s maritime provinces. This new study, led by Dr. Sherry Scully, is the first national study of its kind focused on youth aged 18-35.
The global ocean economy is set to outpace the growth of the broader economy by 20 per cent by 2030. Through Ambition 2035, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, together with the country’s ocean community, have set a five-times growth ambition within the context of this growth, which also represents a further increased demand for talent in ocean.
The report aims to offer insight into how the ocean industry can better attract young, diverse talent, as well as experienced talent with transferrable skills, through gauging youth and young professional perceptions around ocean careers. This includes how perceptions have been shaped by awareness, proximity to the industry, ocean STEM education, and social narrative, and how these variables translate to attracting and discouraging new talent, pathways and barriers to entry, and opportunities for building awareness of ocean careers. The findings will also enable strategies for building the capacity, competency, and flexibility of the ocean workforce.
The report notes that while perceptions of the ocean industry are generally positive, lack of awareness around the full scope of careers available in the ocean sector as well as the pathways to those opportunities is holding back individual interest in an ocean sector career. Further, that awareness is correlated with individual proximity to current ocean industry professionals, which is also a key factor in perceptions of the ocean industry. To that end, there is considerable opportunity to improve awareness and education in ocean sciences, and important considerations for industry when developing attraction and retention strategies given the key drivers identified for how youth and young workers make career choices.
Other key findings include:
- There is a need to build awareness of transferrable skills among both employees and job seekers to attract the cross-disciplinary expertise the industry needs;
- Underrepresented workers reported greater interest in ocean-related careers and more optimism in accessing those careers;
- Responses demonstrate strong optimism that careers in the ocean industry can effectuate positive environmental change, and that it is not solely focused on harvesting natural resources;
- The declared highest-ranking drivers were found to be: providing financial security and stability, having a career that is personally interesting, and contributing to a sustainable future.
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster has released the report publicly today to share insights and help inform the workforce development activity happening in ocean amongst members and partners across the country. Read the full report here.
-30-
Media Contacts
Nancy Andrews
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca
About Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster accelerates the development and commercialization of made-in-Canada ocean solutions in energy transition, food security, future of transport, and climate change while also growing more companies, creating more jobs, and attracting ocean talent. As Canada’s national ocean cluster, the OSC is a convenor of members, partners, and networks and a catalyst for transformative growth that helps build the robust ecosystem needed to help realize Ambition 2035 – a 5X growth potential in ocean in Canada by 2035. To date, the OSC has approved more than 100 projects which will deliver more than 220 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world. For more information visit oceansupercluster.ca
Quotes
“Canada’s ocean sector has a 5X growth potential that can help transform our economy, creating more good jobs, and positioning Canada as a leader in ocean innovation. We will not achieve that ambition without a well-skilled, diverse workforce that is engaged in a broad range of exciting jobs that are needed to support that innovation and growth. We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to partner with Dr. Sherry Scully on this work, recognizing it serves as the foundation we can build strategies and our activities around how to best create awareness, excitement, and pathways to careers in the ocean sector that will attract the talent we need while also removing barriers for under-represented groups who may have not otherwise considered a career in ocean.” – Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
“This research is so important as we are competing for talent with every other industry, and we need to understand how we can catch the interest of good talent – how can we make the ocean industry stand out when young people are contemplating which career path to pursue? The timeline for building a talent pipeline is shortening, and it’s not just about building capacity. The ocean industry needs a workforce that is capable, reliable, stable, skilled, diverse, and adaptable. That’s not a small ask – but it is doable.” – Sherry Scully, Director of Workforce Development for The PIER at the Seaport
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster Signs MOU with U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
For Immediate Release
September 26, 2024
(HALIFAX, NS) – During the OCEANS 2024 conference in Halifax, NS, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC) and the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Ocean Service (NOS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize their collaboration and advance shared priorities in the sustainable development of the ocean economy.
With shared borders spanning three oceans and the Great Lakes, close collaboration between ocean industries in the U.S. and Canada is imperative. Formalizing the relationship between OSC and NOAA means improving the coordination around joint objectives including convening industry, academia and governments to develop greater connections in both countries, sharing knowledge and technical information, and collectively supporting ocean workforce development.
This partnership will support the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, while contributing to the health of the marine and coastal ecosystem. These joint activities will also work to grow the societal, economic, and environmental benefits of the ocean economy.
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster looks forward to a productive and active partnership with the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the benefits it will yield for the ocean economy and the health of the planet.
-30-
Media Contacts
Nancy Andrews
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca
About Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster accelerates the development and commercialization of made-in-Canada ocean solutions in energy transition, food security, future of transport, and climate change while also growing more companies, creating more jobs, and attracting ocean talent. As Canada’s national ocean cluster, the OSC is a convenor of members, partners, and networks and a catalyst for transformative growth that helps build the robust ecosystem needed to help realize Ambition 2035 – a 5X growth potential in ocean in Canada by 2035. To date, the OSC has approved more than 100 projects which will deliver more than 220 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world. For more information visit oceansupercluster.ca
About NOAA
Climate, weather, and water affect all life on our ocean planet. NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict our changing environment, from the deep sea to outer space, and to manage and conserve America’s coastal and marine resources. See how NOAA science, services, and stewardship benefit your community: Visit noaa.gov for our latest news and features, and join us on social media.
Quotes
“This memorandum of understanding is an important step in fostering and strengthening collaboration between Canada and the United States in addressing ocean challenges,” says the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “The Ocean Cluster is helping to drive transformative solutions in our oceans, leveraging innovation and working with like-minded countries to build a stronger, more sustainable and more prosperous ocean economy in Canada.”
“From tackling climate challenges to transition of energy to food security to how we move our goods, the ocean is at the heart of addressing some of the biggest shared global challenges we face today, while also creating significant opportunity for workforce development and economic growth in the process,” said Kendra MacDonald, CEO of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster. “Today’s formal agreement between Canada’s Ocean Supercluster and NOAA represents a joint commitment to working together in context of this opportunity, increasing collaboration between Canada and the US in the ocean sector, and outcomes with a greater reach than either partner could achieve alone.”
“We’re excited about this collaboration to join Canada’s Ocean Supercluster in support of the Ocean Enterprise. It’s great to be joining forces across the border with our Canadian colleagues and build upon their proven success working with technology clusters to collectively advance ocean science and technology to meet societal needs.” – Carl Gouldman , NOAA’s U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System Office Director
The Power of Diversity in Ocean Innovation and Conservation
By: Serena Nguyen (she/her) Founder, CEO & Principal Consultant Evolve Oceans
Earlier this year, I attended several ocean conferences, including the UN Ocean Decade, World Ocean Summit & Expo, H2O, and Oceanfest. While inspiring and insightful for those who could attend, something felt off.
Looking back, I realized that in those events, and the many smaller group discussions with leaders committed to tackling urgent ocean issues, there were very few people who looked like me…few or no other people of colour and limited gender or cultural diversity on stage or in the rooms. We discussed the importance of our ocean and its biodiversity, yet diverse voices, perspectives and experiences were missing from the conversation.
The parallels between human diversity and ocean biodiversity are not just interesting, but crucial. Our ocean, which covers 80% of the planet, is home to countless life forms, many of which are yet to be discovered. The diversity of these life forms is vital for climate regulation, food security, and oxygen production. However, as we face threats like climate change, overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction, it’s clear that we need to do more. We need to fully integrate the diversity of human perspectives, knowledge, and cultural practices to develop effective solutions to protect our ocean.
For example, generations of Indigenous Peoples and coastal communities have developed a deep, long-standing connection to the ocean. Their traditional knowledge and sustainable practices have preserved marine ecosystems for millennia. The Maori in New Zealand and Indigenous Peoples in the Pacific Northwest have managed their coastal resources sustainably, maintaining healthy fish populations and habitats. A 2021 UN report noted that Indigenous Peoples manage or hold tenure over 25% of the world’s land surface, supporting 80% of global biodiversity. Despite their invaluable contributions, these communities are often marginalized in ocean conservation, science, and policy.
To make meaningful progress in our efforts to grow, innovate, and protect ocean health and the blue economy, we must break out of our echo chambers and include more diverse experiences, skills, and perspectives. This won’t happen so long as I, and others like me, have to push to get into these rooms.
The intersection of human diversity and ocean biodiversity is not just about inclusion but survival. As we face unprecedented environmental challenges, leveraging the full spectrum of human knowledge and experience is crucial for developing sustainable solutions. By valuing and incorporating contributions from all communities and sectors, we can create the solutions needed for more resilient and thriving ecosystems in the ocean and on land.
So, the next time you ask yourself how you can contribute to the ocean, know that your diverse perspective, experiences, and skills can help create the next critical solution needed to protect our ocean and all life on land.
It’s time to bring more diversity into the blue economy. Are you interested in joining me?
Charting a Sustainable Future as We Celebrate Our Partners, Founders and Launch Phase Three of the Ocean Startup Project
By: Dr. Paula Mendonça (she/her) Executive Director, Ocean Startup Project
Our collective vision for Canada’s ocean economy is a bold one; reaching a target of 5x growth by 2035. This will require innovative solutions from companies of every size, including startups who are working to rethink how we can create a more sustainable future. As the Ocean Startup Project launches into Phase Three, we are excited to celebrate our founders’ remarkable achievements and look ahead to the impact emerging companies will have.
It wasn’t long ago that innovation and tech ecosystem leaders from across the Atlantic provinces met to discuss how to best collaborate and support ocean startups. They recognized that generating more ocean technology startups could significantly contribute to Canada’s ocean economy and the broader international blue economy. This understanding combined with a willingness to collaborate led to the Ocean Startup Project’s creation in 2020, launched as an initiative under Canada’s Ocean Supercluster. Our original partners included Genesis in Newfoundland and Labrador, Springboard Atlantic and Invest Nova Scotia (then Innovacorp), Prince Edward Island BioAlliance, New Brunswick Innovation Foundation, Creative Destruction Lab and federal and provincial governments. Our mandate was clear and continues to be: we’re making Canada the best place in the world to start and grow an ocean company.
I was thrilled to be brought into the Project to work with the previous executive director and the team in the early days as new initiatives and programs were rapidly developed and launched (in the midst of a global pandemic nonetheless). Now as the new executive director, I have the pleasure of working even closer with these incredibly knowledgeable individuals who are truly committed to the success of early-stage ocean innovators.
Canada’s ocean startup ecosystem quickly gained impressive momentum and in 2022, we expanded our focus from pan-Atlantic to national to support more ocean innovators across the country. We welcomed new partners, British Columbia-based Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies (COAST) and Quebec-based Technopole Maritime du Quebec (TMQ).
We’ve also seen various ocean-focused organizations and hubs emerge across the country. The increasing support for ocean innovation is a strong signal that ocean startups and the sustainable technologies they are developing have an increasingly important role in mitigating the impact of climate change, improving ocean health, and of course, in building Canada’s ocean economy.
We measure our success by the achievements of our startups and in just four years, we have incredible stories from the 184 startup teams we have supported. We’ve seen companies such as On Deck Fisheries (BC), CORSphere (NL), Scient (NS) and Coastal Carbon (ON) use AI for sustainable ocean growth and receive significant Canada’s Ocean Supercluster funding.
Our startups have raised more than $20 million, created more than 375 jobs, participated in various national and international accelerator programs, and emerged as leaders in the ocean sector, inspiring the next generation of ocean startup innovators.
As we look to the future, our vision remains bold: Canada is and will continue to be the best place to start and grow an ocean startup. With the world’s longest coastlines, we have unparalleled access to our beautiful waters. Our partners from across the country are committed to supporting our work and collaborating to create programs and initiatives that ensure our ocean startup ecosystem is connected, thrives and becomes self-sustaining. This will enable us all, around the world, to reap the benefits of the innovative work being done by ocean startups now and in the future.
Thank you to our partners, early-stage founders, and all involved in this journey. Together, we are making waves in the ocean tech industry. Let’s continue to push boundaries and innovate for a sustainable future.
Mi’kmaq–led ocean science expedition
By: Ken Paul (he/him/nekom) Principal / Owner Pokiok Associates
On June 25, 2024, Miawpukek Horizon have just completed a 13-day, Mi’kmaq-led ocean science expedition on-board the Oqwatnukewey Eleke’wi’ji’jit – Polar Prince. The ship, owned by Miawpukek First Nation and Maritime Horizon, is a former Coast Guard ice breaker that is used and leased out by scientific organizations and NGOs to conduct research, training, and data collection at sea.
This past winter, Miawpukek Horizon had began an ambitious plan to not only coordinate research partners for the cruise, but also secure funding support from Ulnooweg Development Group to create a learning environment for Mi’kmaq youth. Youth members of the Qalipu First Nation, Miawpukek First Nation, and Jr. Canadian Rangers occupied the vessel for each of the 3 legs of the cruise. The first leg started in Stephenville and focused on the South Coast Fjords, which is an area of interest for researchers and coastal communities, and is a long term project to create a marine Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area led by the Miawpukek First Nation.
The second leg was focused on research and data collection in Bay d’Espoir which included underwater cameras, bottom grabs, conductivity/temperature/depth measurements, and water sampling. The youth were involved with the ship-borne data collection and presented with the analysis to give them hands-on experience in ocean research. We were also treated to a community cultural celebration in the community of Miawpukek First Nation along with a feast that included grilled salmon and moose stew.
The last leg was to give experience to the Jr. Canadian Rangers on the expedition to the Funk Islands Marine Protected Area. The assessments on the site were conducted by Memorial University and the cruise concluded in St. John’s on the 25th.
Indigenous-led projects in the ocean science sector are rare. Miawpukek Horizon is taking a bold approach towards enabling Mi’kmaq-led science that will include a two-eyed seeing integrative approach with Indigenous Knowledge Systems. The June expedition, led by the Miawpukek First Nation, is the first ship-borne science expedition on the south coast of Newfoundland organized and delivered with partners by an Indigenous group in Canada. The long term view is to prepare youth for careers in the ocean research sector, focus on research priorities in the marine environment, and continue research and data collection towards creating protected areas for First Nations and coastal communities.
Miawpukek Horizon would like to acknowledge the following partners, without whom this Mi’kmaq-led science expedition could not have occurred:
- Ocean Networks Canada
- Audubon Society
- PEW Foundation
- Royal Canadian Geographic Society
- South Coast Fjords Protected Area Steering Committee.
- Department of Fisheries and Oceans (NL)
- Marine Institute at Memorial University
- Pokiok Associates
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announces $2.2m project to optimize maritime supply chain operations and reduce emissions
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announces $2.2m project to optimize maritime supply chain operations and reduce emissions
(Ottawa, ON) Today, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC) announced the Optimizing Maritime Supply Chain Operations Project to establish real-time carbon emissions monitoring and mitigation tools, integrated with advanced data analytics and tracking systems to align with sustainability goals. The project will enhance maritime supply chain efficiency, sustainability, and security, aligning with environmental goals by monitoring and reducing emissions.
Led by OceanSync in Halifax, NS, a key innovation of the new OSC project is the development of a Modal Optimization Tool (MOT) to create a resilient cargo distribution network which considers the CO2e associated with various route/modal choice, as well as modelling that includes climate change-related weather challenges and cybersecurity measures. The incorporation of real-time marine weather data into the risk models and the use of machine learning for dynamic risk analysis represent technological advancements in safety and risk management. The project’s risk framework will improve safety, positioning Canada as a technology leader and attracting international collaboration.
Together with partners BlueNode by Everstream Analytics and Bespoke Global Logistics & Strategies, this project has a total value of almost $2.2 million where Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is contributing almost $875,000 and the balance of funding coming from project partners.
Global port traffic, exceeding $4 trillion and handling 90% of global trade, faces challenges in reliability, particularly in maritime shipping where on-time arrival rarely exceeds 60%. This discrepancy prompts many organizations, especially those reliant on timeliness, to opt for air freight despite its higher carbon intensity and costs. The root cause lies in effective decision-making rather than transport efficacy. To foster growth in maritime shipping, an effective decision tool is imperative, one that considers speed, reliability, costs, carbon intensity, and external factors like weather and labor relations. The Optimizing Maritime Supply Chain Operations project aims to revolutionize logistics by introducing a Modal Optimization Tool (MOT) to enhance supply chain agility and resilience.
Quotes
“Supply chains are a crucial part of any business and essential for the health of our global economy, yet they face ever-increasing risk from natural disasters, geopolitical factors, and other disruptions,” said Jon Bovit, VP of Public Sector and Trade at BlueNode by Everstream Analytics. “Together with Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, we’re taking supply chain and trade intelligence further to enable global organizations to understand how to get their raw materials and products to customers safely and quickly while optimizing for speed, security, and sustainability.”
About Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster accelerates the development and commercialization of made-in-Canada ocean solutions in energy transition, food security, future of transport, and climate change while also growing more companies, creating more jobs, and attracting ocean talent. As Canada’s national ocean cluster, the OSC is a convenor of members, partners, and networks and a catalyst for transformative growth that helps build the robust ecosystem needed to help realize Ambition 2035 – a 5X growth potential in ocean in Canada by 2035. To date, the OSC has approved almost 100 projects which will deliver more than 220 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world. For more information visit oceansupercluster.ca
About BlueNode by Everstream Analytics
The world’s best supply chains run on Everstream Analytics. Through the application of artificial intelligence and predictive analytics to its vast proprietary dataset, Everstream delivers the predictive insights and risk analytics businesses need for a smarter, more autonomous and sustainable supply chain. Everstream’s proven solution integrates with procurement, logistics and business continuity platforms generating the complete information, sharper analysis, and accurate predictions required to turn the supply chain into a business asset. To learn more, visit https://www.everstream.ai/.
Media Contacts:
Nancy Andrews
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announces $7M project expediting the development and commercialization of electric propulsion systems
(Ottawa, ON) Today, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC) announced the Canadian Electric Propulsion Acceleration Coalition (CEPAC) Project to expedite the development and commercialization of electric propulsion systems through collaboration among marine industry stakeholders. By advancing electric propulsion systems collaboratively, CEPAC boosts Canada’s marine industry competitiveness, establishes a domestic, coast-to-coast supply chain, and fosters job creation.
Led by Photon Marine Canada in Victoria, BC, the CEPAC aims to establish a Canadian electric boat manufacturing supply chain, addressing challenges such as fleet electrification and hull design optimization. The Coalition’s diversity – which includes boat manufacturers, charging infrastructure providers, an electric outboard motor company, and an indigenous deep-water testing facility – ensures technology scalability.
Together with partners in Canada’s Ocean Playground Nova Scotia; BlueGrid, Rosborough Boats, ABCO Industries Inc, and in Beautiful British Columbia; Malahat Solutions, VoltSafe Inc., and Mostar Labs Inc., this project has a total value of more than $7 million. Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is contributing $2.7 million and the balance of funding coming from project partners.
This new OSC project not only delivers significant economic benefit but also contributes to environmental sustainability, reduces reliance on foreign entities, and drives innovation. CEPAC also addresses workforce needs, supporting a diverse, skilled workforce ready to tackle climate challenges. Overall, CEPAC propels Canada towards a greener, more prosperous future.
Quotes
“Our government is excited to support Canada’s Ocean Supercluster as it advances initiatives that promote sustainability while bolstering industry competitiveness and economic growth,” said the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “The Canadian Electric Propulsion Acceleration Coalition project, one of three projects announced today, will help accelerate the development and commercialization of electric propulsion systems in Canada, reducing emissions and supporting innovation in the sector and creating job opportunities for Canadians.”
“The CEPAC Project brings together collaborators from across the ocean sector to advance electric propulsion capabilities, increase Canada’s competitiveness globally, while both contributing to environmental targets, benefits for communities, and economic growth potential under Ambition 2035,” said Kendra MacDonald, CEO of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster. “Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is thrilled to co-invest in this project with the project team which will help increase domestic supply chain and create good jobs.”
“The CEPAC initiative will allow us to accelerate the transition to electric propulsion across key maritime sectors while reducing commercialization risk for the consortium members,” said Marcelino J. Alvarez, CEO of Photon Marine. “Canada’s leadership in maritime decarbonization sets an example for the rest of the world.”
Andrew Boswell, CEO of BlueGrid, noted, “Vessel and energy data plays a major role throughout the design, operations, and commercialization elements of the project. Insights from customers’ existing conventionally powered vessels will be captured and used to inform everything from infrastructure deployment to hull designs, and then the new electric vessel data will be used to optimize performance to charging. This industry-leading use of data accelerates getting hundreds of electric boats in use, and we are thrilled to be a founding partner of CEPAC.”
“Malahat Solutions Inc. is proud to be the testing facility for this project. As a pivotal indigenous testing facility specializing in climate change adaptation and sustainability solutions, we’re eager to contribute to building generational knowledge for climate change mitigation and adaptation” said Allison Dame, Director of Partnerships at Malahat Solutions Inc. “Located within the diverse terrains of the Malahat Eco-Industrial Park, our partnership with the Malahat Nation allows us to integrate traditional ecological knowledge with cutting-edge technology. This unique collaboration enhances our ability to create and evaluate innovative solutions, driving meaningful impact and long-term climate adaptability for Indigenous communities and beyond.”
“In order to deliver on the demands of the commercial customer, safe, reliable charging infrastructure is critical. VoltSafe’s innovative technology ensures safe and efficient energy transfer, eliminating risks and enhancing energy management,” said Co-Founder & CEO of VoltSafe, Trevor Burgess. “VoltSafe is excited to be part of CEPAC, bringing our disruptive shore power solution forward as a key contributor in this proactive coalition of outstanding Canadian companies. We’re partnering together to achieve transformative growth in a sustainable blue economy.”
“This program will allow us to demonstrate the viability of electric propulsion to our Professional Marine Operators in Canada and abroad,” said Heaton Rosborough of Rosborough Boats. “It gives us a platform to scale our existing electric vessel program,” noted Colin Ross of ABCO Boats.
About Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster accelerates the development and commercialization of made-in-Canada ocean solutions in energy transition, food security, future of transport, and climate change while also growing more companies, creating more jobs, and attracting ocean talent. As Canada’s national ocean cluster, the OSC is a convenor of members, partners, and networks and a catalyst for transformative growth that helps build the robust ecosystem needed to help realize Ambition 2035 – a 5X growth potential in ocean in Canada by 2035. To date, the OSC has approved close to 100 projects which will deliver more than 220 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world. For more information visit oceansupercluster.ca
Media Contacts:
Nancy Andrews
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announces $5M project to advance kelp farming and carbon fixation assessment
(Ottawa, ON) Today, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC) announced the Verifying Ocean Climate Impacts Project to address the urgent need in the ocean industry for sustainable, scalable, and measurable solutions to evaluate kelp’s impact on carbon fixation, biodiversity, and ocean health.
Led by veritree Technology Inc. in Vancouver, BC, the project aims to develop robust methodologies for carbon fixation assessment, construct energy-efficient floats, establish microhatcheries for seed cultivation, train a skilled workforce, and implement an MRV system. Additionally, an Ocean Restoration SOP, with an integrated Ocean Index, will guide project evaluation.
Together with partner Coastal Kelp Inc., this project has a total value of almost $5 million where Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is contributing $2.1M under with the balance of funding coming from project partners.
The scalable design ensures benefits can be accessed across different regions, promoting inclusivity. The implementation of the Ocean Restoration SOP and Ocean Index empowers communities to manage local restoration projects, enhancing their sense of ownership and commitment to sustainability. Furthermore, the project aims to establish a complete value chain for verified ocean restoration impacts, positioning Canada as a leader in this field and providing a framework adaptable for global use.
By providing workforce development training in kelp farming and restoration techniques, this project creates sustainable employment opportunities, particularly in coastal and Indigenous communities. This not only supports economic growth but also fosters engagement in the blue economy.
Quotes
“Our government is excited to support Canada’s Ocean Supercluster as it advances initiatives that promote sustainability while bolstering industry competitiveness and economic growth,” said the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “The Verifying Ocean Climate Impacts project, one of three projects announced today, will support economic opportunities for coastal and Indigenous communities and will position Canada as a leader in sustainable ocean restoration practices.”
“Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is proud to co-invest in the Verifying Ocean Climate Impacts Project, recognizing the need for sustainable, scalable, and measurable solutions to evaluate kelp’s impact on carbon fixation, biodiversity, and ocean health,” said Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster. “This project will help empower communities focused on restoration activity, creating jobs and new growth, and building towards a more sustainable ocean future.”
About Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster accelerates the development and commercialization of made-in-Canada ocean solutions in energy transition, food security, future of transport, and climate change while also growing more companies, creating more jobs, and attracting ocean talent. As Canada’s national ocean cluster, the OSC is a convenor of members, partners, and networks and a catalyst for transformative growth that helps build the robust ecosystem needed to help realize Ambition 2035 – a 5X growth potential in ocean in Canada by 2035. To date, the OSC has approved close to 100 projects which will deliver more than 220 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world. For more information visit oceansupercluster.ca
Media Contacts:
Nancy Andrews
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca
Global Seaweed Connectivity: A Colourful Future?
By: Phoebe Lewis, Marine Science Researcher and Designer
How does a researcher in the North East of England meet the CEO of the Pacific Seaweed Industry Association (PSIA)? The answer is at a small pub on the west coast of Scotland, but it wasn’t a love of whiskey that brought us together, instead, a (healthy) obsession with seaweed which only grew during the 2023 Scottish Seaweed Industry Association (SSIA) conference held in Oban, UK.
On reflection, the SSIA conference showcased such an inspiring collection of expertise and diverse perspectives, but also highlighted how uniquely fragmented the seaweed industry really is. The UK and Canada’s seaweed industry’s unique fragmentation is largely down to them both being in their infancy. Whilst this might seem a little disheartening, it’s actually one of the most exciting aspects of the industry – we are still in a position to decide how it grows, which is not something that can be said for many other industries. That is why I first found the work of the PSIA to be so valuable, they are paving the way to connect farmers to product developers to academics to engineers to conservationists to communities and everyone in between – all under the notion of ‘let’s make this work, but actually work’.
Fast forward 5 months and I have been fortunate enough to join Mark Smith, CEO and President, of the PSIA on Vancouver Island for a deep dive into the west coast of Canada’s seaweed industry. The opportunity for this came about after being successful in a knowledge transfer grant awarded by the Doctoral College at Newcastle University – one small step closer to global seaweed connectivity. Since arriving in Canada, Mark and I have embarked on a journey across some of the jaw-dropping scenery of Vancouver Island, meeting with industry insiders and enthusiasts to map out pathways for sustainable growth. This has been an opportunity for me, a designer now turned marine scientist, to build on my own research with international connections. My focus has always been on developing sustainable products that help restore marine ecosystems and coastal communities, most recently, this has involved extracting pigments from seaweed for commercial use in textile dyes.
Whilst each of the colour swatches in the photo above showcase my own journey of material exploration and growth in understanding, there is still a big disconnect between that and implementing a sustainable product into a well-defined supply chain. To move forward with this work and maintain alignment with my evolving climate concerns, I am developing a framework to assess the viability of new pigment sources by asking two key questions: ‘can it be done?’ and ‘should it be done?’. The former is understanding if obtaining the pigments is possible and the latter being an evaluation of the social, environmental and economic impacts at each stage of the supply chain. Embedding these simple questions across the wider context of the conversations being had with people during my time in Canada has sparked creativity and new ideas for the PSIA. One of the ideas that Mark and I are working together on is to connect the voices of the industry and create a platform in which to showcase the stories that make up this very eclectic mix of innovations, opportunities and life-long passions. Keep an eye out later this year!
I’m very grateful to have been at that pub in Oban last year and to now be working alongside the very dedicated PSIA. The conversations so far have been very encouraging to see such a strong desire to collaborate and share knowledge in the journey to a common goal – building what we hope to be a safe and sustainable, globally connected industry that protects biodiversity and empowers communities.
Growing the Blue Economy
By: Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
As the CEO of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, I am continually reminded of a striking reality: Canada, a nation blessed with the world’s longest coastline, currently captures only about half the global average value from our ocean economy. Recognizing this underutilization presents a significant opportunity for improvement, not only economically but also for the betterment of our planet’s well-being.
Recently, during an interview on the Insights Podcast with Don Mills and David Campbell, I had the opportunity to explore a number of topics including the collective ocean ambition for Canada we launched last year, Ambition 2035. This national platform is designed to bring Canada’s ocean network together around the potential to grow Canada’s sustainable ocean economy 5X by the year 2035.
For the complete podcast, listen here: Canada’s Ocean Supercluster – Growing the Blue Economy with Kendra MacDonald, CEO of OSC