By: Ralph Eldridge, Indigenous Engagement Lead, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

Truth and Reconciliation are two very powerful words in the modern Canadian lexicon. Separately, they sit as idle words but when paired they represent a dark past, a painful present, and a country’s continuing effort to make reparations with its Indigenous peoples.

This week, for the first time, we pause as a country to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to commemorate the lost children of residential schools, survivors, and the generations of those who continue to be affected by this legacy of trauma. It was first proposed, nearly six years ago, as one of 94 Calls to Action of the TRC’s final report. Although a long time in the making, the creation of this new federal statutory holiday was announced quickly after the very painful confirmation of an estimated 200 burial sites at a former BC residential school on the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation and later followed by further evidence by the Cowessess First Nation of an additional 750 unmarked graves at a former residential school in Saskatchewan.

It is estimated that over 150,000 Indigenous children were ripped from the grips of their loving families to face a severe indoctrination that robbed them of their identities. Like most Canadians, I shudder to comprehend the legacy of this trauma and how it has resulted in so much of the disparity and desperation faced by Indigenous communities coast to coast to coast. It’s hard to imagine how this can ever be reconciled any time soon, but without a doubt, it has to begin with the truth, the truth from Indigenous voices, the way they choose to tell it, and that describes the true measurement of forced assimilation.

I have to admit, I have not read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s full reports. I have read scholarly articles and summaries of findings and have read the TRC’s 94 Calls to Action. These calls are a blend of actions that attempt to rebuild what has been lost for Indigenous peoples and are concrete measures for which all Canadians can advocate. These Calls to Action, along with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of indigenous Peoples are good starting points for Canadians to begin to educate themselves on the historical injustices, apartheid, and genocide of Indigenous peoples, and reconciliatory paths forward.

I had the privilege, in a previous role, to be connected with top Indigenous Educators in Newfoundland redeveloping curriculum that would better represent Indigenous perspectives. Through these conversations, I began to appreciate that learning outcomes for Indigenous people must be based in Indigenous teachings that are reflexive, reflective, intergenerational, spiritual, and interconnected. I think all Canadians can apply this in how they approach their own understanding of Indigenous world views. We can do a better job of listening, not with our western linear mindset, but with a circular understanding that what has happened in the past will affect the present, and what we do now will affect the future seven generations. Through understanding there is opportunity.

Mi’kmaw Elder Albert Marshall first conceptualized Etuaptmumk – Two-Eyed Seeing. It is based on an integrated approach to learning – to see from one eye with the strengths of Indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing, and from the other eye with the strengths of Western knowledge and ways of knowing. Indigenous communities are natural collaborators in ocean resource management, innovation, and research which is rooted in their historical, traditional, and cultural connection to the ocean. For ocean sector participants this wisdom can be the guiding principle to forge relationships with Indigenous communities and build partnerships that identify community priorities that benefit both parties. Certainly, for the Ocean Supercluster this is where our work begins. Stay tuned.

Ralph Eldridge
Indigenous Engagement Lead,
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

By: Aaron Stevenson, CEO, Ashored Inc.

It is an exciting time to be in ocean technology in Canada and particularly in Blue Tech, which I describe as the intersection of marine sciences, technology, and industry.  It is born out of the growing body of knowledge that looks at the big picture in studying the ways, means, and the broad impacts of our presence and activities upon the oceans. It is developing new technologies and, in some cases, combining that with old technology and materials to harness advances for the benefit of industries, while also minimizing the overall impact for the benefit of ocean ecosystems.

When it comes to the fishing industry, where Ashored is focused, the negative impacts are in the news frequently and carry such striking statistics as: “commercial fishing industry contributes 640,000 tons of the nearly 8 million tons of plastics that enters our oceans each year” and “an estimated 140,000 marine animals die annually as a result of entanglement in fishing gear”. Even without doing a deep dive into microplastics and chemical additive leaching, we can very quickly conclude that this will indeed have a negative impact on ocean life. What is less understood, however, is the business case for the fisheries to solve the problems of Abandoned, Lost, and otherwise Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG) and other ecological challenges.

In fixed gear fisheries such as lobster and crab, for example, one of the consequences of ALDFG is a scenario known as “Ghost Fishing” where marine life caught in lost traps die and become bait for others in a continuing cycle.  In terms of the economic loss to commercial fisheries, some studies have estimated the loss due to the artificial competition created from these untended fishing traps is equivalent to 4.5% of the average annual harvest.

From an industry perspective, perhaps the most compelling case for Blue Technology comes from end consumers. Today, people want to know where their food comes from, how it was harvested; they want to know that their food is not only healthy and safe, but that it is harvested or produced in a manner that is also healthy and safe for the environment. Taglines on menus describing food or ingredients as “whale-safe”, “sustainably sourced”, and “wild caught” all convey a sense of higher value and environmental responsibility. What is perhaps even more telling are the policy shifts at the government levels around the world over the last decade that are now resulting in regulatory changes and funding in support of these green and blue initiatives. A prime example of this is the recent announcement from Canada’s federal government regarding whale safe technology. Not only will whale safe technology be required in the fixed gear fisheries starting in 2023, but they are also investing $20 million through a whale safe gear fund to support the adoption of this technology ahead of the 2023 fishing seasons.

As a young company and Canada’s only Rope-on-Command gear manufacturer, this is very welcome news. It puts Canada at the forefront of this global shift to a blue economy and creates opportunities right here at home for growth, innovation, and export as other countries look to follow Canada’s lead.

Personally, the one thing that makes the blue economy particularly attractive is that it is still more or less in its infancy, and it is underpinned by the notion that as we know better, we must do better. At Ashored, we started with the idea that we wanted to tackle a problem that was locally felt and globally significant. We are doing that – and making a difference in the process; but for would-be entrepreneurs looking to make their mark, the global shift to a blue economy is creating a world of new opportunities across a wide range of industry sectors and fields of study that will offer many more globally significant challenges for years and decades yet to come.

Aaron Stevenson
CEO, Ashored Inc.

I have spent both my academic and professional careers focused on the marine sector and the advancement of research and development in the ocean. I have seen significant transition, growth, and innovation, as well as new ocean industries emerge through the work of people whose connection and commitment to the ocean runs deep. As Vice President, Memorial University (Marine Institute), I have been proud to see the evolution and growth of our industry-driven academic and research programs over the years.  I am proud to have led the establishment of a new School of Ocean Technology (2007) and two new research centres in Applied Ocean Technology and in Fisheries Ecosystem Research (2010).  Likewise, the building of the Marine Base in Holyrood to be the portal to the sea has been a major initiative in support of the oceans sector.  I have seen first-hand the benefits that ocean development is bringing to our province and beyond, and also the important role of the growing national network of academic institutions and ocean focused organizations across the country who also play a key role in the future of Canada’s marine sectors.

While working in an academic capacity, I also have worked closely with those in industry and personally spend a great deal of my own recreational time on the water. The value of bringing together different perspectives to do great things (and different things) in the ocean is something that I encouraged in my work at the Marine Institute, and also what drew me to serve on the Board of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster and on the Executive Council of the Ocean Frontier Institute. The ocean has helped shape our economy and our identity in the past, and I believe it will be even more foundational in our future economic prosperity and our ability to lead the global development of the 72 per cent of our planet that is covered by water.

If we look at the fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador for example, this an industry that has played a vital role in rural and coastal regions in the past and is transforming to meet today’s market demand. Today, the fishery is more than a $1 billion industry to the province that can help us meet the call for sustainable protein world-wide, and with a continued focus in aquaculture, farmed fish can also help bring our province to the forefront of this opportunity. While seemingly traditional ocean activity, fishing and aquaculture is becoming increasingly digital, creating and adopting some of the most advanced technologies to fish smarter as good stewards of the ocean. I consider myself to be quite fortunate to have been at the table for much of this advancement for the discussions, collaboration, and launch of new initiatives and projects that have transformed our fishery and aquaculture sectors over the past 40 years.

I have also witnessed and worked with the development of the oil and gas industry since the 1980s and have seen the transformative economic benefits this has brought to our province and in our country.  The oil and gas sector has greatly increased our understanding of the ocean and has invested heavily in ocean technology and ocean engineering which has benefited all users of the ocean.
Ocean technology cuts across all ocean sectors, and we need to continue to build on existing and new technology to help understand, grow, and benefit from our ocean. Ocean technology advancements like ocean mapping, underwater robotics, and the digitization of vessels help us better understand and operate in the ocean in a responsible way. As Canada’s largest and most comprehensive education and applied research institute for the ocean sector, the Marine Institute plays a unique role in bridging the gap between fundamental research and the commercialization of ocean technology.

In closing, I believe the future of our ocean sector is bright and I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to everyone that I have worked with over the years. You inspire me and I wish you all fair winds and following seas!

Glenn Blackwood
Vice President, Memorial University/Marine Institute
Director, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

Diversity, equity, and inclusion – in any sector – are critical to ensuring we have insights and perspectives from a diverse workforce while growing the ocean economy. Growth is limited when inclusion is absent, and to be world-leading, we must consider the opinions of diverse individuals.

The Ocean Allies Role Model Initiative aims to build a roster of diverse superstars in the ocean economy. Doing this helps spotlight diverse individuals thriving in the ocean sector and creates a sense of belonging to others interested in ocean-related careers.

A picture tells a thousand words when talking about having diverse industry role models. Beyond the words, webinars, or opportunities, seeing and learning from others who have succeeded helps paint a picture of what the future can hold for all those who wish to participate in the ocean economy. Seeing people who look like “me” gives powerful reassurance and validity to anyone hoping to enter the ocean space and sends a message that you do not have to look a certain way or have a specific background to have a voice or shine in Canada’s ocean economy.

Leadership in this particular area needs attention in the ocean sector. We need a workforce that enables diverse populations and the ability to advance in positions of leadership and influence. As a young, professional woman from the black community, I can attest to this. We need to see more people like us in leadership and influential positions to know that we are truly welcomed, valued, have the opportunity to grow, and that our voice can be heard. As an Ocean Allies Role Model, I hope I can give this type of affirmation to other young people in the ocean space.

It’s wonderful to see work continuing in this area. To industry, keep shining the spotlight and telling stories of diverse individuals who have excelled in the ocean sector. By providing such visibility, you are helping diverse superstars shine their light even brighter, helping others know it is possible to shine their lights as well. Diverse employees bring a unique perspective and can make a powerful contribution to the workforce. Whether it be race, culture, age, or gender, we all bring special value and insight to the ocean sector.

To my fellow diverse professionals considering participating in ocean – jump on board! Your dreams are valid, and you can achieve them. Your diverse background is not a weakness but instead a strength that you should be proud of. Build your capacity, get the knowledge needed to excel, network, and put yourself forward for opportunities. Do not be intimidated, and always use your difference as an advantage to shine. Remember, you have so much value to contribute to this sector – and it’s needed.

Will there be setbacks? Maybe. But one thing you should never do is quit or stop trying. Find ways to encourage yourself. For me, I always encourage myself through bible affirmations. Always keep moving and making progress!

So far, I have enjoyed my short time in the ocean sector. I have been given several amazing opportunities by my organization, including this guest feature, and being featured as a role model with Ocean Allies. It is a great honor, privilege and very humbling. I see the effort made the Ocean Supercluster and ocean sector as a whole – and I celebrate it. I want to thank all the organizations, individuals and leaders in ocean that are tirelessly working to ensure a more diverse and inclusive sector.

There will always room for improvement, but please don’t get tired, as together we can grow the ocean economy to be a sector that is equitable, diverse and inclusive.

Ogaga Johnson, Technology Leadership Manager, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster & Industry Role Model, Ocean Allies