At 16 years of age, Solli Raphael is the youngest guest to appear on the Ocean Impact Podcast to date. An accomplished poet, author, conservationist and public speaker, Solli was just 12 years old when he was the youngest person ever to win the Australian National Slam Poetry Competition (against an all adult field). Solli has since performed his mission-driven poetry at distinguished forums around Australia including the Commonwealth Games, TEDx Sydney and on The Project. In the podcast Solli performs some of his poetry taken from the two books he has authored: Spotlight (2020) and Limelight (2018). As our podcast host, Tim Silverwood wanted to make a conscious effort to include the voice of youth in our conversation about the future of Planet Ocean - it is the planet they will inherit after all. It’s clear we need to spend more time listening to the feelings and expectations of youth in order to help shape a prosperous future for them and generations to come. This podcast, recorded on the eve of Plastic Free July 2021, includes plenty of hints and tips for behaviours that Solli has introduced to make his life more sustainable and we hope you can too. Keep up the great work Solli, we’ll be watching, reading and listening with great interest. Learn more about Solli and his poetry and books here: https://solliraphael.com.au/ Watch Solli perform ‘We Can Be More’ at TEDx Sydney in 2018: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lm0r3yFh0zU Learn more about Solli’s non-profit organisation Earth Enablers here: https://www.earthenablers.org/ less

Julie Mathers is the founder and CEO of Flora and Fauna, Australia’s largest online eco retailer and the world’s largest vegan online marketplace. A genuine impact entrepreneur, Julie is an inspiring example of how a business leader can build a ‘better business’ with deeply held values to care for people, places, animals and the planet. Julie’s accolades for building and leading Flora and Fauna are considerable, including being awarded No.1 in eCommerce in 2019 and 2021 and Top Sustainable Retailer in 2020 and 2021. In this conversation Julie shares a wealth of insights into her background and career working with ecommerce for large corporations that led to the journey of building her own business (with her husband Tom) that embodied their values and goals of creating a positive impact. Julie speaks at length about the power of better business and the rise of B Corps and impact driven entrepreneurs to challenge the status quo and to help ensure people, animals and the planet are not adversely affected where possible. There are plenty of tips and highly valuable pieces of advice within this podcast so if you are a fan of ‘good business’ or a budding impact entrepreneur then this conversation is for you! We wish to send Julie a big thanks for her time and all that she is doing to help Planet Ocean and its inhabitants. For more information on Flora and Fauna and Julie’s origin story visit: https://www.floraandfauna.com.au/ To follow Julie on LinkedIn visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-mathers-92149b1/ less

Improvise. Adapt. Overcome. This is a mantra that had been drilled into Paul De Gelder since the earliest days of his military training in the Australian Army. It’s a mantra that Paul has embodied throughout his unique life but in particular, since a Bull Shark tore through his flesh, resulting in the loss of his right forearm and right leg during a routine Navy drill in Sydney Harbour in 2009. Since that fateful incident that almost took the Navy clearance diver’s life, Paul has been on a wild ride that has seen him become a highly accomplished public speaker, TV host, actor, author and leading voice for the conservation of the species that so nearly ended his stint on Planet Ocean: sharks. In this podcast, recorded whilst Paul was in Australia filming for Discovery Channel’s Shark Week, we take a journey that reveals the extent to which the very existence of sharks is threatened and the critical role they perform in the ocean. It’s a captivating journey that will have you on the edge of your seat and marvelling at the grit and determination of this one man who has overcome so much to give back to the very species that nearly took his life. We want to take this moment to thank Paul for everything he has done to protect Planet Ocean’s sharks and to extend that gratitude to all the wonderful people the world over who are driven to ensure that healthy populations of sharks exist for many more years to come. For more information on Paul De Gelder visit: https://www.pauldegelder.com/about/ To follow Paul on Instagram visit: https://www.instagram.com/pauldegelder/ less

Dr. Cliff Kapono is a professional surfer, chemist and journalist from Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii. Amongst a broad and distinguished career, Bruddah Cliff (as he’s become known) has become a proud and profound voice for stronger focus and representation of indigenous voices in decision making for the planet. In this episode, our host Tim plays the role of the active listener as Cliff shares deep insights into the reasons why Cliff, as a young Native Hawaiian from a disadvantaged community in the remote Pacific, chose academia and a Doctorate to help him have a voice at the table in decision-making and policies for the ocean in his backyard and across the world. We discover how surfing and a life spent on, in and near the ocean has shaped Cliff and enabled him to travel to far-reaching corners of the globe to study and share his knowledge of how the blue blanket that covers 71% of the planet’s surface connects us all. A clear lesson for everyone in this podcast is that it’s well overdue that a greater focus on indigenous knowledge and perspectives are embedded in processes and decision making for our shared future. We wish to extend deep gratitude and respect to Bruddah Cliff for sharing his intimate perspectives and for all the work he does in inspiring and activating the next generation of ocean guardians in Hawaii and the world over. For more information on Cliff visit: http://www.cliffkapono.com/ To follow Cliff on Instagram visit: https://www.instagram.com/cliff_kapono/ To watch some of Cliff’s films visit his YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-yySLZqrowTq4rL_zK2H3w less

We are excited to bring you the first ever Ocean Impact Podcast episode recorded at sea! For this episode, our guest Jess Leitmanis was tuning in live from the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s RV Falkor as it criss-crossed the Tasman Sea to the north of Australia mapping the ocean floor in January 2021 during the ‘Pinging in the New Year’ expedition. Jess was onboard RV Falkor as part of the ‘artist-at-sea’ program developed by Schmidt Ocean Institute to ensure that art, creativity and science work hand in hand in inspiring the masses to understand and protect Planet Ocean. Jess Leitmanis is an Australian sculpture artist and conservationist with a deep connection to Planet Ocean. Through her work Jess explores ideas that encompass the environment, design, consumer culture, sustainability, sociology and philosophy. Jess is interested in our connection to the space around us – how we sculpt our environment, and how it sculpts us. In this episode Jess shares the story of her artistic journey and her passion for sculpture using found objects, namely marine debris rope (ghost gear) that has been washed ashore on remote coastlines. If you tune in to the YouTube recording of the podcast you can even see a work in progress of the artwork she completed at sea during the voyage. The finished piece can also be viewed on Jess’s website and social media. We would like to send a huge thank you to Jess and the team at Schmidt Ocean Institute for arranging this conversation and recording. For more information about Jess visit: https://www.jessicaleitmanis.com/ To learn more about Schmidt Ocean Insitute, the artist-at-sea program and the voyage Jess participated in please visit: https://schmidtocean.org/ https://schmidtocean.org/apply/artist-residency-program/ https://schmidtocean.org/cruise/pinging-the-new-year/ To follow Jess on Instagram visit: https://www.instagram.com/jessleitmanis/ less

Pete Ceglinski is the Co-founder and CEO of Seabin Project, a brilliant innovation that is “part rubbish bin, part pool skimmer” and helping to create cleaner waterways and oceans in 93 countries around the world. The viral video that helped crowdfund the first Seabin units was seen by 1.7 billion people and raised US$276k in 2016, catapulting the organisation to global recognition. This is the second time we’ve had Pete on the Ocean Impact Podcast, you can tune in to Episode 2 for a deeper dive into the origins and features of the innovation and the story behind the founders. In this episode we wanted to focus on recent updates from the organisation with a particular focus on the partnerships Pete has secured to scale this ocean clean up solution, notably, the recent announcement regarding a partnership with Coca Cola. Since the announcement of the partnership between Seabin Project and Coca Cola in late May 2021 there has been plenty of conversation online from both sides of the fence. Pete declares that 99.9% of feedback has been positive but a vocal segment has certainly made it clear that the partnership is not to their liking and worthy of a ‘please explain’ from the CEO. So, here you have an update on all things Seabin and that ‘please explain’ conversation with Pete Ceglinski. Please let us know what you think about the Seabin Project, the partnership with Coca Cola and the future plans for the organisation in the comments or on our social media channels. Thanks for tuning in. For more information Seabin Project visit: https://seabinproject.com/ To read the media release on the Coca Cola partnership visit: https://www.coca-colacompany.com/au/media-centre/media-releases/coca-cola-australia-teams-up-with-seabin-project To follow Seabin Project on Instagram visit: https://www.instagram.com/seabin_project/ To follow Seabin Project on Facebook visit: https://www.facebook.com/seabinproject/ To follow Seabin Project on LinkedIn visit: https://www.linkedin.com/company/seabin-project/ less

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/ less

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/ less

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. less

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/ less

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/ less

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/ less

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/ less

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/ less

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/ less

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 less

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/ less

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/ less

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/ less

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/ less

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/ less

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 less

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 less

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 less