Expanded areas of interest
Food - Alternate industry practices
We would like to explore alternative food sources to alleviate concerns we have with our seafood choices, based upon a number of problematic industry practices and environmental challenges that exist today, including the following:
- Ocean Health, including challenges to the supply and survival of our marine life due to overfishing, illegal fishing, bycatch, viruses, pollutants, and the acidification and warming of our ocean due to climate change
- Ecosystem Health, including habitat damage caused by bottom trawling, which has been shown to severely impact coral reefs and sponges and the complexity, productivity, and biodiversity of the habitats of marine animals
- Community Health, including labor practices and human rights violations that occur in certain parts of the world’s fishing industry, and the significant occupational safety risks and hazards that are associated with commercial fishing.
- Animal Welfare, which is a huge issue as the great majority of fish today die in a very inhumane manner, due to asphyxiation, live evisceration, the effects of depressurization, or due to freezing or boiling. In addition, in many instances, the close proximity associated with fish farming can result in an increased risk for disease, a non-natural diet, and increased stress to the fish.
- Personal Welfare, as consumers are increasingly concerned about the effects of certain types of fish they ingest, and medical and industry groups have created warnings of maximum intake as a result. Consumer concerns include a wide array of substances that may be incorporated in the fish, crustaceans, mollusks and other seafood products we consume in our everyday diets. These substances include: mercury, toxins and poisons; pathogens, viruses, and parasites; micro-particles of plastics due to plastic pollution in our oceans and seas; and a variety of potential environmental pollutants.
Ocean energy harvesting
Generating relatively low amounts of electricity in remote places in the ocean (i.e. distributed power) has become essential. Below is a list of several industries desperate for this power which is creating a huge market opportunity:
- Ocean Observation -$2B*
- Global maritime defense including unregulated and illegal fishing - 3.5B*
- Remote data collection and communication - 0.5B*
- More than 10,000 oil and gas sites need subsea power for decommissioning - 2.5B*
* See Energy Appendix below for supporting information
Generating substantial "grid power" to connect ocean energy converters to coastal communities will help island communities meet demand and continental communities meet climate goals. This market opportunity is currently limited by technology not demand.
DOE Ocean Energy Harvesting Video
Traditional renewables are intermittent, and require secondary power sources like battery storage or conventional power plants as backup. Wave energy is one of the most abundant sources of power, delivers consistent, predictable power, and can therefore replace "base load" grid power plants, with little or no need for storage.
Clean Water Technology
We will explore innovative clean water production techniques. Our preference is that the clean water be derived from marine powered devices but will consider novel alternatives that help meet the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) - related to: Health Improvement from clean drinking water and improved sanitation, Reduction of Conflict, Gender equality, poverty reduction, clean energy, sustainable cities and communities, and climate action.
Here are some examples:
- Health Improvement from drinking water and sanitation upgrades: 1.1 billion people (1 out of 6 worldwide) lack access to clean drinking water and 2.6 million people, mainly children, die each year from water-related diseases;
- Reducing Conflict: Water-related conflicts are a cause of global political and economic instability including migration and refugee crises;
- Gender Equality and Child Labor: Worldwide, women, and children spend approximately 200 million hours/day collecting water for domestic use. An estimated USD $29.5 million/day in increased economic activity could be generated if their time and energy were devoted to other, more productive, pursuits;
- Poverty Reduction: Local construction and operation management jobs will be developed in deployment areas.
Source: United Nations Information Center
Immediate market needs:
- National, Regional and Local water authorities
- Military and disaster relief organizations
- Small Island Developing States
- Resort owners
- Agricultural enterprises
- Industrial enterprises
Pollution
The effort of cleaning the oceans needs to be a two pronged effort.
First we need to focus on where the pollution is coming from. Rivers are the main source of ocean plastic pollution. They are the arteries that carry waste from land to the ocean. Research has found that roughly 80% of the pollution we find in the ocean can be traced to 1000 specific rivers around the world. We need to find an effective way to stop the flow of plastic at the source.
Secondly, we need to clean up the mess that's already accumulated in our oceans. Over 5 trillion pieces of plastic currently litter our oceans. It's affecting the ocean eco systems, the health of fish we eat, our health and in turn our economies. Governments and NGO's around the world recognize this immediate need and have stepped up efforts to combat both. We are interested to partner with one of these organizations to help mitigate this global problem.
Global ocean Pollution - graphics
5 Ocean Garbage Patches in the world
Center of one of these patches - just the floating debris
Center of one of these patches - just the floating debris
Currently there are over 5 TRILLION piece of plastic littering the ocean
Center of one of these patches - just the floating debris
Center of one of these patches - just the floating debris
Center of one of these patches - just the floating debris
Cleaning up the Great Pacific Garbage Patch using conventional methods – vessels and nets – will take thousands of years and tens of billions of dollars. We've got to do better!
Great Pacific Garbage Patch in 2030 without clean up
Great Pacific Garbage Patch in 2030 without clean up
Great Pacific Garbage Patch in 2030 without clean up
The impact of all this garbage will have a devastating effect on ocean eco-systems, our health and our economies
Great Pacific Garbage Patch in 2030 with clean up
Great Pacific Garbage Patch in 2030 without clean up
Great Pacific Garbage Patch in 2030 without clean up
Cleaning this mess will take coordinated efforts to both reduce additional trash accumulation and removing what's already here.
Ocean observation and weather prediction
We are interested in new ways to predict and monitor weather or how to improve the current systems.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is the primary government body tasked to monitor and predict global weather patterns. A primary source of that data comes from some 4000 autonomous systems including buoys/AUV's and other remote systems all typically power powered by batteries (See Ocean Energy Harvesting) communicating with satellites (See Data Technologies) scattered all over our oceans. There is ocean surface data as well as data from thousands of feet below the surface that is all used for scientific research as well as weather prediction.
The better we can predict the weather the better we can prepare to:
- Protect people and property from in-climate weather (storms, flooding, tsunami's etc)
- Grow suitable crops
- Plan travel routes for ships and planes
- Manage troop deployments, etc.
Here are some data points collected to aid in the weather prediction and monitoring of our oceans:
Sea Surface Temperature
Sea Surface Temperature (SST) is defined as the skin temperature (top 2 mm) of the ocean. Currently buoys are fitted with thermometers to check the surface temperature directly and communicate via satellite. Some of today’s satellites are now fitted with very sensitive instrumentation that can remotely measure SST from space for the whole world every day.
Ocean Color
The color of the ocean can be strongly influenced by the presence of microscopic algae (phytoplankton) that contain chlorophyll. When populations of phytoplankton have the right combination of nutrients, sunlight, and water temperatures, they can explode into "blooms" large enough to be visible from space. Additionally, phenomena such as suspended sediments and solutions of dissolved natural materials can affect ocean color. Instruments on satellites can also measure ocean color from space.
Phytoplankton
Phytoplankton are tiny plants (algae) that float freely in the ocean. They are often accompanied by zooplankton, or microscopic animals. These microscopic organisms form the base of the global oceanic food chain. Through photosynthesis, scientists estimate that marine phytoplankton produce about half of the world's oxygen. Scientists measure phytoplankton abundance by straining marine water samples through very fine mesh nets.
Sea State
Sea state is the general condition of the sea with respect to the wind, swell, and waves at a given time and location. Skilled observers, instruments on ocean buoys, or satellite instruments can measure sea state. The Douglas Sea Scale is the 10-point classification system for sea state.
Sea Ice
Sea ice is frozen seawater that forms at the ocean's surface in the polar regions. As salty ocean water freezes, some of the salt is expelled, and the brine below it becomes saltier and more dense. Sea ice extent is defined as the area where at least 15% of the surface is covered with ice. Sea ice extent changes with the seasons in both hemispheres. Satellite instruments measure sea ice extent. Submarines and remotely operated vehicles are used to monitor the thickness of sea ice.
Sea Surface Salinity
Ocean salinity is the mass of salt per unit volume of water: it is normally reported in units of grams of salt per 1000 grams of water. Changes in salinity are due to variations in the rate of evaporation and amount of precipitation over the ocean. River runoff and ice melt also influence ocean salinity by adding fresh water. Salinity affects the density of seawater and therefore, along with temperature, is a major controller of ocean circulation. Historically, ships gathered samples of water to measure salinity, or instruments on buoys measured salinity by passing a current through the water. Now, instruments on satellites can measure salinity remotely.
Sea Surface Height
Just as Earth's land has high and low areas, the surface of the sea is not flat either. Factors that cause "hills and valleys" on the ocean's surface include gravity, tides, ocean temperatures, winds, and currents. Satellite instruments use sophisticated mathematical equations to make precise measurements of the height of the sea's surface. Monitoring sea surface height is useful for understanding weather and climate phenomena such as El Niño events.
Ocean Currents
Water in the ocean is constantly in motion from waves, tides, and currents. Ocean currents are the result of winds, density differences, and the rotation of planet. The simplest method of measuring a surface ocean current is to use a float and record the time it takes to travel a given distance. Today, instruments on drifting and anchored buoys measure the speed of ocean currents. Satellite instruments are also used to measure the motion of the ocean.
The above (weather prediction) is just one category of ocean observation. We are keenly aware and open to review novel technology and research methods that are science based, environmentally friendly and will have a positive impact on the oceans and society at large.
Home land/water security
We are interested in promoting and investing in novel technology that is science based, environmentally friendly and meets the needs of the Departments of Defense (DOD) or Departments of Energy (DOE) as it relates to monitoring and securing harbor and coastal waters.
As an example the US DOD has stated that it is looking for expertise and technology to provide unmanned systems for missions at sea (unmanned surface vehicles - USVs, unmanned underwater vehicles - UUVs, autonomous underwater vehicles - AUVs). These solutions need to offer comprehensive, safe, timely and cost-effective answers to securing our harbors and coastlines as well as being able to survey large complex areas under water. The systems would need to integrate a comprehensive software platform which allows for easy and complete management of the entire unmanned mission from preparation, planning and supervision, to data acquisition, processing analysis and management. Some of these systems will remain unattended at sea for extended periods and will need auxiliary power generation capabilities. These systems will be used by our Navy and Coastguard to aid Homeland protection, engage in battlefields, conduct surveillance & intervention missions at sea.
Hardware/software and data technologies
This is one of the broadest areas of opportunity in the Blue Tech Space.
Every asset at sea will need to communicate. Some data transfers in tiny increments while others qualify as big data streams. Some require single direction communication while others require real time back and forth control ability.
Every system needs software, firmware and hardware.
These systems span every discipline and every user from the DOD, DOE, NOAA to the single researchers leaving a buoy out to collect data.
Some of these systems are actually reducing the needed hardware in the ocean as we are able to monitor many of the changes in the ocean from space.
Here are a few examples of Ocean Technologies in use today:
Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler
The Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) measures the speed and direction of ocean currents using the principle of “Doppler shift”.
CTD
CTD stands for conductivity, temperature, and depth, and refers to a package of electronic devices used to detect how the conductivity and temperature of water changes relative to depth.
Drifters
Using devices known as drifters, scientists can study the complexities of global ocean currents, and, in turn, the many systems that they influence. With advances in technology, drifters now provide researchers with information about ocean circulation patterns in real time.
Magnetometer
A magnetometer is a passive instrument that measures changes in the Earth’s magnetic field.
Mapping - GIS
Geographic information systems (GIS) are mapping tools that can essentially create a virtual ocean inside of a computer. GIS components work together as a system to provide a digital platform for viewing and processing layers of spatial information.
Photogrammetry
Geographic information systems (GIS) are mapping tools that can essentially create a virtual ocean inside of a computer. GIS components work together as a system to provide a digital platform for viewing and processing layers of spatial information.
Satellites
Satellites that detect and observe different characteristics and features of the Earth's atmosphere, lands, and ocean are often referred to as environmental satellites. Most environmental satellites have one of two types of orbits: geosynchronous or sun-synchronous.
Sonar
SOund NAvigation and Ranging—SONAR—is used to find and identify objects in water. It is also used to determine water depth (bathymetry). Sonar is applied to water-based activities because sound waves attenuate (taper off) less in water as they travel than do radar and light waves.
Multibeam Sonar
Multibeam bathymetry collected during Leg 1 of the Windows to the Deep 2019 expedition offshore the southeastern United States revealed several interesting features that were investigated via remotely operated vehicle exploration during Leg 2 of the expedition. Image courtesy of the NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research, Windows to the Deep 2019.
Side Scan Sonar
Side scan sonar is a category of active sonar system for detecting and imaging objects on the seafloor. The multiple physical sensors of the sonar — called a transducer array — send and receive the acoustic pulses that help map the seafloor or detect other objects. This array can be mounted on the ship’s hull or placed on another platform like a towfish.
Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS)
Synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) is an emerging type of sonar that uses an artificial, or synthetic, array to capture high-resolution images. SAS can be used for imaging cultural heritage sites like shipwrecks, classifying habitat or biological organisms, and characterizing seafloor sediment makeup.
Submersibles
Darkness, cold, and crushing pressures have challenged the most experienced engineers to develop submersibles that descend to seafloor depths that are not safe for divers, allowing us to explore the deep ocean firsthand.
Submersible Collectors
Many components make up a successful research submersible. The suction sampler and detrital sampler were designed to attach to different types of submersibles and collect many of the unique and fragile organisms found only in the deep ocean.
Technical Diving
Technical diving is a term used to describe all diving methods that exceed the limits imposed on depth and/or immersion time for recreational scuba diving. Technical diving often involves the use of special gas mixtures (other than compressed air) for breathing.
Technologies for Ocean Acoustic Monitoring
Just as microphones collect sound in the air, underwater hydrophones detect acoustic signals, or sounds in the ocean, including marine mammals, earthquakes, ships and waves.
Telepresence Technology
Telepresence is the concept of providing an individual or group of individuals with the data and information necessary for participation in an event or effort live when those individuals are not physically present for the event.
Trawls
Trawls, which are nets towed behind a boat to collect organisms, have been used by fishermen for centuries. Trawls are used to collect quantitative data of marine organisms, such as biomass, length and weight, and age class distributions.
Vessels
From onboard equipment to collect weather and ocean information to divers, submersibles, and other observations deployed from a ship, vessels are arguably the most critical tool for scientists when it comes to exploring the ocean.
For more info on Ocean Data and Technologies check out NOAA's Ocean Explorer site
Aquaculture
Aquaculture currently represents 49% of global food fish production, of which the U.S. produces less than 1%.
and was estimated to be a $285B industry in 2019 and is projected to reach $378B by 2027*.
The growth of the aquaculture market can be attributed to changes in the food consumption pattern of people all around the world. The expansion of retail market and easy availability of the product through various sales channel make it convenient for consumers to purchase packaged aquaculture, which drive the sales figures. Currently, aquaculture is an absolute necessity to meet the worlds food demand and supply. This industry strives to provide high-quality and disease-free fish by rearing fish in an environment that meets hygiene standards. Aquaculture activity is also utilized by industries to conserve species that are on the verge of extinction. However, rise in the adoption of veganism and stringent law implemented against animal cruelty act as the major restraints of the global aquaculture market. On the contrary, rise in popularity protein rich diet is expect to open avenue for the global aquaculture market.
Aquaculture has recently come under heavy scrutiny because of legitimate environmental concerns that must be addressed — including:
- Water quality,
- Fish escape,
- Disease spread
- Habitat effects
This is where the opportunities lie. There are several innovative companies looking at mitigating these concerns
that are desperately needed to overcome US obstacles to allow for growth of this industry off our shores as well as help existing operations meet ever tightening standards.
Oil and Gas
The reduction of reliance on fossil fuels is key to any environmental organization but we are not focused on that. We will leave that to governments and the Oil companies themselves. We are currently focused on the investment opportunity to decommission offshore oil rigs. Per the Wood McKenzie UK Offshore Decommissioning Spending Outlook this opportunity in UK waters alone is approx. $20 B and centers mainly in the North Sea where they plan to remove 1,600 wells and 100 old platforms. There are several companies with innovative technologies that can make this process quick, clean and relatively inexpensive that we will review in detail. It will likely come down to who can integrate the decommissioning work with final stages of production most effectively.
And the opportunity for an established cost effective operator doesn't end there. With other fields maturing and drying up across the world and some experts expecting demand for oil to peak in the 2030s,the North Sea is just a test bed for new decommissioning projects. Southeast Asia is a new hot spot, with more than 1,500 platforms and 7,000 subsea wells expected to be uneconomical by 2038, according to the Boston Consulting Group. That is followed by Latin America, West Africa and the Middle East Gulf.
Reuters Review of Decommissioning Oil Rigs
