Sustainable Ocean Alliance

On #IndigenousPeoplesDay, we are celebrating one of the longest anticipated ocean conservation wins in the US: the official designation of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary! ?? Following more than a decade of action and advocacy from the Northern Chumash Tribal Council and its allies, this 4,543 square-mile sanctuary off the coast of Central California is officially designated as PROTECTED. ? What makes this sanctuary unique? ?? It is now the third largest marine protected area in the U.S. ?? It is the FIRST MPA to be Tribal nominated AND approved ?? in addition to protecting marine life and ecosystems, it also protects sacred sites, ancient villages, and thousands of years of Chumash cultural heritage. Join us in celebrating this with for ocean conservation, Indigenous climate justice, and beyond ?? Video by: Northern Chumash Tribal Council’s Mia Lopez sings the Chumash’s Wave Song, “the waves come in, the waves go out” ??

Celebrating and advancing ocean ecopreneurship at Sustainable Ocean Alliance's inaugural #SEASummit ?? ?? This year, we hosted the first annual SOA Ecopreneur Activation Summit (SEAS) to activate our global network of ocean ecopreneurs and industry champions and foster greater action, innovation, and collaboration in the sustainable #blueeconomy. For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, we gathered 90 ocean ecopreneurs, partners, mentors, investors, and beyond from 15 countries in the heart of San Francisco to celebrate our collective achievements and cultivate the next wave of innovations in ocean technology and restoration. From panels on ocean plastic to demonstrations of seagrass and coral planting robots, the energy in the group and the conversations being held were an inspiring testament to the power and strength of this community. Deep gratitude to all who made this event possible: ?? Venue Hosts: Swissnex in San Francisco and Salesforce ?? Speakers: Holly Kaufman, Kortney Opshaug, Mojca Zupan, Inty Gr?nneberg, Brian Glazer, Brad Ack, Tom Birbeck, Christopher Oakes, Austin Martin, MBA, Suzanne DiBianca, Louie Psihoyos, Shanna Swan, PhD, Tom Chi, Lindsey Hoell, Alain-Olivier Desbois, CFA, Yanis Souami, Adam Draper ?, Mike Biddle, Laura Francis, Victoria Raiser ?? SOA Team: Daniela V. Fernandez, Craig Dudenhoeffer, Caroline Rosenberg, Camila Vega, Matthew Mulrennan, Benjamin Lesage, Chandana J., Jon Letts, Anne Park, Samanta Jovanovic, Sabrina Skelly, Patrick La Cotera, Corey Sheppard With the success of the inaugural launch of this event, we are so excited to continue to host SEAS annually! ?? For the full event recap → https://bit.ly/seas-24

Are you passionate about protecting the ocean and planet? Ready to join a team of like-minded individuals with a purpose? ?? Sustainable Ocean Alliance is #hiring for two full-time roles to join our Dream Team of ocean professionals:? ?? Senior Account Manager, Development (senior-level remote in the U.S., $100-140K) ?? Global Hub Network Manager (mid-level based in SF Bay Area, $80-110K) Learn more and #apply today → https://bit.ly/soa-jobs Know someone who would be a good fit for these roles? Share this post to spread the word! #bluejobs #oceanjobs #climatejobs #careeropportunities

FINAL CALL TO APPLY ???? Calling all ocean ecopreneurs and startups! TODAY (October 4) is the final day to #apply to join Sustainable Ocean Alliance’s #EcopreneurNetwork Class of 2024! ?? Why join the Ecopreneur Network? Our flagship program offers LIFETIME support to the world’s most ambitious ocean startups—no matter where you are on your startup journey. Members benefit from tailored services that expand and grow alongside your ventures, with exclusive access to mentorship, strategic guidance, networking events, workshops, and more. Plus, eligible startups also have the opportunity to receive up to $100,000 USD investment from Sustainable Ocean Alliance to help you further grow your company. Ready to dive in? Apply today by 11:59pm PDT → https://bit.ly/soa-en24 (Note: applications received after October 4, 2024 will be considered for the Class of 2025)

Sustainable Ocean Alliance is pleased to announce the inaugural SOA Ecopreneur Activation (SEA) Summit ??—a two-day event to activate ocean-positive startups and foster innovation in the sustainable #blueeconomy. From October 1-2, members of our global network of ecopreneurs, investors, partners, funders, and locally-based mentors will convene in San Francisco, California as we dive into the future of ocean technology and the sustainable blue economy revolution. Together, we will forge new connections, witness cutting-edge demos from SOA's portfolio of startups, engage in high-impact discussions, and cultivate new investment opportunities and partnerships. Over the next few days, tune into SOA's social media (@soalliance) for live updates and exciting announcements to come from this first-of-its-kind Summit. ?? #SEASummit #SOAEvents #JoinTheAlliance

Sustainable Ocean Alliance young ocean leaders taking #oceanaction at #ClimateWeekNYC ??? This week, a group of SOA young leaders met with Dr. Richard (Rick) Spinrad—the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere & NOAA: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration Administrator—to talk through a number of ocean issues most important to their generation. These bright young changemakers covered:? ??? Why meaningful youth engagement must be centered in two-way dialogue ?? The importance of Pacific and Indigenous wisdom in establishing large-scale environmental protections ?? Pacific salmon management in regards to the Boldt Decision ?? Recovery efforts for endangered Southern Resident killer whale populations in the Salish Sea If we are to meet the needs of the ocean climate movement, honest and collaborative discussion must underpin our approaches to solution-building! We are so proud of this important work being carried out by Mark Haver, Carissa Cabrera, Aisha Rashid, Elizabeth (Liz) Sherr, Taylor Griffith, Alexandra Maria Azevedo, and many more powerful young voices in our network working toward ocean-positive policy in the U.S. and beyond. Keep going! Interested in getting involved as a young person in the ocean-climate space? #JoinTheAlliance today → https://bit.ly/soa-start

Meet the 6 newest startups to join Sustainable Ocean Alliance's #EcopreneurNetwork Class of 2024 ?? ?? From desalination to algae-based wellness products, we are thrilled to accept this first wave of new ocean startups to the Class of 2024! Join us in giving a warm welcome to: ?? INVERSA Leathers – sustainable leather alternative made from invasive marine species, founded by Aarav Chavda, Roland Salatino, and Kahan Chavda ?? Kora? – strategic biodiversity consulting and marine restoration projects in Africa, founded by Jeimila DONTY ?? ?? Oneka Technologies – 100% mechanical desalination buoys to create freshwater resources using only the energy of the ocean swells, founded by Dragan Tutic ?? Phycolabs – seaweed-based biofibers that replace traditional, polluting textiles, founded by Thamires Pontes ??? PierSight Space – a 'constellation' of all-weather imaging satellites to monitor ocean activities, founded by Vinit Bansal and Gaurav Seth ?? SeaVoir Wellness – restorative wellness brand producing algae-based Omega-3 supplements, founded by Ashlan Cousteau and Philippe Cousteau With these latest additions, SOA is proud to now support and represent 62 diverse ocean startups from around the world! Eager to join this network of like-minded, ocean-focused founders and companies? Seeking mentorship, funding opportunities, and community for your startup? We are accepting applications to join the Class of 2024 through October 4! Don't wait, apply today to #JoinTheAlliance → https://bit.ly/soa-enapp24

The ocean is a vast and wondrous ecosystem, home to millions of unique and diverse species all playing a critical part in the health and function of our #blueplanet. ?? From the majestic oceanic manta ray to the alien-like nudibranch, its waters pulse with life—a reminder of the beauty and power that have inspired generations of dreamers, explorers, and storytellers. Yet, this incredible treasure is under threat. We have no other option: the ocean MUST be protected to sustain life on Planet Earth as we know it. For marine conservationists working to safeguard our ocean, they often face a common challenge: accessing quality media to communicate their work. Enter Kogia: a nonprofit co-founded by Karim Iliya and Nessim Stevenson consisting of creators, photographers, videographers, and storytellers transforming the field of #oceancommunications through a free media library and impact-focused storytelling. Kogia supports the efforts of those on the frontlines by providing them with free high-quality photos and videos. Whether you're in need of stunning visuals for your business, educational materials, or storytelling, this extensive collection captures the beauty and diversity of our ocean. Explore now to bring your ocean projects to life → https://library.kogia.org/

Heading to #ClimateWeekNYC next week? ???? Climate Week is all about accelerating sustainable solutions, holding collaborative discussions, and building community. But in a big urban city, making sustainable choices can be daunting or inaccessible… … Where to begin? That’s why our friends at Imagine5 have created a comprehensive Green Guide to NYC to make your #ClimateWeekNYC the most sustainable yet! As thousands of climate professionals and advocates gather in the Big Apple for a week of climate action, Imagine5 is putting New York’s most sustainable destinations on the map (literally) with fthe Green Guide to New York City. ??? The Green Guide is jammed packed with inspiration for sustainable places to visit, from the best plant-based restaurants and zero-waste shops to eco-lodging and urban farms… it’s all here! The map is part of Imagine5’s mission to highlight amazing examples of the sustainable transformation that’s happening around us, empowering us all to be part of the change we so urgently need. Visit the link below to access the digital version of the Green Guide as well as locations of where to find a free print version around the city. Have fun exploring! ??

Defending the Deep in Hawai'i ?????? Last month, SOA Hawai'i Hub and community leaders gathered for the second annual #DeepSeaSummit to share knowledge about the current fight against #DeepSeaMining in the Pacific and how Hawai'i residents can help raise ambition at the federal and international level against this harmful practice. While this event celebrated the legislative win to ban deep-sea mining in Hawai?i state waters (more here → https://bit.ly/3znP228), panelists used their time to describe the current political landscape and how to effectively advocate going forward. Indigenous Leaders like Uncle Sol Pili Kaho?ohalahala and Brittany Kamai shared their recent experience at the International Seabed Authority and the deep cultural connection Kānaka Maoli have with the sea. We were honored to be joined by fellow ocean NGOs such as Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii, Greenpeace, FutureSwell, and more to empower attendees to send letters, register to vote, and learn more. A key highlight of the event? 160+ support letters were shared with Hawai'i federal officials from local voters! ?? Mahalo nui loa to everyone who came out to support this event, and stay tuned for an exciting video series with event participants to come later this year... ???