Blue Action September Insider Newsletter

// Highlights from the 7th Ocean Innovators Platform at New York Climate Week 2024

Blue Action was proud to support the 7th session of The Ocean Innovators Platform during New York Climate Week on Tuesday, September 24th. This edition brought together an incredible lineup of global leaders.

The event was organized by Blue Action network partner, The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, in partnership with ClimateImpact, ChangeNOW, Builders Vision, Sustainable Ocean Alliance, World Economic Forum’s 1000 Ocean Startups, Blue Action , and Solar Impulse Foundation.

In His opening speech, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco reminded us of the long-lasting commitment of His Foundation to protect the Ocean, emphasizing that “a healthy ocean is essential to human survival, and it is time that we recognize the vast opportunities that it offers us.”

Acknowledging that philanthropy alone will not be enough to tackle the challenges we face, the Sovereign Prince reaffirmed the importance of rethinking our societies and economic models to secure a sustainable future.

He concluded by reminding us that “We have the tools, the knowledge, and the innovations, we must now need the collective will to bring these solutions to scale.”

Two round tables gathered thought leaders to share their insights on transformative changes and innovative strategies that drive a sustainable blue economy.

The first panel was a fireside chat between Lukas Walton, Founder, and CEO at Builders Vision, and HRH Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud that aimed to “pave the way for the regenerative blue economy”. It was the occasion to explore the vital intersections of ocean, climate, and business, mapping a visionary future for ocean-based industries. ? Walton stressed the critical importance of investing in oceans “from NGO to IPO”, and Princess Reema spoke of the importance of appealing to hearts as well as minds, given the emotional connection many have to oceans.

The second panel gathered successful changemakers, such as Daniela V. Fernandez - Sustainable Ocean Alliance, Geoff Chapin - Carbonwave, Steven Henderson - Fleetzero, and Svanika Balasubramanian at rePurpose Global, shedding light on groundbreaking innovative companies revolutionizing the blue economy and on investment opportunities offered by the ocean space.

// Investing in Brineworks: Unlocking Green Fuels from Seawater

As the world strives towards decarbonization, we proudly announce our latest investment through Blue Action Accelerator—Brineworks. This innovative company is pioneering saltwater electrochemistry to create sustainable, scalable clean fuels for the maritime and aviation industries.

While many industries are moving towards electrification, sectors like maritime and aviation face significant hurdles. These industries will depend on e-fuels, which require sustainable carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2) production. However, access to clean CO2 remains limited, and extracting it from the air is costly and inefficient, making e-fuels difficult to produce affordably.

The ocean holds the key to overcoming this challenge. It offers a vast source of pre-concentrated CO2 and an abundant supply of hydrogen, constantly replenished through natural processes.?

Unfortunately, the current method for extracting these elements—electrolysis—has been too expensive for large-scale use.

George Northcott , President of Founders Factory & Partner at Blue Action Accelerator, says: “The opportunity around ocean carbon removal is enormous, and yet is something we’ve yet to see a cost-efficient, scalable solution for. That is until we met Brineworks . Founders Gudfinnur and Joseph have brought together top-tier scientific specialization with commercial expertise to pair the challenge around CO2 extraction with the commercial opportunity to produce sustainable e-fuels. We look forward to working with them to scale their solution globally."

// Blue Action Lab Sponsors Chevening Scholar for the Second Year

Blue Action Lab continues its commitment to supporting Bahamian talent by sponsoring Gabrielle Sullivan as this year’s Chevening Scholar.?Gabrielle will be heading to the University of Greenwich to pursue a master’s degree in Biotechnology, with a focus on sustainable solutions for The Bahamas.

This is a golden opportunity to support her goal of improving food security in The Bahamas. She shares that “Food security is prominent among the many critical issues facing The Bahamas in terms of climate resilience, “We must pioneer sustainable agriculture and fisheries in addition to other strategies, that can give our population more independence from global supply chains, which are increasingly vulnerable to climate disruption, as we saw with recent hurricanes and the Covid 19 pandemic."

This sponsorship follows the success of Ann-Marie C. last year’s Blue Action Lab-sponsored Chevening Scholars , who is now completing her dissertation for a Master of Science in Environmental Management at the University of Stirling. Rupert Hayward , Founder and President of Blue Action Lab, expressed his excitement for continuing the initiative, which fully funds one Bahamian master's student each year for the next three years.?

The scholarship covers tuition, travel, accommodation, and a stipend, ensuring students like Gabrielle receive a world-class education to benefit The Bahamas. The program is designed for individuals with at least two years of work experience and a commitment to returning to The Bahamas to apply their knowledge and make a positive impact on the nation.

// From Devastation to Resilience: How Blue Action is Shaping a Sustainable Future for The Bahamas?

September 1st, 2024, marked five years since Hurricane Dorian devastated Grand Bahama and the Abacos. As a Category 5 storm, Dorian was one of the most powerful hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic, leaving behind catastrophic damage. Beyond the immediate destruction, Hurricane Dorian serves as a stark reminder of the accelerating impacts of climate change, especially on vulnerable small island nations like The Bahamas.

Over the past five years, the Blue Action team has witnessed firsthand the increasing effects of climate change—from warming seas and widespread coral bleaching to biodiversity loss and changing weather patterns. Blue Action was founded in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian with a mission to build resilience and drive positive climate solutions for The Bahamas and beyond. Our approach combines community engagement, sustainable practices, and innovative technologies to tackle the unique challenges posed by climate change while building the blue and green economies in the region.

One of Blue Action Lab’s initiatives is Conservation Cove, an innovative biodiversity restoration hub on Grand Bahama. Conservation Cove is dedicated to growing the local blue economy by protecting and restoring critical marine and coastal ecosystems, including mangrove forests, coral reefs, and the queen conch hatchery.?

// A Technician's Journey in Aquaculture at Blue Action Lab, by Lachelle Russell

As a biology major with a minor in Chemistry, I’ve always had a deep interest in the sciences, and my university years further solidified this passion, particularly through hands-on laboratory work.?

The meticulous world of microscopy was a highlight for me, allowing me to delve into the intricacies of life at the cellular level. These experiences, along with the diverse set of skills I’ve developed, have all played a crucial role in preparing me for my current role as an Aquaculture Technician at Blue Action Lab.?

Since joining Blue Action Lab, I’ve immersed myself in the complexities of aquaculture, particularly in understanding the life cycle of conch and how to nurture these animals to ensure their proper development.? ?

The company’s small size has been a blessing, as it allows us to work closely together, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared growth.?

The work we do is new, and each day brings fresh knowledge and experiences, which we bond over as a team. Training with Dr Megan Davis was a particularly memorable experience—intense, informative, and rewarding.?

The work we are doing at Blue Action Lab is not just innovative—it’s essential. By focusing on improving food security and nutrition while revitalizing a major industry in The Bahamas, we are tackling significant challenges head-on. It’s a difficult task, but one that I believe will have a lasting impact, providing Bahamians with access to diverse food sources and sustainable income for years to come.?

Thank you for taking the time to read about my journey. I’m excited to continue growing with Blue Action Lab and contributing to the important work we do here.

Lachelle Russell

Aquaculture Technician

Grand Bahama Queen Conch Mariculture Center