These magnificent kelp forests thrive in the nutrient-rich Benguela current, one of the world's most fertile waters. The CDR model Kelp Forest Foundation seeks to develop will help guide and inform kelp conservation and aquaculture efforts.

Leader: Protasius Mutijda, 27

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Mwikamba's project aims to develop cost-effective methods for measuring and reporting seagrass health. The project will compare two approaches: analyzing video and images using artificial intelligence and manual monitoring through point count and transect methods. The ultimate goal is to identify the most effective methodology to enable community-based conservation efforts funded by bundling recorded, but not accredited, carbon benefits with mangrove credits.

Leader: Edward Mutwiri Mwikamba, 35

They aim to expand and improve their blue carbon initiatives in Dompak and Pangkil Islands by identifying a suitable restoration site, establishing a mangrove nursery, and improving waste reduction infrastructure. They will also be planting 2000 mangroves per month as part of their ongoing efforts, and designing capacity-building exercises to support local communities in the region.

Leader: Indri Addini, 29

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Alongside their kelp cultivation efforts, Noble Ocean Farms also conducts workshops, training individuals from the local community on how to build their own kelp farming ventures, with workshops on growing, harvesting, and processing.

In total, Noble Ocean Farms cultivated and harvested 3,720 pounds of kelp during the project period - three times the amount previously harvested in one growing season.

Leader: Skye Steritz, 29

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After collecting data contributed by fishing vessels, hotspot maps are generated for fishers in the Gulf of Mexico.

The data offered by these maps are valuable to fisheries managers, who can utilize them to manage stocks more effectively, enabling sustainable practices that ensure the fishery's health in the long term.

Moving forward, with the implementation of automated mapping and the valuable feedback received, Kaitlin and her team are steadily increasing the number of maps provided to the industry. 

Leader: Kaitlin Harrington, 22

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The company’s commitment to only allowing small-scale, line-caught or artisanal fishing methods with minimal bycatch and environmental impact empowers consumers to make ethical and eco-friendly choices while educating them about the fish they consume.

Reeler is increasing its fulfillment rate, growing its customer base to 1,000+ users, and generating $100,000+ in sales for sustainable fishers in the Hawaiian Islands.

This has had a positive impact on Native Hawaiian and other Pacific island groups, who now have more affordable access to fresher, sustainably harvested seafood. It has also benefited indigenous fishermen, who can now earn a higher value for their catch.

Leader: Spencer VanDerKamp, 24

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Over the past two decades, Buyuni reef, a crucial breeding and nursery site for vulnerable fish species, has endured substantial damage caused by climate change and destructive fishing practices. The local community took action by designating a 4000 square meter area of Buyuni as a locally managed area in early 2022.

Aqua-Farms restoration plan involves replanting 1000 coral fragments across a 400 square meter area, with a larger goal of ultimately restoring 1 square kilometer of the reef by 2030. 

Leader: Nancy Iraba, 28

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Together, they are implementing a plan to reintroduce native plant species to Halsey Creek, serving as a model for community-led management and restoration efforts across the wider community and region.

Leader: Grey Gowder, 30

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This is being accomplished by installing 60 coral spider structures and establishing five coral nurseries. In addition, residents of three local communities are receiving training in coral conservation. The project leaders are also working towards implementing village regulations to enforce the protection of the marine ecosystem in Kaimana. 

Leader: Dennis Kurniawan, 28

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They are developing "Action Packages" specifically designed for city governments, nonprofits, schools, universities, and companies to serve as a valuable resource to facilitate self-organization and expansion of the mymizu movement. Their goal is to double the number of partner stores from 2,250 to 5,000 by 2024.

Furthermore, they are actively exploring opportunities to establish chapters in Vietnam, Kenya, and Ethiopia, thus expanding the reach and impact of mymizu in these regions.

Leader: Robin Takashi Lewis, 34

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This initiative not only prevents fishing nets from becoming abandoned in the ocean, but also transforms them into useful products like bags and purses, generating income for the communities involved. Handmade by the fishers and inhabitants of these coastal areas, these products are crafted using traditional knowledge and sold throughout Brazil.

Leader: Beatriz Mattiuzzo, 28

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To promote the conservation of this ecosystem, Natura sin Basura conducts environmental education workshops, cleanups, and ongoing monitoring. Their aim is to raise awareness about the importance of seagrass and salt marshes in providing ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration, and to mitigate the impact of local pollution.

Leader: Alvaro Adame Rodriguez, 32 

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This innovative approach enhances electronic monitoring, leading to improved policy and action based on valuable data insights.

Over the course of their fellowship, OnDeck achieved an incredible 85% accuracy in fish detection through their monitoring software prototype, and testing by a monitoring company in Canada indicates that their software could cut fisheries monitoring costs by 40-60% for pelagic longline fleets.

Leader, Alexander Dungate, 24:

SOA's ability to deploy early-stage impact capital quickly, and bring impactful project leaders together is unparalleled. SOA has been one of the most practical & beneficial partners to help us scale.

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The team has planned several initiatives to promote awareness and support conservation efforts in Brazil, which include establishing a coral nursery in a nearby public school, assessing the conservation status of the Paraty mangrove, providing students with diving opportunities to learn about marine life, and emphasizing the significance of Brazil's expansive coastline and mangrove communities in contributing to global blue carbon sequestration. 

Leader: Giovanna Scagnolatto, 29

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SOA supported 20 interns, aged 16-26 years, in developing their own projects to create impactful change in their own communities; examples include: native plant restoration, cleanups, documentary screenings, educational talks, community inspiration events, artivism projects, fundraisers, and more.

To date, 68 Ocean Uprise interns from 28 countries have participated, planting and restoring 5,800 native species, recovering 5,000kg of debris from cleanups, and educating 4,000 youth.

Leader: Shannon Ball, 24

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