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 🌍 Koraï – 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

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

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 Hawaiʻi 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 Kahoʻohalahala 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... 📽️

Calling all ocean-climate professionals! Are you attending #ClimateWeekNYC this year? 🌎 If so, this resource is for YOU! Climate Week NYC begins in just 5 short days—and this year, we are seeing the ocean take center stage. 🌊 For experts and enthusiasts alike, this Ultimate Ocean Event Guide by Sustainable Ocean Alliance's Founder & CEO Daniela V. Fernandez is the perfect place to discover top ocean-focused events going on this next week. From discussions on intergenerational collaboration and storytelling to the power of scaling ocean-based climate solutions, there is something for everyone in this guide. The ocean and climate are intrinsically connected, relying on one another for a balanced, healthy Planet Earth. We cannot talk about climate change without talking about the ocean. Let’s unite to ensure a sustainable future for all. 🙌 Did we miss anything? Comment your events below and let us know if we will see you in the Big Apple!

It’s been just over a month since the Council and Assembly Meetings concluded at the International Seabed Authority’s 29th Session on #DeepSeaMining. Since 2022, Sustainable Ocean Alliance has had the honor to attend these important meetings to give a voice to young people around the world and offer them a (literal) seat at the table during global discussions that impact their futures and livelihoods. This July, SOA was proud to host our largest and one of the most globally represented ISA delegations yet—consisting of 12 young people from Latin America, the Caribbean, North America, Europe, and Africa. 🌎 Our team met with their region’s decision-makers, delivered inspiring interventions, hosted side events, and brought a lively and engaging energy to the conference center. Next, the ISA will reconvene for the 30th Session in March 2025–and SOA will be hot on its heels to continue our ocean advocacy and policy work. Click the linked article below for a full recap of the experience from members of SOA’s Deep-Sea Delegation and what comes next to #DefendTheDeep 💪 Daniel Caceres Shannon Cosentino-Roush Eugénia Barroca Jessica Newfield Kyle Foster Adenike Adeiga Jaime-Leigh Lue Chin Stefanie Torres Carlos Silva Catalina Reyes-Vargas Stephania Añazco Rivera Leneka T. Rhoden

Celebrating Camp SOA 🌊🏕 This summer, our #DreamTeam at Sustainable Ocean Alliance stepped away from the office to gather for a good old-fashioned 'summer camp' inspired retreat. Working as a remote-based team, it's always an energizing experience to come together in person to disconnect from work and reconnect with each other. From rock climbing to swimming in the nearby lake, this retreat reminded us all of the power of connection—whether we're miles apart or side by side. Interested in joining the SOA Team? We're #hiring! Check out our careers page for open opportunities to join our like-minded team of ocean-loving professionals → https://bit.ly/soa-jobs

Have you ever been face to face with the Mola Mola sunfish? ☀️🐟 The heaviest of all bony fish, the Mola Mola can reach up to 10-14 feet and nearly 5,000 pounds. 🤯 This elusive fish can live up to 100 years in its natural environment and despite their size, are harmless to humans. While they can live and hunt in depths of up to 600 meters down, Mola Mola spend half their time delivering on their namesake, basking in the sun near the surface to re-heat their bodies and aid digestion. Because of this, the Mola Mola is inadvertently vulnerable to ship strikes, bycatch, and more. By developing solutions to these ever present ocean threats and challenges, we can further improve the conservation and protection of critical ocean species like our sunfish friends. 🌊 🎥 captured by Megan Shea-Graff