The Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies (COAST) showcases the people, ideas, businesses and communities driving innovation in Pacific Canada's sus...
BC's Blue Economy— and the Acceleration Opportunity
What makes British Columbia such a compelling place to start and scale ocean ventures? During this special edition of the COAST Talks podcast, we take the mic to discuss the results from our recent BC Blue Economy Ecosystem Survey—and explore its broader implications for the future of the ocean sector. Then, we share how these findings lined up to inform the conceptualization and launch of COAST's newest program, the Blue Action Canada accelerator. To learn more about Blue Action Canada, visit canadacoast.ca/accelerator.
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Bioplastics Innovation with PhyCo Technologies
If you're up on seaweed-based bioplastics innovation, you may have heard of PhyCo Technologies. This Vancouver-founded company is focused on not only crafting a resilient, totally compostable alternative to plastics—they're working closely with First Nations communities in British Columbia to do it. Tune in to Ranah Chavoshi, CEO and co-founder, as she shares more about PhyCo's approach, their vision, and what they've learned from an incredible year spent travelling around the world to compete (and often, to win) major blue economy competitions.
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The Autonomous Future of Ferries, with Future Marine
In 2024, Norway debuted the world's first autonomously piloted ferry in the Trondheim fjord. What will it take to bring this technology to Canada? More flexible and adaptive than traditional public transit systems such as rail or metro, public ferries are a promising way to adapt to fast-growing urban populations in coastal areas, particularly here in British Columbia. Vancouver's Sea Bus welcomes 14,0000 passengers each day! A ferry piloted autonomously offers even more exciting possibilities for the future of affordable and efficient marine public transit. British Columbia-based Future Marine is aiming to deliver a prototype of North America's first autonomous ferry next year. Tune in to this COAST Talks: Podcast episode featuring Martin Stewart, founder of Future Marine, and learn what's in store for public, marine, and autonomous transit in British Columbia.
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Real-time Marine AI Detection with Ocean AID
Up to 70% of all ocean macro plastics are "ghost gear" — discarded, lost, or abandoned fishing gear. This poses a risk to ocean ecosystems and the communities who depend on them. Among their other projects, Victoria-based Ocean AID (https://oceanaid.ca/) has been working to help coastal communities tackle ghost gear by leveraging real-time AI to detect underwater objects to facilitate efficient, cost-effective removal. But Ocean AID is active far beyond just ghost gear—they're undertaking new projects with communities across BC to tackle underwater detection to remove pollution, improve biodiversity, and beyond. In this episode, we sit down with Andrew Polanyi, co-founder and executive director of Ocean AID (https://oceanaid.ca/) to learn all about it.
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The Transformation of a Sustainable Tourism Icon
On this episode of COAST Talks, host Jason Goldsworthy, Executive Director of COAST, explores sustainable tourism within the blue economy with guests Daniel and Bushra Savard, owners of the Swept Away Inn. Learn how they transformed a US Navy minesweeper into a unique bed and breakfast in Port Alberni, BC, blending family-style Moroccan dining with eco-friendly tourism. Discover how their floating inn fosters community, supports local resources, and champions conservation.
The Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies (COAST) showcases the people, ideas, businesses and communities driving innovation in Pacific Canada's sustainable blue economy. Brought to you by the South Island Prosperity Partnership network.
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