There’s a reason why ocean conservation is a hot-ticket issue in the environmental sector. Marine biodiversity is crucial to people and the planet but is dwindling rapidly. Fortunately, numerous startup businesses are developing new technologies to address the problem head-on.

Why does marine biodiversity need saving?

Although the World Register of Marine Species has identified 238,165 living organisms, researchers believe the actual number is 10-fold higher. Each species supports critical functions and is part of an intricate web deemed essential to life on Earth.

Sadly, human activity has had dire effects on marine biodiversity. From overfishing to maritime operations and plastic pollution, thousands of species have become threatened or gone extinct. This number is particularly disconcerting, considering people have yet to explore 80 percent of the ocean. The question is, then, what else has humanity destroyed?

Much is at stake amid widespread species loss, with even more significant consequences for society. After all, humankind relies on marine biodiversity for its many services, including food, medicine, and climate change mitigation — it’s responsible for sequestering 25 percent of carbon dioxide emissions and creating 50 percent of the oxygen people breathe. Recreation and economic activities are equally dependent on healthy seas.

The situation has influenced global conservation efforts to maintain marine genetic diversity. Many of these initiatives use whatever resources are available, including cutting-edge technology.

These 4 technology startups are revolutionizing marine conservation

Companies haven’t always had the best track record for environmental friendliness, but some startups refuse to allow more damage to precious ecosystems. As new technologies penetrate markets, these four tech startups are using the developments to preserve marine life.

1. OceanAlpha

OceanAlpha is a China-based startup designing autonomous surface vehicles (USVs). The vessels use AI algorithms, state-of-the-art sensors, cameras, and data collection software to survey ocean biodiversity, look for hot pollution spots, and monitor the marine ecosystem. They are also utilized in search and rescue missions.

In one case study, OceanAlpha deployed a USV with sonar in Scotland to detect beaver burrows, which make riverbanks more fragile for people who live and work nearby. The country issued legal protections for beavers in 2019, but the burrows can be destroyed with proper authorization. With insights from the technology, researchers hope to find a way to stabilize the riverbanks and coexist with the species.

OceanAlpha has partnered with organizations, research institutions, and government agencies to facilitate USV adoption. The technology itself is versatile and customizable to address different marine issues.

2. Open Ocean Robotics

Canada-based Open Ocean Robotics also manufactures USVs, but theirs operate using solar panels. The company’s vessels can navigate the open seas for long durations, collecting essential data about marine life, pollutants, and ocean conditions.

For example, in 2021, one of its USVs helped deliver real-time marine mammal monitoring. The technology integrated advanced passive acoustic sensors to detect larger aquatic species and prevent harm from marine industrial activity.

Open Ocean Robotics’ success is attributed to its adaptable USV technology, which is cost-effective and a more environmentally friendly alternative to manned vessels. Its assistance in advancing marine research lends itself to better decision-making and more stringent conservation policies.

3. OceanMind

OceanMind is a technology startup operating in the United Kingdom and Asia. Its mission is to fight illegal fishing and foster sustainable practices using advanced data analytics, machine learning, and satellite imagery.

The platform incorporates an Automatic Identification System to deliver real-time maritime security, enforce regulatory compliance in protected areas, and conserve marine biodiversity. OceanMind can detect questionable activities using its built-in AI algorithms and provide insights to various organizations and governments.

In addition to its robust technology, OceanMind’s success comes from its global partnerships and its dedication to transparency. The startup facilitates accountability in the maritime industry to create positive environmental change.

4. Pelagic Data Systems

Pelagic Data Systems (PDS) is a United States startup combating illegal fishing with the Internet of Things, AI, and satellites. The company’s smart buoys monitor protected marine areas and provide real-time analysis of fleet management and noncompliance. They achieve this by attaching the devices to vessels and collecting data — location, activities, and conditions — using satellite networks. The information is then transmitted to a central database where AI algorithms analyze it, looking for anything suspicious.

PDS can customize its system’s benchmarks and warnings to reflect specific zoning regulations. It also uses spatial analyses to improve fisheries management by identifying areas where fishermen can make the most profit.

The insights encourage fleet managers to adhere to best practices and make more informed decisions to protect marine biodiversity. Additionally, this startup collaborates with numerous stakeholders to deploy its technology far and wide. By delivering advanced solutions to government agencies, marine activity becomes better regulated to safeguard endangered species.

What can other entrepreneurs learn from successful startups?

The four startups demonstrate technology’s positive impact on protecting marine wildlife and ocean conditions. Entrepreneurs who hope to make similar strides can learn essential lessons from the companies’ successes.

For one thing, all startups underscore the importance of strategic stakeholder collaboration. The more diverse partnerships are, the more technology improvements are made to drive marine conservation efforts.

Companies should also focus on making their technologies widely adoptable — this means considering cost, resource distribution, the ability to adapt to market changes, and developing new features and customizations. Technologies should also use sustainable designs with minimal environmental impact, such as renewable energy, eco-friendly materials, and a circular life cycle.

Finally, sharing data is crucial for building trust and engaging stakeholders in making a greater impact on ocean health and biodiversity.

Saving the seas one tech solution at a time

These startups are proving critical in protecting marine biodiversity through the development of innovative technologies. Whether driving marine research, fighting illegal fishing, or paving the way for new policies, their dedication to advancing solutions and ocean stewardship should inspire like-minded entrepreneurs.

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