Six ocean-minded startups in SA

Ocean Voyages Institute’s marine plastic recovery vessel broke a world record on 2 July of the most waste collected out of our oceans, measuring at 103 tons in fishing nets and consumer plastics.

Over 48 days, the vessel travelled through the North Pacific Subtropical Convergence Zone, commonly known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch or Gyre. It has been recorded as the largest at sea clean up in the Gyre to date.

Plastic Free July has kicked off at the start of the month and highlights the importance of reducing single-use plastic and its overall impact on the environment and our oceans.

These six startups aim to make a positive impact on the restoration and preservation of our oceans

Reports indicate that nearly eight-million pieces of plastic make it into our oceans each day, causing irreparable damage to the marine ecosystem. With more than 100 000 marine animals dying from plastic pollution each year, it requires efforts of those both in the private and public sectors to make a concerted difference in reducing plastic waste.

Oceanhub Africa, a Cape Town-based impact accelerator (see this story) that aims to support ocean-minded start-ups through its programme has selected six startups that are working diligently to a sustainable and eco-conscious future for our oceans.

The selected projects were chosen by the esteemed committee at Oceanhub and will be accelerated over the next six months. These startups will be provided tailored mentorship, scientific expertise, and access to market leads.

In bringing attention to the current plastic pandemic, we have decided to highlight six ocean-minded startups in South Africa who have employed the use of technology to protect our marine environment.

Ocean-minded startups

SharkSafe Barrier

SharkSafe Barrier has developed an ecofriendly alternative to shark nets and baited drum lines. The current shark nets used along are detrimental to the environment.

Developed to mimic the visual effects of a kelp forest along used in hand with magnetic shark deterrents, the technology both ensure the safety of beachgoers while protecting the ocean’s biodiversity. The barrier affects only large sharks while other marine life including seals and various fish can swim through it similarly that they utilize the natural kelp forest for refuge.

Inseco

Aimed at creating a lasting and positive impact on the global food system, Inseco utilises advanced engineering technology, entomology, and biomimicry to provide effective solutions to reduce the use of fish-based meals used in livestock farming and aquaculture.

Utilizing onsite waste management technology converts organic waste into cost-effective protein an alternative to what is currently used. This innovative technology can help reduce over-fishing and greenhouse gas emissions.

Captain Fanplastic

Through the use of edtech which has been implemented in gaming, Captain Fanplastic hopes to educate users with a #NoTrashButTreasure minds. The gamified environmental literacy program has been designed using behavioral science, e-learning, and one-on-one modules. This startup is tackling a global issue of education around plastic waste by providing a long-lasting solution that is bound to yield long term positive results

Children aged between 10 to 12 years of age can become environmentally literate and adopt a lifestyle that aims to protect the environment through the reduced use of plastic.

MeanSea level

MeanSea level has developed and is currently constructing an operational 1,000 kW Wave Energy Converter which will supply electricity to shore-based industries and municipalities. This renewable source of energy is created through a process that does not contribute to greenhouse gas emissions as it harnesses wave power as the main resource.

Impact-Free Water

Through the use of pump harvesting wave’s potential energy ImpactFree Water can convert it into pressurized seawater for use in the aquaculture industry and for shore-based industries along with municipalities to produce fresh water. The use of wave power as a renewable source means that the overall production reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Symbytech

Symbytech’s multi-purpose drone has an extraction and filtration system which can inspect and clean boat hulls. Not only does it clean boat hulls but it is able to filter the water and neutralise biofouling allowing clean water to be returned.

Overall the technology employed at this startup will reduce the fuel consumption of boats.

Read more: OceanHub Africa opens accelerator call to startups looking to protect ocean
Read more: Kudoti crowned SA’s startup champion for 2020
Read more: LifeQ announces it’s working with B-Secur to develop tech solution

Featured image: Free-Photos via Pixabay