Making ocean science accessible to all
EHF Fellow James Nikitine is leading the battle to save our seas with a new venture that aims to democratize access to quality ocean data.
Swimming beneath the unexplored depths of our oceans are countless sea species that humans have never seen before. It is estimated that anywhere from 30-90% of sea life has not yet been discovered, and yet it is almost certain that those unnamed creatures have already encountered us in one form or another.
Whether it be discarded trash, oil, or tiny microplastics, human production has drifted its way to every corner of our seas - from the darkest depths to the shallowest shores.
And pollution is just one of many ways that humans are having a negative impact on our oceans. Destructive fishing practices like bottom trawling wreak havoc on sea life, and an increase in large boats carrying consumer goods have the potential to disrupt migration or kill creatures in their path.
Even those who have never set foot in the sea have had an effect on it. While we may not be thinking of the ocean as we drive our cars miles away, the carbon we emit on the road contributes to greenhouse gas emission, and in-turn the warming of our oceans and the destruction of sea habitats and coral bleaching.
Oceans cover 71% of the Earth’s surface. We rely on it for food, jobs, and even the very air we breathe. That’s why it's so important to redefine our relationship with the ocean and work to keep it safe. Finding the balance of a productive “Blue Economy” will depend on driven and dedicated minds around the world.
Science and Storytelling to Protect our Seas
Growing up in the French Alps, James Nikitine was always fascinated by the distant oceans — but it wasn’t until he worked as a divemaster on the Great Barrier Reef that he fully understood their incomparable importance.
Harnessing his expertise in film and passion for the seas, he founded Manaia Productions to create video content that “communicates the balance between nature conservation, science, and livelihoods”.
He has made dozens of impactful short films and recently collaborated with Sting (the musician) and the UK government on a video for the 30x30 campaign, highlighting the urgent need to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030.
Through his work, James has developed into a thought-leader and works often to consult governments and businesses around the world on healthy marine practices. But like any good scientist, James knows that there are still many answers that need uncovering.
That’s why his new non-profit venture, Blue Cradle, centers around researching new pathways to a cleaner ocean and a bluer economy.
Better Ocean Data Across the South Pacific
The vision is to provide a zero-emissions sailboat to marine researchers and education programs. The team is currently talking to naval architects and specialist boat building yards across New Zealand to build a ship that is fit for purpose.
Their areas of work will include coastal and offshore oceanographic work and will focus on climate and biodiversity, as well as marine reserve scoping and monitoring. Blue Cradle will carry out their research across three geographic areas: the Southern Ocean in Antarctica, the South Pacific Islands, and across New Zealand.
In Antarctica, a key priority will be monitoring the Ross Sea, one of the world’s largest marine protected areas. In the South Pacific Islands, Blue Cradle will gather important ocean data which can then support these communities in a number of different ways, including disaster risk reduction, weather, and climate forecasting, as well as improving livelihoods and food security.
Closer to home, the ship will regularly survey Aoteroa’s waters for pollution & the presence of microplastics.
An Online Platform for Cutting-edge Ocean Data
In 2021, Blue Cradle will launch a digital platform that will give visibility to these projects, reaching wide audiences and will publish a best practice handbook that will inventory these solutions.
“We also intend to work at a local level with Iwi, Hapu, and a wide mix of New Zealand-wide stakeholders, building educational partnerships, and cultural-historical experiences around Te Moana.”
In essence, Blue Cradle brings together an interdisciplinary team of researchers, educators, and storytellers. By combining these three disciplines, James hopes to expand the impact of the latest marine innovations.
“Our aim is to communicate widely on these impact solutions, promoting young scientists, young entrepreneurs, and ultimately young human beings that are working to solve some of the world’s greatest challenges with the ocean.”
Looking after the Blue Cradle
The Blue Cradle team understands that saving our oceans is a multifaceted challenge. That’s why their research and solutions will span many different areas including sustainable fishing, aquaculture, energy, biotechnology, big data, and marine conservation.
James says that they all share one thing in common though, “They are all led by passionate individuals who understand the importance of our blue cradle.”
Get Involved
Blue Cradle is based in Ōtautahi-Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand. They hope to have their vessel operating in 2021 to coincide with the launch of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. To learn more and support this work, visit www.BlueCradle.org.
Journey with us
Impact is a journey and it doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It takes a group of inspired, committed, and informed individuals to get a world-changing idea off the ground. You can help amplify EHF Fellow impact as they work to develop solutions to some of humanity’s biggest problems. Here is how you can join us in this work as we journey together on a path to a better world:
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