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Ocean Bridge Projects 2023

Satellite Mapping of Sargassum in Burrard Inlet

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Project Details

Location
Vancouver, BC, Canada

Bennett B

Project Lead

The influx of sargassum in British Columbia poses ecological and economic challenges, impacting marine biodiversity and local economies. To address this issue, the micro-grant funded Coastal Carbon AI to map sargassum biomass in Vancouver’s Burrard Inlet, informing removal projects and enhancing understanding of its distribution. The initiative aims to mitigate environmental and economic impacts by implementing effective removal strategies based on satellite mapping data.

Project Description

The influx of sargassum in British Columbia has raised concerns, necessitating its removal due to ecological and economic impacts. Dense accumulations disrupt marine biodiversity, affecting habitats and potentially leading to a decline in species diversity. The economic repercussions, including impacts on tourism and fishing, further emphasize the need for mitigation.
Efforts to remove sargassum are driven by the necessity to restore the balance of marine ecosystems and sustain economic activities. Coastal cleanup initiatives are crucial for preserving biodiversity and ensuring the well-being of British Columbia’s coastal regions.
To address this issue, funds from a micro-grant will be utilized to engage Coastal Carbon AI, a satellite mapping company. They will map sargassum biomass in Vancouver’s Burrard Inlet, providing crucial data for informed removal projects and enhancing understanding of its distribution in the harbor. This initiative aims to mitigate the environmental and economic challenges posed by sargassum in the region.

This project has been created in commemoration of the lives of all the victims of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, including two Ocean Bridge ambassadors, Danielle Moore and Micah Messent. We aspire to carry on their legacy and commitment to making the world a better place by creating long-lasting impacts with a firm commitment to driving positive change for the environment and our ocean. We will never forget the light that Danielle and Micah brought to the world and will continue to keep them in our hearts. To learn more about these two amazing people, please visit: Honouring Danielle and Micah – Ocean Wise. This work is partially funded by the Commemoration Fund for Victims of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 Tragedy.

What was your biggest challenge?

Re-evaluating my project countless times to come up with something that was both interesting and feasible with personal constraints and the constraints of the program. I worked with my wonderful coach Kaja and put our heads together to solve the issue at hand, she also made the connection to Ranah, which proved to be a super valuable partnership with independent partnerships complimenting each other.

What was your most valuable takeaway?

Its all about the relationships (personal and professional) that make dreams come to reality. If you can help another person make their project/dream a reality you might just come to yours as well. Very happy to have been a part of this project and I can’t wait to see where the professional relationships I have made in this program go.

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