Ideas for Impact

Behind the postcard views of British Columbia’s coastline lies a different story—one of plastic pollution, degraded marine infrastructure, invisible water contamination, and the quiet disappearance of public beach access. In this episode, we speak with Lucas Harris, Executive Director of Surfrider Foundation Canada, about what it means to protect the ocean when the threats are complex, systemic, and often unseen. Lucas shares how Surfrider’s work in Canada—once focused largely on beach cleanups—has evolved into something much more ambitious: a strategy that blends grassroots organizing, environmental data collection, policy advocacy, and hands-on collaboration with Indigenous communities. From banning Styrofoam in marine infrastructure to driving youth-led campaigns on university campuses, Surfrider is building environmental leadership from the ground up. We also explore ReSurf Gear Circularity, a new initiative addressing the end-of-life problem with surf gear—diverting neoprene and polystyrene waste from landfills and recycling it into new, usable materials. It’s an experiment in circular design with implications well beyond the surf community. Ocean conservation in Canada isn’t just about pristine wilderness or protecting nature “over there.” It’s about what happens when people organize in their own backyards to shift policy, culture, and infrastructure—all while staying grounded in the realities of place.

What does the future of fishing look like when transparency, sustainability, and equity lead the way? In this episode, we explore how one bold venture is shaking up the commercial fishing industry—using real-time data, tech-driven accountability, and a community-first mindset to rethink how we harvest from the ocean. At the center is Teem.fish, a company building digital tools to modernize fisheries monitoring, protect coastal livelihoods, and support smarter seafood systems. From the wharfs of Newfoundland to global waters, we unpack how innovations like electronic monitoring are not just helping enforce fishing regulations, but redefining them. You'll hear how traditional fishing practices meet cutting-edge technology, how policy and innovation collide, and why Indigenous data sovereignty must be central to ocean governance. This conversation surfaces tough questions: Who owns the data collected on our oceans? How do we balance economic growth with ocean health? And what does justice look like for small-scale fishers in an increasingly industrial system? Whether you're working in climate tech, marine conservation, or just want to know where your seafood comes from, this episode offers a raw and hopeful look at the tools—and values—reshaping the future of sustainable fisheries. We covered so much ground with Amanda including:  * How data and electronic monitoring are transforming global fisheries * The tension between quantity and quality in seafood harvesting * Indigenous data sovereignty and the right to self-determined ocean stewardship * Challenges facing small-scale and community-based fishers * The role of innovation in building trust, transparency, and equity at sea Timestamps: 01:52 – From Newfoundland to fisheries innovation 04:45 – The founding story of Teem.fish 07:00 – Scaling challenges and monitoring breakthroughs 10:27 – Local stories, global stakes 33:08 – Indigenous leadership and data sovereignty 39:42 – A message to the UN

In this episode of Ideas for Impact, we dive into the world of seaweed and marine biologics with Patrick Griffin, CEO of Marine Biologics, and Spencer Serin, CSO. Together, they explore how seaweed—often overlooked and underutilized—is poised to transform the future of biomanufacturing. From methane-reducing feed to bioactive compounds for food, cosmetics, and materials, Marine Biologics is building a scalable, science-backed approach to seaweed innovation. They’re not just creating products—they’re reshaping entire supply chains, one macroalgae strand at a time. Patrick and Spencer share their journeys from tech and cheese-making to building a data-powered, global venture in the blue economy. They reveal what it takes to stabilize a fickle crop like seaweed, the challenges of global operations, and why collaboration is key to systems-level impact. Tune in for a conversation on chemistry, circularity, and the power of building regenerative economies from the ocean up. Learn more about Marine Biologics  [https://www.marinebiologics.com/] Visit us at www.IdeasforImpactagency.com [https://www.ideasforimpactagency.com/]

In this episode we dive into a conversation with ocean explorer turned entrepreneur Julie Angus, the visionary founder and CEO of Open Ocean Robotics. Julie shares how her solar-powered, autonomous boats are transforming the way we understand and protect our oceans. From tracking illegal fishing to advancing climate research, her blue tech startup is pushing the boundaries of marine innovation — all while building a business rooted in impact. We explore the tech, the team, and the tension between conservation and commercialization in the evolving blue economy. Julie also opens up about the role of AI in their work, the power of strategic partnerships, and what’s on the horizon for ocean intelligence. If you’ve ever wondered how we can scale solutions without sacrificing stewardship — this is the episode for you. Episode Breakdown:  02:07 – The Mission and Technology of Open Ocean Robotics  13:11 – Challenges and Innovations in the Maritime Industry  15:06 – Partnerships and Global Expansion  23:02 – Balancing Impact and Business Growth  27:11 – Future of Ocean Intelligence and Final Thoughts Visit Open Ocean Robotics  [https://www.openoceanrobotics.com/] Visit Ideas for Impact [https://www.ideasforimpactagency.com/]

In this episode of Ideas for Impact: Disruption for Good, co-hosts Joanna Buczkowska-McCumber and Deborah Haust sit down with political scientist and sustainability leader Jenny Morgan to explore the nuances behind her new book, Cancel Culture in Climate. Together, they unpack what’s really happening when conversations about climate shift from constructive to combative—and why that matters for the future of innovation, sustainability, and leadership. Jenny shares stories from her career, including her time at Microsoft and her deep involvement in the B Corp movement, offering a unique vantage point on how corporate and individual actors alike are navigating increasingly polarized conversations around climate action. She reminds us that solving environmental and societal issues requires more than just good intentions—it demands thoughtful language, a willingness to stay in dialogue, and a commitment to curiosity over judgment. The episode explores: * How climate cancel culture shows up in real-world systems—from tech to activism to boardrooms. * Why empathy and open communication are critical tools in the sustainability space. * The dangers of oversimplification and ideological rigidity in a world that requires complexity and nuance. * Tangible ways businesses and individuals can stay engaged, even when the narrative gets difficult. * The power of words in shaping policy, public sentiment, and pathways to climate justice. Whether you’re a founder, a policymaker, a sustainability professional, or simply someone trying to make sense of the climate conversation in 2025—this episode offers insight, grounding, and inspiration to keep asking the right questions. Tune in for a bold, honest, and deeply human conversation about what it means to lead with impact in an era of division—and how, sometimes, the most powerful move is to listen first. 00:58 – Meet Jenny Morgan: Cancel Culture in Climate 02:20 – Jenny’s Journey and Insights 11:13 – The Language of Climate and Sustainability 22:58 – Empathy and Communication in Climate Action 27:16 – Practical Steps for Climate Impact 30:36 – Looking Forward to 2025 Grab a copy of Jenny's book https://www.cancelcultureinclimate.com/book Visit us at www.ideasforimpactagency.com