The ocean is one of the few resources that is a truly global priority. It is not specific to one country or region. From the air we breathe to the food we eat, from moving goods and people to generating the energy we need, the ocean’s importance is relevant to us all. It is also at the heart of the solutions we need in climate action.

High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy

To further demonstrate the importance of the ocean, we need look no further than the growing momentum of the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Economy (Ocean Panel). The Panel is focused on unifying the leaders of nations worldwide, now 19 strong, to realise shared benefits in biodiversity, climate resilience, and sustainable economic growth through significant global platforms including the 30X30 target under the Global Biodiversity Framework, the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, and climate goals under the Paris Agreement.

The global ocean economy is set to outpace the growth of the broader economy by 2030 and can serve as a key driver behind continued economic recovery post-pandemic, and a unifier of the global ocean community. At the same time, we recognise the intense pressure our ocean is facing due to climate change, as well as the increased demands humanity places on it, making this work urgent. It requires our political leaders to come together with a shared commitment around the ocean. It also needs the engagement of researchers, innovators, industry, communities, investors, and like-minded organisations focused on the sustainable development of the ocean to join forces to realise what is possible when we work together. Through global collaboration, we can bring more innovative solutions to life that not only address shared global ocean challenges but also create economic prosperity with the expediency the magnitude of the challenges require.

Canada’s place in advancing global ocean opportunities

With the longest coastline in the world, fourth largest ocean territory, and some of the most innovative people on the planet, Canada plays an important role in the future of the ocean economy. It has earned the reputation of a strong collaborative partner internationally, and has invested in the accelerated development of globally-relevant ocean innovation to bring to the world.

Canada’s national ocean cluster, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC), is a leader in that work with more than 750 members across the country, including hundreds of collaborative partners who are working together to develop more than 300 new ocean products, processes, and services. These are commercial solutions that include transitionary fuels for marine use, artificial intelligence (AI) for fisheries management, vessel coatings that reduce emissions and increase efficiency, egg-to-plate remote monitoring in aquaculture, uncrewed vessels that go further and deeper than ever before, technology to keep workers connected and safe in harsh environments, and many other projects.

With a well-connected ocean network in Canada, and strong formal partnerships – including the European Leaders in Blue Energy (ELBE), Forum Oceano in Portugal, NOAA in the United States, GCE Ocean Technology in Norway and others globally – Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is a collaborator, and convenor, and has built a reputation for getting the work done. From launching its first ever international joint call for proposals in 2024 with Innovate UK to matchmaking events with ELBE, to working in partnership this autumn with Forum Ocean to deliver an ocean AI conference, and joint initiatives planned through a recent Memorandum of Understanding signed with NOAA, it is clear that the OSC has a deep commitment to collaboration and productive partnerships.

International collaboration

International collaboration is an area of focus for the OSC, not only in the interest of growing the global ocean economy sustainably and unlocking the potential that exists in its growth trajectory to 2030 and beyond, but also in contributing to net zero commitments and the health of Canada and the planet. It was welcome news this year when the Government of Canada and the European Commission signed an agreement allowing Canada’s enhanced participation in Horizon Europe. As Horizon Europe supports the world’s greatest scientific and innovative breakthroughs in research and development and industrial competitiveness, Canada’s association to the programme will allow the OSC to build on research and innovation co-operation with Europe’s ocean community, further globalising the ocean as a priority and unlocking the power of partnership.

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is an industry-led, national cluster focused on the accelerated development of sustainable ocean solutions in energy transition, sustainable seafood, future of marine shipping, and climate solutions, as well as supporting the establishment of more ocean startups and building a diverse, well-skilled workforce to support sector growth. In 2023, Canada held four of the top 35 strongest ocean innovation ecosystem rankings by Startup Genome, and its Ocean Startup Project was named a top accelerator in North America just four years after its launch. For more information on Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, to explore opportunities to collaborate on Horizon projects or to learn how to become a member and partner with us, visit https://oceansupercluster.ca