Innovation for Good: Beneath the Waves & AKUA
Approximately 96.5% of Earth’s water is found in the oceans. Two organizations, Beneath the Waves and AKUA, are dedicated to preserving this vital ecosystem by fostering awareness of the deep connection between the oceans and human well-being.
Beneath the Waves
“The health of our oceans is intricately linked to human health.”
Dr. Austin Gallagher, the founder and CEO of Beneath the Waves, is on a mission to make a difference, beginning with the ocean. He emphasizes, “Our planet is defined by its oceans. It’s essential for people to realize that ocean health and human health are intricately linked.”
Alongside scientific endeavors aimed at marine conservation and the protection of threatened species, Dr. Gallagher and his team seek to create meaningful change through research, public education, and collaboration with governmental and private entities.
Beneath the Waves addresses not only the marine environment but also land-based activities, aiming to advocate for science-driven ocean policy and support ocean health, with a specific emphasis on shark protection.
Engagement with local communities remains a key focus. Dr. Gallagher remarks, “The local communities play a crucial role in preserving the marine resources we are dedicated to safeguarding. We frequently involve K-12 students in our initiatives and provide competitive internships along with hands-on training in marine conservation.”
He further elaborates, “Building resilience is vital. Protecting sharks and their habitats is one of our primary targets. We use sharks as a gateway to help reshape how we interact with the ocean—it needs to be an exciting and relatable experience.”
“Understanding is essential for us to learn how to coexist on this planet; this challenge is the defining issue of our time as a species.”
AKUA
“Ocean-grown kelp represents a ‘zero-input’ food source requiring no freshwater, land, fertilizers, or feed.”
Courtney Boyd Myers has always been passionate about the ocean, but it was only after she discovered regenerative ocean farming that she found her true purpose. “I was searching for something to dedicate my life to, and when I started AKUA, I understood that providing sustainable plant-based foods from the ocean was it.”
She has become a strong advocate for the benefits of sea greens. “Our focus is on meat alternative products that can replace factory farming, which is one of the most detrimental types of agriculture on the planet, with regenerative ocean farming.”
According to AKUA’s website, “Animal agriculture significantly contributes to global greenhouse gas emissions, while ocean-farmed kelp serves as a zero-input food source that doesn’t necessitate fresh water, dry land, or additional feeds.”
“Our goal is to introduce regeneratively ocean-farmed kelp to the global market and contribute to the fight against climate change simultaneously.”
Community support is equally important to AKUA. “We take pride in partnering with small-scale New England farmers to strengthen the blue-green economy of our coastal communities.”
Lastly, Boyd Myers’ motivation is deeply personal as she aims to create a positive legacy for future generations: “Today, more than ever, I am inspired by the desire to make my newborn daughter proud.”
