One of the most significant allies we have in our fight against climate change is our oceans — it generates half of the world’s oxygen and absorbs about one-quarter of our carbon emissions.

"Changes to the ocean will impact us all," says Executive Director and ocean expert at Oceans North, Louie Porta, in a recent discussion with blogTO.

"Warmer temperatures and more acidic waters will harm wildlife, fishing communities will face greater challenges in maintaining healthy and abundant fisheries, and coastal communities will experience more frequent and intense storms that cause destructive flooding."

Nick Hawkins

The human impact on our physical environment and climate is evident — including from the international shipping industry, which generates 3 per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions (about 1 billion tonnes annually). If future action isn’t taken, those rates could double.

Addressing problems like this is why Oceans North was founded: to advance marine conservation efforts and promote climate action. 

Working in partnership with Indigenous and coastal communities, Oceans North programs are built by listening, learning and understanding the unique challenges facing communities affected by changing climates and oceans.

Oceans North

"Human activities are affecting the ocean in unprecedented ways and impacting people who live near and rely on the ocean," says Porta.

To dig into its valuable initiatives, we spoke with Porta about Oceans North's current work and the new technologies that'll help to promote net-zero outcomes for various sectors.

Reducing emissions in the local fishing sector

The livelihoods of fishing communities, for example, are at risk from climate change, which is also causing flood damage to wharves and homes both on the coastline and inland.

Nick Hawkins

“To prevent the devastating impacts of climate change, all marine industries must transition to a lower-carbon future, yet there is currently no government plan to eliminate emissions from the fishing industry,” Porta tells blogTO. 

“The fishing sector accounts for about 4 per cent of all emissions from food production globally. Other industry activities that indirectly generate emissions include seafloor trawling, which releases carbon stored in the seabed and generates emissions thought to be similar in scope to emissions from air travel.”

Achieving a lower-carbon future

One solution for decarbonizing Canada's fishing sector is the use of battery-electric propulsion systems in fishing vessels.

"Electric boats use the same batteries that are already in millions of
on-road vehicles and can be plugged in at the dock to charge. Redesigned boats tailored for electric motors will help many fishers reduce emissions, while also saving them money over the long-term through lower operating and fuel costs," says Porta.

Nick Hawkins

Porta also adds that the use of bi-directional charging infrastructure could utilize the battery storage capacity of electric fishing vessels in the off-season to supply energy back to the electrical grid when needs are high.

“The next steps for battery-electric boats are to understand which types of fishing vessels are best suited for all-electric motors, and what electricity grid upgrades are needed to make sure plug-in boats can be recharged reliably and use bi-directional charging."

Hydrogen fuel cell electric propulsion systems, which can power a vessel using zero-emission green hydrogen fuel produced from renewable energy sources, such as wind, will become another technology solution for fishers whose vessels travel further from shore, or fish for multiple days.

Nick Hawkins

"Hydrogen fuel cell electric systems are lower in technological readiness, but testing is underway," Porta explains. 

“Zero-emission fuels such as green hydrogen have the potential to transform longer-range transport of all kinds,” he says. “Large trucks, international container shipping, and even planes are expected to switch to zero-emission fuels in the future, ensuring goods and people can continue to move in all the ways we do today.”

"The next steps for zero-emission fuels are understanding which fuel option will give us the most energy for the least amount of money and lowest environmental impact, as well as building the on-land infrastructure and partnerships to make zero-emission fuel ready for use in marine vessels."

A supportive partner in fueling energy shifts

One major partner Oceans North took on was RBC, who, through RBC Tech for Nature, has made a multi-year commitment to accelerate tech-based solutions that aim to preserve our natural ecosystem.

Through this partnership, Oceans North secured additional financial resources to help develop the first electric lobster fishing boat, which could help open the door for Nova Scotia to lead in the transition to zero-emission vessels.

Nick Hawkins

By helping form partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including Indigenous communities, naval architects, and charging infrastructure companies, Oceans North was able to create a project team that will design and build the electric fishing boat.

"Supporting new ideas, technologies and partnerships to solve pressing environmental challenges is how we bring RBC Tech for Nature to life," says Mark Beckles, vice-president, social impact and innovation at RBC.

"That’s why we’re excited to support Oceans North and the important work they’re doing to reduce emissions in the fishing sector while advancing marine conservation efforts."

Oceans North

"It’s exciting that RBC’s Tech for Nature program helps create opportunities for important work at the community level that wouldn’t happen otherwise," says Porta.

"New technology is a key part of the climate change transition, and RBC Tech for Nature is bringing together essential sectors to create real-world climate solutions with immediate impact."

To learn more about Oceans North, you can explore their work online. If you’re interested in reading more stories about people creating a low-carbon future, visit the RBC Tech for Nature hub.