In today’s data-driven world, should marine farmers still rely on traditional methods to know what’s happening on their farms?
Meet Ocean Intelligence, one of the ventures participating in the Sprout Accelerator Spring24 cohort, they are on a mission to make aquaculture more sustainable, efficient, and profitable.
For years, marine farmers have farmed based on instinct and traditional farming methods, often diving deep—both literally and metaphorically—to gather insights about their operations. Ocean Intelligence is transforming these practices by integrating real-time environmental data and advanced AI analytics. This empowers farmers to make informed decisions, optimise operations, and support a regenerative blue economy.
Founded in collaboration between the Cawthorn Institute and Oceanum, Ocean Intelligence is revolutionising marine farming with intelligent, data-driven solutions. The strength of Ocean Intelligence lies in its team, which brings together leading aquaculture scientists and marine technology experts from Cawthron, alongside world-class oceanographers and developers from Oceanum. This unique combination of expertise enables OI to deliver real-time insights into ocean conditions, offering farmers actionable data that improves operational efficiency and reduces costs.
Leading the charge is Joel Bowater, an accomplished scientist passionate about transforming cutting-edge research into practical solutions for the aquaculture industry. His leadership, paired with Peter McComb's deep oceanographic knowledge and Dave Johnson's technical expertise, ensures that Ocean Intelligence continues to lead the way in aquaculture innovation.
With strong partnerships in New Zealand’s research and industry sectors, the knowledgeable team behind Ocean Intelligence are well-positioned to incorporate the latest scientific advancements into their solutions. They stand out for their unique blend of advanced data integration and deep aquaculture expertise.
The Ocean Intelligence solution illuminates the traditionally opaque world of marine farming, transforming raw data into actionable insights. “Aquaculture farmers often work blind, not knowing what’s happening beneath the surface,” explains Joel. “We want to change that. Our tools allow farmers to see exactly what’s happening on their farms without needing to send out a boat or check half a dozen forecasts”
One such tool is OI’s salinity forecaster, which helps farmers predict and mitigate the impact of closures or catastrophic events. Joel cites a recent example from Tasmania, where a major rainfall event wiped out $1M in oyster stock. “Our salinity forecaster could have provided enough warning to prevent these losses by allowing the farmer to take precautionary actions, such as harvesting early or moving stock,” he explains. These insights can lead to substantial financial savings and operational improvements.
The need for smart solutions is more critical than ever as the industry grows while facing talent shortages and environmental unpredictability. “One company manages over 400 farms with just two people deciding when and where to harvest,” Joel notes. “With skilled labour in short supply, this is where Ocean Intelligence can make a big difference.”
Excited to work with the Sprout Accelerator mentors, the Ocean Intelligence team is leveraging their participation to transform their offerings into an investable opportunity for future scaling.
Investment and hiring are key areas of focus, with demand for OI’s solutions exceeding current capacity. “We have more keen customers than we can handle,” Joel admits. “Growing the team and securing investment are crucial as we scale.”
Joel envisions Ocean Intelligence as the foundational technology behind modern precision aquaculture, improving not only operational efficiency but also the quality of life for marine farmers. However, he defines ultimate success as customer satisfaction.
"While the technical aspects of our groundbreaking technology are fascinating, it's the impact on our customers that truly excites me. Seeing their understanding dawn as they realise we're actively solving their problems with real data is incredibly rewarding. That's when we become an essential part of their business, and that's what defines success for me."