Covering about 96.5% of the Earth’s total water, the oceans play a crucial role in our ecosystem. Organizations like Beneath the Waves and AKUA are dedicated to safeguarding this vital resource by helping people understand the intrinsic link between the oceans and their own lives.
Beneath the Waves
“The health of the ocean and the health of humanity are intricately linked.”
Dr. Austin Gallagher, the visionary behind Beneath the Waves, is committed to addressing global challenges, starting with our oceans. He emphasizes that our world is predominantly oceanic and aims to convey that the well-being of the ocean is profoundly tied to human health.
Alongside engaging in scientific exploration to aid marine conservation and support endangered species, Dr. Gallagher and his team are focused on achieving positive impacts through rigorous research, widespread education, and collaboration with both governmental bodies and private entities for meaningful change.
Beneath the Waves extends its mission beyond underwater realms to include land-based initiatives. The organization leverages scientific findings to promote policies focused on ocean preservation, with a strong emphasis on shark conservation.
Engagement with local communities is fundamental to their strategy. As Dr. Gallagher points out, “Local communities are the true guardians of the marine resources we seek to protect.” The organization actively involves local K-12 students and provides competitive internships along with hands-on training tailored to marine conservation efforts.
Dr. Gallagher articulates, “My goal is to foster resilience. Protecting sharks and their habitats is paramount. We utilize sharks as a case in point for reexamining our bond with the ocean. It must be exhilarating, relatable, and inspiring.”
“Acquiring knowledge is essential for us to learn to coexist with our planet; this stands as the foremost challenge of our time as a species.”
AKUA
“Kelp, farmed in the ocean, is a food source that necessitates no fresh water, arable land, fertilizers, or feed.”
Courtney Boyd Myers has always had a deep passion for the ocean, but it was through her discovery of regenerative ocean farming that she found her true vocation. “I was in search of a lifelong pursuit. Establishing AKUA made me realize that providing sustainable plant-based food sourced from the ocean was my calling.”
Now, she actively promotes sea vegetables. “We are advocates for these marine greens. By creating meat alternatives, we’re shifting from harmful factory farming—the most destructive practice in agriculture—to regenerative ocean farming.”
The message on AKUA’s website clearly outlines the benefits of kelp consumption: “Animal agriculture ranks as the second-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions globally, while kelp cultivated in the ocean is a ‘zero-input’ food option that does not require fresh water, arable land, fertilizers, or feed.”
“Our mission is to proliferate regeneratively ocean-farmed kelp globally and play a role in combating climate change.”
AKUA also prioritizes community engagement. “We take pride in sourcing our kelp from small-scale farmers in New England to support the blue-green economy in our coastal regions.”
Ultimately, for Boyd Myers, the mission is deeply personal: “More than anything, I am motivated by the desire to inspire my newborn daughter and to leave behind a legacy she can cherish.”
