Blue Action

At the Bahamas Innovation Forum, discussions focused on the evolving needs of organisations operating across the Blue Economy, and how UN Tourism could support innovation, sustainable coastal development, and maritime entrepreneurship across the region. The event brought together leaders from government, tourism, and international development, including Latia Duncombe, Andre Miller, Natalia Bayona, and Ian Ferguson. For Blue Action, conversations like these are important in connecting emerging ocean technologies and startups with the institutions shaping tourism, infrastructure, climate resilience, and economic development across coastal regions. As maritime industries increasingly intersect with sustainability and national resilience, partnerships between public-sector organisations and Blue Economy innovators become critical to scaling long-term impact. Melissa Halpern | Rupert Hayward | Jeff Stoike | Ann-Marie C. | Tony Johns | UN Tourism | The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation | Bahamas Protected Areas Fund |

As the Blue Action Canada Residency takes place this week in Vancouver, we look at how the programme’s startups are advancing port security, maritime sovereignty, and the natural ecosystems that shape our coasts and seabeds. The Blue Action Canada cohort, delivered with COAST (Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies), is supported through a partner network spanning the Port of San Diego, ZEBOX, AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles, The Grand Bahama Port Authority, and the Government of Barbados — demonstrating how interconnected maritime and environmental security are, and how protecting one ecosystem often strengthens another. A week of customer and government meetings across Canada’s blue economy ecosystem culminates at Web Summit Vancouver. Learn more about Blue Action Canada: https://lnkd.in/eQjncyvc Jeff Stoike | Rupert Hayward | George Northcott | COAST (Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies) | PhyCo Technologies | ACUA Ocean | Neil Tinmouth | Deepwater Robotics | Whale Seeker | Flux Lines | Armada | Founders Factory

From Seatrade Cruise Miami to supporting emerging ocean entrepreneurs, this month, we share how Blue Action is driving impact across the blue economy. Rupert Hayward | Jeff Stoike | Melissa Halpern | Tony Johns | Ann-Marie C. | Lachelle Russell | Doneyah Garvey | Founders Factory | DRIFT Energy Ltd | Ben Medland | Queen Conch Lab | FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute | Florida Atlantic Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute | TDCBahamas | Barbados Port Inc. | MSC Foundation | Clean Marine Group | Rewild Brands

At Blue Action, we are proud to share that Blue Action Canada has unveiled its second cohort of six startups advancing innovation across defense, resilience, and nature. Alongside COAST (Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies) and our partner Founders Factory, we have announced the six ocean tech companies selected for the program’s second cohort. These ventures are tackling critical challenges in maritime and port decarbonization, coastal resilience, biodiversity, and defense technologies. In a boost to British Columbia’s blue economy, Blue Action Canada will support UK ventures in establishing and growing their businesses in the region. Canadian cohort members will also benefit from commercialisation support and global go-to-market access through Founders Factory and Blue Action’s international network of ports, shipping, and government partners, including the Port of San Diego, ZEBOX (CMA CGM), AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles, The Grand Bahama Port Authority, and the Government of Barbados. “Blue Action Canada was created to help early-stage companies turn innovation into real-world impact,” said Jason Goldsworthy, Executive Director of COAST. Read the full article in environment coastal & offshore (eco) magazine https://lnkd.in/dWxSMUam

This #EarthDay2026, our mission is clear: protect the planet. Through ocean innovation, climate solutions, and community action, Blue Action is building a more resilient and sustainable future. For more information on educational programmes, partnerships, or philanthropic opportunities, please contact: annmarie@blueaction.eco Rupert Hayward | Jeff Stoike | Melissa Halpern | Tony Johns | Ann-Marie C. | Doneyah Garvey | Lachelle Russell | Rewild Brands | Javan Hunt | Coral Vita | Queen Conch Lab | FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute |

Cities can’t just withstand change anymore — they have to evolve with it. At Tomorrow.City USA, Blue Action Group Co-Founder & President Jeff Stoike moderated a powerful conversation on Regenerative & Resilient Cities, bringing together leaders across climate, development, and infrastructure. The takeaway: resilience isn’t just about risk management — it’s about rethinking how we design, invest, and collaborate to create stronger, healthier communities. From climate science to local insight, the future of cities will be shaped by those willing to take a regenerative, place-based approach. #TMRUSA26 Great discussion with an inspiring group of leaders pushing this work forward. Michael Berkowitz | Tony Cho | Rupert Hayward | Jeff Stoike | Daniel Blackman | Rohan Marley | SmartCity Plc | Tomorrow.City | Melissa Halpern

Blue Action founder and Grand Bahama Port Authority co-chairman Rupert Hayward at Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami, #STCGLOBAL 2026. Seatrade continues to be a powerful platform to connect, collaborate, and explore new growth opportunities. The energy across the event reflected an industry evolving rapidly—driven by innovation, sustainability, and forward-thinking partnerships. Great to see strong Blue Action representation alongside our Accelerator portfolio company, DRIFT Energy Ltd, joined by founder Ben Medland and Peter Odle, Chairman of Barbados Port Inc. Exciting conversations, valuable connections, and a shared commitment to shaping the future of the maritime and cruise industries. Rupert Hayward | Seatrade Maritime | Seatrade Cruise | Founders Factory | George Northcott | Jeff Stoike

Excited to share that our co-founder, Jeff Stoike, will be speaking at Tomorrow.City USA 2026 in West Palm Beach 🗓 April 14, 2026 🕥 10:40–11:10 AM 📍 VANGUARD Stage Regenerative and Resilient Cities As climate pressures grow, cities are rethinking how they plan, build, and invest for the long term. This session explores how leaders are moving beyond risk management toward strategies that strengthen communities and systems—using climate science, local knowledge, and cross-sector collaboration. Jeff will be joined by an incredible panel of leaders shaping the future of cities: • Michael Berkowitz, Executive Director, Climate Resilience Academy, University of Miami • Tony Cho, Co-Founder, Future of Cities Tickets available here https://tomorrowcity.us/ Rupert Hayward | Jeff Stoike | Melissa Halpern | Tony Johns | Ann-Marie C. | Doneyah Garvey | Lachelle Russell | #TMRWUSA26 #SCEWC

Congrats to our Blue Action Lab Ecopreneur Fellow Michael Johnson on winning $25K at the TDCBahamas pitch! He will be launching his own land-based shrimp aquaculture venture in Grand Bahama. The Blue Action Lab Ecopreneur Fellowship, launched in summer 2025, supports emerging entrepreneurs building sustainable businesses in the Blue Economy. Through partnerships with groups like Founders Factory, the Bahamas Tourism Development Corporation, and the Bahamas National Trust, fellows gain the skills, resources, and connections to grow impactful ventures that benefit the environment, strengthen communities, and drive long-term economic growth. Rupert Hayward | Melissa Halpern | Jeff Stoike | Ann-Marie C. | The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation | Aston Symonette | Tafarrah Williams | Dwight Gibson | Tony Johns | Lachelle Russell | Doneyah Garvey | TDCBahamas

This month's newsletter explores how the Blue Action Accelerator is driving ocean innovation, highlights impact from the FutureBlue Launchpad in Barbados, and reflects on why equity matters for ocean innovation this International Women’s Day. Subscribe now on LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/eAgQyYm5