Innovative Strategic Approaches to Mitigating Marine Pollution in

the British Columbia Area

Qianyu Zhou

Oak Bay High School, Victoria V8R 1Z2, Canada

Keywords: Oceans, Monitoring, Marine Pollution, British Columbia, Environmental Technology.

Abstract: Marine pollution poses a significant threat to the sustainability of British Columbia's (BC) marine ecosystems,

originating from various sources, including industrial runoff, agricultural discharges, and plastic debris. This

pollution significantly impacts marine biodiversity and affects economic activities that depend on clean

marine environments, such as fishing and tourism. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach

that includes both regulatory measures and the adoption of innovative technologies. This paper examines the

sources and impacts of marine pollution in BC and provides a thorough comparison and analysis of new

technologies to mitigate these issues. Notable innovations by Ocean Diagnostics, Open Ocean Robotics, and

Seaspan Shipyards are highlighted. Ocean Diagnostics is making strides in microplastic identification and

quantification, providing essential data to track pollution sources. Open Ocean Robotics is enhancing

environmental monitoring with autonomous vessels that reduce human involvement and the carbon footprint

of marine research. Seaspan Shipyards is advancing sustainable maritime practices by adopting greener

shipbuilding techniques. The paper also explores additional technological innovations promising further

improvements in combating marine pollution. These include more effective water treatment systems,

biodegradable materials to reduce plastic waste, and renewable energy sources like tidal and wave energy,

which provide cleaner energy solutions with minimal ecological footprints. Collectively, these technologies

not only address current pollution issues but also establish preventive measures to safeguard B.C.'s marine

environments, offering a model for sustainable maritime and industrial practices globally.

1 INTRODUCTION

Sustainability of the marine environment is not only

intrinsic to the maintenance of marine biodiversity

but also critical to the health of the global ecosystem

and human well-being. Covering more than 70

percent of the Earth's surface, the oceans are critical

for regulating the climate, supporting millions of

species, and providing food and economic benefits to

billions of people around the globe. However, these

vital bodies of water are currently under threat from

unprecedented levels of pollution, exacerbated by the

widespread impacts of climate change, with serious

consequences for the environment and people.

The crisis of marine pollution is well documented

by recent studies showing that more than 8 million

tons of plastic are dumped into the oceans each year.

These pollutants degrade marine habitats, poison a

wide range of marine species, and enter the human

food chain through the consumption of seafood,

causing health problems with long-term exposure.

The situation is further exacerbated by increased

ocean acidity and hypoxia, which are directly linked

to climate change. Ocean acidification and anoxia are

caused by carbon dioxide accumulating heat in the

atmosphere, 91 percent of which is transferred to the

oceans. Hotter ocean water contains less oxygen,

leading to anoxia, a state of insufficient or depleted

oxygen. In addition, 26 percent of atmospheric carbon

dioxide is absorbed by ocean surface waters,

increasing their acidity. At current rates of emissions,

the average acidity of the ocean's surface layer could

rise by 100 to 150 percent above pre-industrial levels

by 2100, posing a serious threat to marine life and

ecosystems (Ellis, 1982). To address these challenges

and the broader impacts of climate change on coastal

waters, the B.C. government has initiated targeted

programs in partnership with key stakeholders." Pam

Alexis, Minister of Agriculture and Food, said, "The

impacts of climate change are affecting our province's

coastal waters, and we're working closely with

Aboriginal communities, the federal government, and

conservation organizations to look at long-term goals

to address ocean acidification. The B.C. Climate

Zhou, Q.

Innovative Strategic Approaches to Mitigating Marine Pollution in the British Columbia Area.

DOI: 10.5220/0013843500004914

Paper published under CC license (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

In Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Renewable Energy and Ecosystem (ICREE 2024), pages 17-22

ISBN: 978-989-758-776-4

Ready Seafood Program is a key part of this initiative.

It is designed to provide the insights necessary to

adapt to and mitigate the immediate challenges facing

the region and to ensure the sustainability of B.C.'s

fisheries for future generations.

Despite these efforts, significant challenges

remain in the treatment and management of marine

pollution. Existing measures are often undermined by

a lack of enforcement, inadequate funding, and

continued increases in industrial discharges and

plastic use. This paper will explore strategic

approaches to improving the effectiveness of these

measures, focusing on the integration of

technological innovations and community-based

management solutions for a sustainable future for

British Columbia's (BC) marine ecosystems.

2 THE POLLUTION SOURCES

OF MARINE ECOSYSTEMS

The marine ecosystems of B.C. heralded for their

unparalleled biodiversity and natural beauty, are

currently confronted with an array of insidious threats

stemming from pollution. The integrity of these

marine habitats is being undermined by a multitude

of contaminants, each with its unique and damaging

effects. Industrial activities, especially those situated

along the coast, are notorious for releasing harmful

substances into the ocean. Paper mills, chemical

factories, and similar facilities contribute

significantly to the pollution load, emitting heavy

metals like mercury and lead, as well as persistent

organic pollutants such as dioxins. These

contaminants are not only persistent in the marine

environment but are also prone to bioaccumulate in

the tissues of aquatic organisms, subsequently

magnifying their toxic impact as they ascend the food

chain. Human health risks are a grim repercussion of

this pollution, particularly for communities reliant on

seafood as a dietary staple.

Agricultural practices in the province, despite

their economic significance, exacerbate the pollution

issue. Runoff from farmlands is laden with excess

nutrients, pesticides, and organic waste, which upon

reaching aquatic systems, precipitate eutrophic

conditions conducive to harmful algal blooms. These

blooms can produce potent toxins, affecting both

marine life and human health and lead to the

formation of hypoxic zones that suffocate marine life.

Urbanization contributes its share of pollutants

through stormwater runoff. The impermeable urban

landscape facilitates the flow of oil, grease, heavy

metals, and microplastics into the marine

environment, further endangering aquatic organisms

and contaminating the food web.

Another grave concern is the issue of marine

debris, particularly from abandoned vessels and

"ghost fishing gear." Derelict boats leach fuels, oils,

and other hazardous materials into the water, while

lost or discarded fishing gear continues to trap and kill

marine fauna in a process known as ghost fishing.

These materials not only present immediate physical

hazards but also contribute to the long-term problem

of microplastic pollution as they break down. The

combined impact of these pollution sources is far-

reaching, affecting not only the ecological fabric of

the region but also its economic stability. The

repercussions of unchecked marine pollution are

particularly pronounced in the fisheries and tourism

sectors, both of which are cornerstones of B.C.'s

economy. The fisheries industry, essential to the

province's economic output and employment, suffers

as fish populations decline and their habitats become

increasingly uninhabitable due to toxic pollutants.

The tourism industry, reliant on the province's

reputation for pristine natural landscapes, faces a

decline as visitors are deterred by the visible effects

of pollution along the coastline. Ecologically, the

ramifications are profound. Pollution-driven changes

in marine ecosystems are resulting in the loss of

biodiversity at alarming rates, with potential

extinctions threatening the collapse of crucial

ecosystem services, including nutrient cycling and

climate regulation (British Columbia, 2022).

3 INNOVATIVE APPROACHES

TO MITIGATING MARINE

POLLUTION

Innovative marine technology companies represent

an invaluable turnaround opportunity in the face of

these daunting challenges. These companies are at the

forefront of the response to marine pollution, utilizing

cutting-edge technology to monitor and mitigate the

impacts of pollutants. Their efforts are critical to

blazing the trail of sustainable ocean practices and

ensuring the long-term health of our province's

marine ecosystems. These technological advances,

combined with stringent pollution control measures,

a robust regulatory framework, and active community

engagement, are integral to a comprehensive strategy

designed to address marine pollution.

The task at hand is daunting and requires the

collaborative efforts of a wide range of stakeholders,

ICREE 2024 - International Conference on Renewable Energy and Ecosystem

including government departments, industry, local

communities, and Aboriginal groups (British

Columbia, 2022). Together with the common goals of

marine protection and sustainable economic

development, these stakeholders can ensure that

B.C.'s marine environment is protected. Through

collective action and a commitment to innovation,

B.C. can protect the intricate balance of its marine

ecosystems to ensure a prosperous and resilient future

for the environment and its residents.

3.1 Ocean Diagnostics

Ocean Diagnostics in Victoria, BC, stands at the

intersection of innovation and environmental

stewardship, providing a comprehensive suite of

technologies aimed at understanding and mitigating

microplastic pollution and preserving biodiversity.

The company has developed the Saturna, a pioneering

Automated Microplastics Imaging System that

utilizes AI to assess pollution levels rapidly.

Complementing this is the Ascension, a versatile tool

for both eDNA and microplastics sampling, adept at

gathering and recording pivotal environmental data

from depths of up to 400 meters. In a digital leap

forward, Ocean Diagnostics offers Mariana, a cloud-

based platform designed to democratize the global

sharing and analysis of crucial environmental data,

thereby enhancing strategies to combat plastic

pollution. Their eDNA sampling technology, which

includes a range of samplers, is a game-changer in

biodiversity assessments, enabling early detection of

invasive species. These advancements collectively

empower researchers, policymakers, and community

scientists, providing them with a robust toolkit to

address and navigate the complex challenges of

environmental conservation. Ocean Diagnostics

exemplifies the practical application of these

technologies through successful projects, like the

microplastic community project with Environment

and Climate Change Canada, that result in detailed

analyses and reports, paving the way for informed

decision-making and policy development in B.C. and

beyond (Ocean Diagnostics).

Although Ocean Diagnostics' technologies are the

most advanced in environmental research, there are

certain limitations. Tools with complex functionality,

like the Ascension sampler and Saturna Imaging

System, can be expensive to design and maintain and

require specific training to operate, which could

prevent smaller organizations or community groups

from using them. Moreover, the complex data

generated by these instruments necessitates a high

level of proficiency in data interpretation, which

makes wider adoption difficult. Concerns have also

been raised about the possibility that a focus on

technology will overshadow the critical requirement

for extensive legislative reforms to address the

underlying causes of plastic pollution. Moreover,

regulatory, and logistical barriers that impede timely

solutions to concerns that are detected can make the

process of converting data insights into effective

environmental policy cumbersome and complex.

Therefore, striking a balance between innovative

technology and real-world application continues to be

a crucial undertaking in the field of environmental

research. Even though Ocean Diagnostics'

innovations give priceless insights, there are many

obstacles standing in the way of wider

implementation, including those related to cost and

accessibility. Reducing the complexity of

environmental issues and closing the knowledge gap

between scientific findings and policy development

need concerted efforts.

3.2 Open Ocean Robotics

For more effective and sustainable ocean monitoring,

Open Ocean Robotics, based in Victoria, BC, which

has been noted for its pioneering approach to ocean

data collection, specializes in solar-powered

autonomous vessels and is at the forefront of

developing the ocean's "Internet of Things. Open

Ocean Robotics, which specializes in solar-powered

autonomous vessels, is at the forefront of developing

an "Internet of Things" for the oceans,

conceptualizing "digital oceans" that could lead to a

deeper understanding of, and greater protection for,

marine resources. These state-of-the-art processes

eliminate common risks associated with offshore

exploration, such as oil spills, greenhouse gas

emissions, and noise pollution that disrupts marine

life. The ability of these vessels to provide real-time,

vital information about the ocean, regardless of where

the observer is located, marks a significant

advancement in marine conservation. This covers a

wide range of applications, from protecting

endangered marine species and promoting more

energy-efficient navigation routes to combating

illegal fishing practices and shedding light on the

multifaceted impacts of climate change on ocean

health.

Open Ocean Robotics' achievements have not

gone unnoticed; the company received public

recognition for its work in early 2021, with a feature

on Chek News highlighting its origins and ambitions

in ocean exploration. Further acclaim was bestowed

upon the company with the Industry Icon Award for

Innovative Strategic Approaches to Mitigating Marine Pollution in the British Columbia Area

Cleantech CEO at the B.C. Cleantech Awards in the

same year, reflecting its status as a prominent player

in B.C.'s cleantech industry. These accolades

underscore the company's role in driving the

cleantech sector forward, focusing on innovative

solutions for a sustainable future.

Central to Open Ocean Robotics' mission is the

conviction that healthy oceans and sustainable

maritime resource usage are indispensable for our

future. The company's autonomous surface vessels

(USVs), including its flagship DataXplorer™, are a

testament to this belief. With a patented self-righting

system, these USVs are resilient enough to withstand

severe weather, including storms and coastal breaks,

due to their innovative design. Covered in solar

panels, the vessels can recharge while at sea, which

enables them to remain operational for extended

periods. The modular design of their sensor bays

facilitates optimized and customizable data

collection, ensuring high-quality data acquisition.

Traditional methods of coastal and open ocean

surveillance, which relied heavily on fixed assets,

satellites, crewed ships, or aircraft, are being

reevaluated in light of the sustainable and scalable

solution provided by Open Ocean Robotics.

Conventional methods, characterized by high costs,

pollution, and lower resolution, often fail to support

the necessary decision-making processes. As the

oceans play a critical role in the health of our planet

and constitute a $2.5 trillion economy, enhancing our

capacity to protect, understand, and utilize these

resources is of paramount importance. Open Ocean

Robotics' DataXplorer™ stands out as a paradigm of

safe, affordable, and sustainable ocean monitoring,

charting a new course in our interaction with the

world's oceans.

While Open Ocean Robotics heralds a new era of

marine exploration with its solar-powered,

autonomous vessels, it's important to consider the

potential downsides of such innovations. One

significant challenge is the substantial investment

required for the research, development, and

deployment of these high-tech vessels. The

deployment of unmanned vessels involves risks

associated with navigational safety and maritime

security. The potential for collisions with manned

vessels, interference with commercial shipping lanes,

and encounters with leisure watercraft must be

carefully managed. Autonomous vessels, while

designed to be resilient, are not immune to the

elements or potential system failures. The loss of a

vessel, whether due to storm damage, equipment

malfunction, or cyber threats, could result in

significant data and financial loss. There's also the

issue of security from human threats such as piracy or

vandalism, which are difficult to counter without an

onboard presence.

In light of these considerations, while Open Ocean

Robotics is undoubtedly pushing the boundaries of

marine research and conservation, it's clear that these

technologies are not without their challenges. A

comprehensive approach, incorporating risk

mitigation strategies, international collaboration on

regulatory frameworks, investment in workforce

transition programs, and continued technological

refinement, will be essential to maximize the benefits

of these innovations while navigating their potential

pitfalls.

3.3 Seaspan Shipyards

Seaspan Shipyards, located in Vancouver, BC, has

been in business for over a century. The extensive

company, which includes the Vancouver Shipyard,

Vancouver Dry Dock and Victoria Shipyard, is

uniquely situated on the Pacific Northwest coast.

Seaspan specializes in a full suite of shipyard

services, including the construction, repair, and

maintenance of a wide range of vessel types - from

naval and research vessels to commercial entities

such as cruise ships, submarines, and other deep-sea

vessels. Seaspan Shipyards can significantly reduce

marine pollution through a variety of sustainable

practices and technological innovations. By focusing

on eco-friendly ship design and construction, they can

build ships with better fuel efficiency and lower

emissions, utilizing advanced hull designs and

materials to decrease water resistance, and

incorporating hybrid or electric propulsion systems.

The adoption of green technologies such as scrubber

systems to clean exhaust gases and ballast water

treatment systems to prevent ecosystem

contamination is also vital.

Additionally, implementing sustainable ship

recycling practices by international standards like the

Hong Kong Convention ensures environmentally

sound ship dismantling and material disposal.

Regular maintenance and retrofitting of older vessels

with newer, cleaner technology can enhance their

environmental performance and extend their

operational life. Seaspan could also leverage its

community and industry connections to lead

initiatives for marine environment cleanup and

promote stricter pollution controls within the

maritime sector. Ongoing investment in research and

development is crucial for pioneering new materials

and technologies that minimize environmental

impact, with potential partnerships with academic

ICREE 2024 - International Conference on Renewable Energy and Ecosystem

institutions and research centers to foster innovation.

Moreover, improving operational efficiencies in their

shipyards, such as enhancing waste management

systems, using non-toxic materials, and mitigating

pollutant runoff into water bodies, would further

bolster their environmental stewardship.

In addition to its core business, Seaspan is deeply

invested in the B.C. community, continually directing

funds to local business and educational programs.

Notable contributions include a three-year, $75,000

partnership with B.C. Tech to support the Digital

Elevator Internship Program to enhance B.C.'s skilled

workforce. Additionally, in 2021, Cispan joined the

Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation in

making significant donations totaling nearly

$900,000 to BCIT and Camosun College to enhance

educational programs and facilities. Additionally,

Seaspan donated specialized materials to Camosun

College's industry programs in 2022, enriching the

educational experience and preparing students for

career success in a variety of industries.

Seaspan's economic impact is significant,

contributing $5.7 billion annually to Canada's GDP

from 2012 to 2022 and supporting more than 7,300

jobs through its shipbuilding and maintenance

activities. These numbers are expected to rise

significantly by 2035. Their efforts have earned them

a finalist spot in the 2022 Technology Impact

Awards, recognizing their significant impact and

contribution to technology and industry in B.C.. As

the largest and most diversified tug and barge

company on Canada's west coast, the Seaspan

shipyard remains a key component of the region's

economic and technology landscape (Johannessen et

al., 2007).

While the integration of sustainable technologies

and practices at Seaspan Shipyard has resulted in

numerous environmental benefits, there are also some

challenges and drawbacks. Implementing green

technologies often requires a higher initial cost as

advanced environmental systems such as scrubbers

and hybrid engines are more expensive than

traditional methods. The efficiency or reliability of

these technologies is not always comparable to

conventional systems, and the ability to operate over

longer voyages may be compromised due to

limitations such as a reduced range of electric

propulsion systems. Regulations to comply with

international environmental standards require

ongoing investment and adaptation, which can be

resource-intensive and vary widely from region to

region, complicating global operations. In addition,

the production of green technologies, such as

batteries for electric ships, involves large quantities

of rare earth elements, raising concerns about the

environmental and ethical impacts of the extraction

and disposal process. Retrofitting existing ships with

new technologies is not only costly but also requires

taking ships out of service, leading to lost revenue and

logistical challenges. Smaller maritime operators see

these costs as prohibitive and resist the market, which

could slow the adoption of sustainable practices

across the industry. Finally, the success of these

initiatives often depends on external factors,

including government incentives and the broader

economic environment, which can affect the

feasibility and effectiveness of adopting green

technologies. Despite these barriers, the promotion of

more sustainable maritime operations remains critical

to environmental protection and compliance with

global standards, and the long-term benefits of these

technologies are expected to outweigh the drawbacks

as they improve and become more cost-effective

(Johannessen, 2007).

4 EVALUATION AND

SUGGESTIONS

To fully utilize the potential of ocean energy

technologies, particularly tidal and wave energy,

stakeholders in regions such as B.C. must focus on

several critical areas of development. First,

improving the efficiency, reliability and durability of

energy conversion devices such as tidal turbines,

wave energy converters and oscillating water

columns is critical. These improvements are essential

for these devices to withstand harsh ocean conditions.

Additionally, improving power delivery systems

to increase energy conversion rates and overall

performance will ensure that mechanical energy

captured from ocean currents and waves is efficiently

converted into usable electrical energy. This step is

essential to optimize the output and functionality of

the associated energy systems (Keeling, 2004).

Advances in materials engineering are also required.

The materials used must be able to resist corrosion

and biofouling while withstanding the physical

stresses of the marine environment. The development

of durable and environmentally friendly materials

will reduce the environmental impact and enhance the

sustainability of these technologies.

In addition, given the intermittent nature of tidal

and wave energy, the development of robust energy

storage solutions and sophisticated grid integration

strategies is critical. These will help stabilize the

energy supply, enable more reliable integration with

Innovative Strategic Approaches to Mitigating Marine Pollution in the British Columbia Area

the existing grid and increase the overall utilization of

ocean energy. Efforts to lower the economic and

logistical barriers to the deployment of large-scale

ocean energy farms should include innovations in

modular design and floating platforms to facilitate

easier scalability and maintenance. In addition, the

implementation of advanced environmental

monitoring technologies will allow for the ongoing

assessment and mitigation of environmental impacts

associated with these facilities, ensuring compliance

with regulatory standards, and minimizing

disturbance to marine life (Johannessen, 2007).

By addressing these technological challenges and

focusing on these strategic areas, B.C. can enhance its

position as a leader in renewable energy innovation,

combine economic growth with environmental

stewardship, and promote sustainable development in

the region.

5 CONCLUSION

This paper has examined the sources and impacts of

marine pollution in B.C., presenting a thorough

comparison and analysis of innovative technologies

aimed at mitigating these issues.

Major sources of marine pollution in B.C. include

runoff from agriculture, industrial emissions, and

extensive plastic debris, which significantly impair

marine ecosystems and affect economic activities

dependent on clean water, such as fishing and

tourism. The adverse effects are widespread,

threatening biodiversity and undermining the health

and sustainability of local communities and their

economies. Among the new technologies

implemented to combat marine pollution, three

notable examples in B.C. include Ocean Diagnostics,

Open Ocean Robotics, and Seaspan Shipyards. Ocean

Diagnostics focuses on microplastic identification

and quantification, providing critical data that can

help track pollution sources and guide regulatory

measures. Open Ocean Robotics offers autonomous

data-collecting vessels that monitor environmental

conditions, gather hydrographic data, and detect

pollutants, thereby reducing the need for manned

operations and minimizing the carbon footprint of

marine research. Seaspan Shipyards is advancing

sustainable maritime practices through the adoption

of greener shipbuilding techniques and operations

that reduce waste and emissions, demonstrating an

industry-leading commitment to environmental

stewardship.

Further technological innovations also show

promise in enhancing B.C.'s fight against marine

pollution. These include the development of more

efficient water treatment systems that can handle

larger volumes of wastewater with greater

contamination levels, biodegradable material

innovations that reduce plastic waste, and advanced

energy systems like tidal and wave energy that offer

renewable energy solutions with minimal ecological

footprints. These technologies not only address

current pollution issues but also establish preventive

measures to safeguard B.C.'s marine environments.

Collectively, they represent a comprehensive and

forward-thinking approach that can serve as a model

for sustainable maritime and industrial practices

globally.

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