The intersection of project management and sustainability shows up in odd places. This week, the intersection was pointed out to me by Boston University PM professor Dr. Vijay Kanabar. We were to have a discussion about planning an upcoming course and he needed a little time to finish watching a segment of “60 Minutes”. “What’s so fascinating?”, I asked him.
Take a moment and watch this. It’s only about 14 minutes. You can handle it.
The idea is quite stunning. It posits that farming the ocean can actually help it. Note the difference – fishing the ocean has definitely HURT it. But this type of farming may help it, as described in this extract of an article from Yale University, referenced below:
“…his brand of integrated “ocean farming” actually revitalizes degraded or dying ecosystems by creating seaweed groves that become nurseries and sanctuaries for many marine species. It’s a pro-active approach to conservation, he says, that goes beyond the growing movement to create no-fishing reserves. “In an era of climate change, you could set aside the entirety of the world’s oceans in preserves and they are still going to die,” he says. “What we really need is engines of restoration within our conservation zones.”
Kelp, it turns out, helps absorb the acid in the increasingly acidic ocean. This led me to investigate the main character of the story, Bren Smith – a fascinating man. You can (and should) learn more about his story here:
On the academic side, it was also interesting to learn about the research behind this, mainly from Dr. Charlie Yarish. To learn about Dr. Yarish’ work, here is an article from Yale University:
Smith has become a bit of a project initiator himself, having helped launch GreenWave. Have a look at the work this organization does – which involves launching sea-farming projects.
What is GreenWave?
GreenWave is a non-profit ocean farmer and fisherman-run organization dedicated to building a new blue-green economy that creates jobs, mitigates climate change, and grows healthy food for local communities. We run a farmer-in-training program for aspiring ocean farmers and operate a kelp hatchery to provide free seed to our farmers as they learn the ropes of this farming type and species. We partner with educational institutions and other organizations to expand the body of knowledge around kelp and regenerative 3D ocean farming, and we work to support 3D ocean farming in new regions. We incubate small farmers and small businesses pioneering in this new ocean-farming space.
What is 3D ocean farming?
3D ocean farming is a vertical polyculture farming system that utilizes the entire water column to grow a mixture of seaweed and shellfish that require zero inputs (no fertilizer or freshwater) and provide important ecosystem services--such as water filtration, and nitrogen and carbon sequestration.
What I really enjoy about this story is the combination (as in the blog title) of people, planet, profit, and projects. All elements are in play. This isn’t only about saving the planet, nor is it only about creating jobs, and it’s not only about making money, it’s about all of those things brought together in an interesting and powerful way.
What do you think about this?
Would you have kelp noodles (instead of fettuccine)? Are you aware of any other efforts like this in which the result is not only to reduce environmental impact, but to reverse it?
Oh. And if you were wondering about the reference to the Beatles, well, it's of course in honor of their album not about kelp but about HELP!
Interesting Richard. As you know I am a skeptic on the fuzzy numbers, however, If everyone became vegan (like me) that would certainly help the environment.
Richard MaltzmanPortfolio Manager| EarthPM LLCAndover, Ma, United States
@Sante: the math here is not fuzzy. Mr. Bren Smith and those that are farming along with him are making real dollars selling the kelp, and the oysters that grow underneath the kelp are measurably healthier, which in turn yields more measurable money. And, by the way, you are absolutely right about vegetarianism - it would help the environment, for sure.
Sante, so far this would be the only one I can't agree with you as you know me I am a hunter for Deer & Moose, Quails, Mallard Duck,Fishing, and found of lamb, Ram, Poultry, so there is no word of vegan in my dictionary ! sorry mate.
Richard - thanks for posting this actually I was looking for something similar may be this would be a great project for retirement as the profit is booming.
Richard, I posted a reply to one your blogs in the past I believe, or someone else regarding fuzzy numbers and dodgy statisticians. My comment was not directly related to your article, but environmental posts in general that too often jump on the global warming bandwagon. Many of these studies are simply based on fuzzy numbers, for example showing data for the last 100 years rather than the last few thousand years. This is only one example, but there are many others. This forum isn't really the appropriate place to debate such a topic, and wherever that place may be, it's only going to lead to "this is what my group of scientists said" and the opposing side will do the same. I have debunked global warming many times, simply using real data, but I am willing to concede that a lot more can be done to improve the environment, and veganism (or vegetarianism if you like) can go a long way to assist. On both side of the global warming debate, I think it's safe to say we all want to live in a clean and healthy environment. The where and what is covered. But where we disagree on sometimes is the why and how.
Riyadh haha, no matter. By the way I am not a philosophical vegan, so if the food ran out at supermarkets, i would be right there with you (as would many other vegans). This is for health reasons as I want to see if there is a big difference between diets. I am always experimenting on myself.
Encouraging article - there was something similar shown in the Frontline episode from last year "The Fish on my Plate" where they showed the positive effects of kelp ribbons combined with shellfish like mussels which would clean polluted areas of the ocean.
I'd happily try kelp as an alternative to traditional grain-based pastas so long as I could continue to have my sustainable-sourced animal protein.
Riyadh - I'm with you when it comes to that. Veggies is what food eats is my mantra. I need to visit Meadow Lake next time I'm near Saskatchewan so we can enjoy some game meat together!
Kevin, Thanks even if you don't hunt but we are all meat lovers, so I left a room for you with Aussie lamb crossed with American lamb and New Zealand lamb I'm sure you enjoy Chops, Loin Boneless Trimmed, Leg Boneless, Shank, Shoulder Boneless and Frenched Carving.
Arash Bayazian SarkandiCEO| Eizat Alhayat project management ServicesDubai, United Arab Emirates
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