Innovation

NewAtlantis tackles ocean conservation with an approach that incentivizes effective management of MPAs. Their core innovation is a sophisticated in-house computer platform. This platform analyzes environmental DNA found in water samples collected from MPAs, facilitated by secure Starlink satellite communication. By analyzing the eDNA content, scientists can identify the types and abundance of organisms present, painting a picture of the MPA's biodiversity. This data is then fed into the platform, which calculates a biodiversity score. The higher the score, indicating a healthier ecosystem, the more biodiversity credits an MPA receives.

These credits become tradable commodities, allowing governments and organizations responsible for MPAs to generate revenue by selling them. This creates a strong financial incentive for effective management, as improved biodiversity translates into more credits and income. This innovative system flips the script on traditional, often underfunded, conservation efforts. It not only promotes sustainable ocean protection but also offers a compelling business model that attracts investment and fosters partnerships for a healthier future for our oceans.

Inspiration

NewAtlantis Head of DevOps, Tom Lynch, describes the inspiration for the company as a combination of environmental concern and frustration with the limitations of existing solutions. He highlights a key problem with MPAs: "The only protection they have is by name. No one there is stopping people from going through these protected areas."

This sparked a desire to create a financially sustainable model for MPA protection. Traditional carbon credits, limited to land-based carbon capture, weren't enough. Lynch emphasizes, "We aren’t going to hit the UN goal of protecting 30% of oceans by 2030 because protecting water isn't profitable." NewAtlantis' answer? A new market for biodiversity credits.

By measuring biodiversity through eDNA analysis, they can award credits based on actual ecosystem improvement. This approach offers financial rewards for effective MPA management, creating a compelling incentive for governments and organizations. Lynch sums it up perfectly: "There is economic value in nature… As long as we don't have a way to price it, its value will just sit there."

NewAtlantis' innovation isn't just about profit, it's about impact. They're tackling a complex issue with a creative solution, driven by a deep understanding of the limitations of current systems and a desire to find a better way.

Overall impact

NewAtlantis' innovation tackles a critical challenge in ocean conservation: the lack of financial incentives for effective Marine Protected Area (MPA) management. In the short term, this innovative approach provides a measurable way to assess the health of an MPA's ecosystem. By analyzing eDNA, scientists can quantify biodiversity, a crucial indicator of a healthy marine environment. The data empowers stakeholders – governments and NGOs responsible for MPAs – to demonstrate the effectiveness of their conservation efforts.

The real game-changer lies in the creation of tradable biodiversity credits. By linking ecosystem health to financial rewards, NewAtlantis incentivizes long-term, sustainable management of MPAs. Imagine a future where MPAs generate revenue by selling credits earned through improved biodiversity. This financial incentive could revolutionize ocean conservation efforts, leading to healthier ecosystems, a more robust blue economy, and, ultimately, a healthier planet.

While still in its early stages, NewAtlantis' innovation holds immense promise. Their collaboration with labs to develop standardized eDNA analysis methods lays the groundwork for large-scale implementation. Additionally, their secure data processing infrastructure using Starlink and AWS safeguards the integrity of their data collection and analysis, fostering trust among stakeholders. The long-term impact of this innovation hinges on widespread adoption by governments and organizations responsible for MPAs. However, the potential for a financially sustainable model to drive a sea change in ocean conservation is undeniable.

Business benefit

NewAtlantis' innovation isn't just a win for the oceans; it's a catalyst for the company's success. Their biodiversity credit system translates into positive business impacts, the first of which is new market creation. By pioneering the concept of tradable biodiversity credits, NewAtlantis has carved out a brand new market. This not only positions them as leaders in the field but also creates a recurring revenue stream through credit sales and potential licensing of their eDNA analysis platform. Their solution directly addresses a critical UN SDG – protecting life below water. This focus on environmental sustainability makes them highly attractive to impact investors seeking to support businesses driving positive change which translates to increased access to capital thereby fueling further research and development.

Lastly, the core technology behind the biodiversity credit system – the eDNA analysis platform – is a powerful tool with wide-ranging applications. NewAtlantis can leverage this platform to develop new services, such as environmental monitoring for corporations or pollution tracking for governments. This diversification broadens their market reach and creates a pipeline for future growth.

NewAtlantis' approach demonstrates that environmental responsibility and financial success can go hand in hand. Their innovation protects our oceans and ensures the company's long-term viability.

Social and environmental benefit

NewAtlantis' biodiversity credit system tackles a complex environmental challenge: the lack of effective management for Marine Protected Areas. The core technology, an eDNA analysis platform, offers a quantifiable way to assess the health of an MPA's ecosystem. This allows scientists to track changes in biodiversity over time, providing crucial data to guide conservation efforts. Healthy MPAs become vital breeding grounds for fish populations, crucial for maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems. By linking biodiversity to tradable credits, NewAtlantis creates a financial incentive for long-term, sustainable management of MPAs. The economic benefit fosters increased resources for conservation efforts, leading to healthier and more resilient marine environments. Healthy MPAs contribute to the health of fish populations, vital for the global seafood industry. This translates to a more reliable and sustainable source of food for millions of people who depend on fish for protein.

As MPAs become more effective, coastal communities dependent on tourism can benefit from healthier and more diverse marine ecosystems. This can lead to increased tourism revenue and economic growth for these communities.

NewAtlantis' innovation holds the potential to create a ripple effect of positive change for both society and the environment. By promoting sustainable ocean conservation and boosting coastal economies, their work can contribute to a healthier planet and a brighter future for generations to come.

Interview

Tom Lynch, CTO