Post by Greenwave Aotearoa

Yesterday we had the pleasure of hosting Conrad Colman and his family at the SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium, where the Greenwave Aotearoa seaweed biobank and hatchery is based. It was a fitting place to spend a morning together. Conrad’s relationship with the ocean isn’t just professional but is deeply personal. He is known around the world as the only sailor to have completed a solo circumnavigation of the globe without using fossil fuels, proving that even the most demanding endurance race on Earth can be approached with the health of our planet in mind. Standing beside tanks of native seaweed cultures and the early life stages of species we hope will help restore New Zealand’s underwater forests, it was clear how aligned that philosophy is with the work underway here. Ocean Regeneration Aotearoa team member Alison Smith and Greenwave Aotearoa Aquaculture Science and Operations Lead Ryan Marchington shared how the hatchery supports ORA Reefs restoration work growing native seaweeds that can help regenerate degraded reefs, while also building the foundations of a sustainable seaweed sector in Aotearoa. Seaweed is one of the quiet powerhouses of ocean recovery. It rebuilds habitat, improves water quality, supports biodiversity, and offers the potential for new climate-positive products and coastal livelihoods. Conrad’s campaign carries the same spirit, demonstrating that high performance and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand while building economies for marine-based communities. He is currently assembling the next phase of his offshore racing campaign, with the immediate priority of securing a competitive IMOCA 60 yacht so he can compete in a series of major international races leading into the next round-the-world challenge. Rather than building a new boat, the team has identified a proven IMOCA that has already sailed around the world and is currently available. Securing that boat is the key step that unlocks the entire campaign. Check out Aotearoa Ocean Racing to follow and support the kiwi team bringing ocean health and awareness to a global audience. Conrad Colman Ryan Marchington Rowan Gyde Rebecca Barclay-Cameron Jeremy Remacha FRAeS Aotearoa New Zealand Seaweed Association (ANZSA) Will McKay Hamish Howard