Anne Kapuscinski, professor of environmental studies and director of the Coastal Science and Policy Program, has received a 2019 Ocean Award for innovation from Boat International magazine and the Blue Marine Foundation
Kapuscinski was recognized for her work in aquaculture and the development of microalgae feed for farmed fish. Aquaculture is the world's fastest-growing food sector, and the demand is increasing for sustainable sources of protein to feed farmed fish. Kapuscinski and her team are investigating the use of microalgae to make ocean-friendly feeds that support fish growth and omega-3 content—replacing fishmeal and fish oil extracted from wild fish, such as anchovies and sardines.
The 2019 Ocean Awards were presented by Boat International, a global publication focused on superyachts and the yachting lifestyle, and the Blue Marine Foundation (BLUE), a UK-based charity dedicated to creating marine reserves and establishing sustainable models of fishing. The awards will be presented in London in June.
The Innovation Award recognizes individuals and organizations that are making a positive, long-term impact on the marine environment "as opposed to using new, innovative technology." Silent Yachts was also recognized for innovation for its development of a solar-hybrid ocean-going catamaran.
Ocean Award recipients are chosen from nominees submitted from all over the world. Kapuscinski expressed delight about the recognition.
"This is exciting news," said Kapuscinski, who learned of the award on her way back from chairing a meeting of the board of directors of the Union of Concerned Scientists in Boston. "This honor highlights the urgency to conserve our oceans, and I look forward to representing UC Santa Cruz, the Coastal Science and Policy program, and my creative research team at the awards ceremony."
