Facilitating investment in the Blue Economy

Current projects

We are always working on exciting new projects. Check out what we're up to here.

Maldives Tuna Think Tank

On behalf of the Maldives Seafood Processors and Exporters Association, we will design and will deliver a two-day workshop to facilitate investment readiness in the local tuna sector to prepre the industry for sustainable investment.

Maldives Tuna Finance Session

Bringing together stakeholders in the Maldivian finance industry to tackle the significant challenge of development finance in an emerging economy.

Togo impact loan facility

Partnering with gebana AG, SustainaSea designed a short-term impact loan to provide working capital for pre-finance of the smallholder soy harvest in Togo.

Previous projects

While we are especially passionate about small-scale fisheries and aquaculture, we contribute to several sectors. These include research funded through ecotourism, leading expeditions in conservation and photography, fisheries research, aquaculture project development, and dive survey expeditions.

With significant crossover between these topics, we can adapt to a broad spectrum of situations, projects, locales, and roles.

Fair trade coastal fishery

Working closely with island communities and fishers in the Maldives, we designed, expanded, and maintained a Fair Trade USA certified pole and line tuna fishery. This included working together with processors and brands to implement social rsponsibilty schemes, maintain certification, develop products and packaging, and manage raw material supply.

Regenerative aquaculture

Working closely with local farmers and processors in Indonesia, we designed and implemented a project to restore mangroves in shrimp ponds to re-establish ecosystem services in coastal areas. This included accessing funding from the IUCN and partnerships with local government.

Indigenous-led conservation

As a consultant for First Nations groups in western Canada, we led dive survey expeditions to assess wild populations of fish, shellfish and sea cucumbers to provide important information to policy makers.

Photography expeditions

As a trip leader with National Geographic Student Expeditions, we led trips to Ecuador and the Galapagos, Namibia, and Bali. Additionally, we managed and led small-group adventure trips to dozens of countries while managing logistics, group dynamics, and educational content.

Value chain assessment

By surveying actors throughout the entire octopus supply chain in Madagascar, we created a model to determine product value from harvest to export. This allowed an international NGO to understand where changes could be implemented to increase income for the fishers and remote communities.

Waste management

Partnering with a major seafood brand, we designed a project to remove solid waste from islands in the Maldives and install drinking water devices on fishing vessels. This included cooperation with government ministries, tourist properties, and local industry.

Impact-first investment

As the President of a Swiss-based foundation, Thomas manages philanthropic support for new and ongoing education and health care projects in rural Togo. Partnerships with local entities ensure long-term implementation. Regular assessements and interventions further increase impact.

Ecosystem surveys

In several ocean basins, we assessed taxa from benthic to surface habitats through sampling, counting, measuring, and testing. This contributed to ongoing research activities while analysing changes in species composition and ranges.

Product & brand development

Sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development doesn't end at harvest. To support the entire process of product development, we created packaging and labels and curated a media library to support marketing and communication. We also contributed to supply chain development, including assessments of manufacturers and suppliers.