Earlier this month, port commissioners agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding allowing both sides to pursue funding and investment opportunities for projects, share what they know about the blue economy and promote port and OSC programs.
“There is an ocean of opportunity in aquaculture and blue technology,” said port Board Chairman Michael Zucchet. “The partnership with Canada’s Ocean Supercluster will allow us to build upon our collective efforts and share resources for the benefit of our respective programs as well as for emerging businesses in the global blue economy ecosystem, especially in North America.”
Both sides have been looking to partner since last year. Ocean Supercluster consists of a group of individuals in Canada’s private sector who assemble to boost “sustainable innovation and modernization across ocean sectors.”
So far, OSC’s efforts have resulted in the approval of over 50 projects worth more than $250 million CAD. It’s also got the backing of the Canadian government, which has earmarked up to $153 million CAD to support OSC programs, according to the port.
“The sustainable development of our oceans is one of the most important opportunities of our time,” said Kendra MacDonald, CEO of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster. “This strategic partnership we have formed with the Port of San Diego will bring together our shared interests and the opportunity to not only tackle some of the biggest challenges in ocean, but also further our collective efforts in the development of new innovation, growth, and global positioning in the blue economy.”
