About the Event

The Blue Growth Conference convenes industry leaders in Australia and South East Asia growing sustainable ocean-based ventures, particularly those leveraging our remarkable marine biodiversity:

🌊 Aquaculture and wild harvest: fish, mollusk, crustaceans, pearl, seaweed
♻️ Marine bioproducts: nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, bioplastics
🪸 Ecosystem regeneration: seagrass, seaweed, coral reef
🔋 Supply chain: monitoring, construction, automation, maintenance, energy, and finance

This expanded conference will draw attention to the unique characteristics and economic opportunities of these ocean industries, building on the global interest in this region and sector.

This is THE event for gaining insights, discovering opportunities, connecting with talent, and exploring investment in the present and future potential of sustainable ‘blue growth’.

Thursday, 22 February 2024

8.00 am to 5.00 pm

Esplanade Hotel Fremantle, Marine Terrace, Fremantle

Features

Keynotes

from credible, influential presenters offering insight into the future of the sector, funding and projects

Showcases

of site tours, exhibits and demonstrations of technologies, projects, sites and species

Case studies

that unpack the economics and investment opportunities, risks and rewards

Briefings

on actionable, bit-size insights into: international precedents, historical lessons, state of current opportunities and forecast trends

Networking

inspiring personal connections, information sharing and business collaborations

Deep dialogues

focused discussions into critical topics, sharing perspectives and practice in business development, science, workforce development and policy

Themes

Workforce

highlighting pathways and opportunities, attracting and retaining talented workers

Science

results of the latest research into species, nutrition, processing and sustainability

Investment

investment opportunities, updates on mergers and acquisitions, and new markets

Innovation

new technology, value-add products, startups, automation and overcoming resource constraints

Speakers

Heather Brayford

Director General, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

Brad Adams

Executive Director, Rare Foods Australia

David Carter

CEO, Austral FIsheries

Nick Chiarelli

CEO, Ocean Impact Organisation

Hannah Fitzhardinge

Mayor, City of Fremantle

Logan Howlett

Mayor, City of Cockburn

Liam O'Connell

Executive Director for Agribusiness, Food and Trade, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

Mike Harrison

Director of Aquaculture Research and Development,
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

Guangci Huang

Associate, Treis

Sari Tolvanen

Founder & CEO, Ocean Eye

Roberta Marcoli

Research Fellow - James Cook University

Jennifer McMahon

Chief Purpose Officer, Modern People

Matthew Bungey

Chief Investment Officer, Foxglove Capital

Matthew Whittle

General Manager Sustainability, Huon Aquaculture

Philip Chow

Venture Partner, Audacy Ventures

Patrick Moase

CEO, Marine Biomedical

Chris de Cuyper

Managing Director, Fremantle Seaweed

Scott Bell

Director, Aquafarms

Andrew Outhwaite

Managing Director, For Blue

Justin Bellanger

CEO, Aquaculture Council of Western Australia

Featured Ventures

Pitch

Demonstration

Testimonials

The diversity of investment attraction pathways available to marine businesses, and the challenges of providing asset equity in an industry not structurally well developed for it e.g. differences in pastoral or mining lease values compared to marine leases.

Connecting with a potential partner for future project work. It was insightful to learn about the economic impact and industry potential. Great to receive up to date information on industry trends.

There is a lot of activity happening in the blue economy from global to regional to local, and that there is room for more action at all these scales.

From SME perspective very useful to better understand pathways for seed capital, funding/grants etc. Will be following up with contacts made.