Halifax West High School Shines at the Brilliant Blue Challenge: A Tale of Innovation and Passion for Marine Ecosystems
The recent Brilliant Blue Challenge showcased 99 students participating from 14 different countries. Omar Hussein Brilliant Labs, the director of the event, provided insights into the competition’s broader goals and scope during a recent interview, shedding light on Brilliant Labs’ mission to promote ocean health and explore various industries, including underwater robotics and fisheries.
A Glimpse into Halifax West High School’s Winning Project
Three grade 12 students from Halifax West High School, Emma Creelman Mayar Ibrabah and Sophia Mulak, took center stage during the interview, sharing their remarkable journey to winning the ‘Productive Ocean Award.’ Their innovative project centered on creating a micro-ecosystem utilizing the concept of multitrophic agriculture.
The trio designed a specialized box divided into two compartments. One side contained blue mussels, while the other incorporated a mix of blue mussels, seaweed, and kelp. The objective? To examine whether cultivating mussels and seaweed together could enhance water quality and promote healthier marine ecosystems.
The Science Behind the Innovation
After conducting rigorous tests at the Armdale Yacht Club, the results spoke volumes. The side with both mussels and seaweed exhibited superior water quality, with mussels thriving in a healthier environment. Emma explained the symbiotic relationship between seaweed and mussels, emphasizing how seaweed aids in balancing CO2 levels, thus fostering better water quality.
Future Implications and Aspirations
While their project currently operates on a smaller scale, the team envision broader applications, particularly in aquaculture and marine conservation. Their innovative approach not only offers a practical solution but also serves as a gateway for budding scientists to explore marine biology and related fields.
A Glimpse into the Future: Brilliant Blue Challenge 2024
As Omar Hussein revealed, the Brilliant Blue Challenge aims to transition into a hybrid in-person/virtual event in 2024, with Atlantic Canada set to host teams from around the globe. The upcoming competition promises to foster even greater collaboration, innovation, and engagement with industry experts, solidifying its position as a beacon of marine innovation.
The Potential of Youth-Driven Blue Innovations
The accomplishments of Halifax West High School’s team at the Brilliant Blue Challenge underscore the transformative potential of youth-driven innovation in shaping a sustainable Blue Economy. As we eagerly await the next chapter of this remarkable journey, one thing remains clear: the future of marine innovation is in capable hands, driven by passion, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence by the #BrilliantBlueGeneration.
A Heartfelt Thank You
Expressing gratitude, the organizers extended their thanks to the #BrilliantBlueChallenge teams and mentors. The event’s success was made possible through the generous support of sponsors like the National Research Council Canada, CanCode, Cooke Inc., and Innovasea. These contributions played a pivotal role in powering the competition and nurturing the #BrilliantBlueGeneration.
Partnerships and Collaborations
Acknowledging the collaborative spirit, the organizers recognized the official partners and supporters, including CIOOS Atlantic, MEOPAR, Cloud&More, endorsed by the UN Ocean Decade, and amPR. These collaborations amplified the opportunity for youth innovation, creating a platform for the participants to showcase their talents and ideas.
Keynote Speakers and Ocean Advocates
The event featured charismatic speakers and advocates for ocean conservation, including Jeff Willson, Karen Gillam, Seamus O’Regan, Kent Smedbol, Marie-Chantal Ross, Paul Brett, Michael Szemerda, Kendra MacDonald, and the energetic event emcee, Rasheed Idou. Their insights and support contributed significantly to the event’s success and underscored the importance of a sustainable Blue Economy.
A True-Blue Panel of Judges
The competition would not have been complete without an esteemed panel of judges, including Andy Marshall Brilliant Blue Challenge Judges Advisor, and experts like Daniel Hasselman, Cailin Burmaster, Naomi Boon, Kudirat Oyiza Abdulkareem, Paul Brett, Olga Telecka, P.Eng., and Laleh Nazari, Ph.D., P.Eng... Their collective expertise and guidance ensured a fair and impactful evaluation of the participants’ efforts. This event truly showcased the brilliance of the #BrilliantBlueGeneration.
For news of events like Brilliant Blue follow Brilliant Labs on Medium or subscribe to the Innovation Newsletter
