top of page
FISHTANK
Australia’s Ocean Innovation Challenge for students of all ages.
.png)
Got an idea to save the ocean? Now's the time to pitch it.
FishTank invites primary and secondary students across Australia to tackle real ocean problems with creative, science based solutions. Part of Ocean Lovers' Ocean Smart Schools program, it's Australia's leading platform for student ocean action.
Fully aligned with the NSW and Australian Curriculum across Science, Technologies, Geography and Sustainability, so it slots straight into your term planning.
Students build critical thinking, design thinking and communication skills while pitching real solutions to a live audience.
The rewards
-
Cash prizes for winning teams
-
A mentoring pathway with Blue Minds, connecting students to real ocean experts
-
A stage at the Ocean Lovers Festival 2027
Get your class thinking. Register for 2027 today.
Why Teachers Love FishTank
-
Curriculum-aligned for Years K–12
-
Supports Science, Design & Technologies, Geography and Sustainability
-
Develops critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and presentation skills
-
Flexible for classroom, STEM, inquiry or extension projects
-
Free to enter with national recognition and prizes
AUSTRALIA'S YOUTH INNOVATION PATHWAY
FishTank and Blue Minds have partnered to create Australia's Youth Ocean Innovation Pathway — helping young Australians move from ocean awareness to real-world action.
Together, we believe young people have the creativity, leadership and determination to help solve some of the biggest challenges facing our ocean.
Through FishTank, students are invited to identify ocean challenges, develop innovative solutions, and showcase their ideas through a national competition. With prize funding, live pitching opportunities, and exposure through the Ocean Lovers Festival, participants gain a platform to bring their ideas to life.
Blue Minds complements this journey by providing leadership development, mentorship, community, and pathways for young people who want to take their impact further.
Together, we are creating opportunities for students to:
🌊 Explore ocean challenges and opportunities
💡 Develop innovative solutions
🎤 Share and pitch their ideas
🚀 Access mentoring, leadership development, and a community of ocean changemakers
FishTank participants will gain visibility into further opportunities available through Blue Minds, including the Academy and Wavechangers community.
By combining innovation, education, leadership and action, FishTank and Blue Minds are helping build the next generation of ocean changemakers across Australia.
FishTank Lesson Plans
FishTank Lesson plans are designed to support the creation of your competition submissions with learning resources from K - 12. Be guided by our Ocean Literacy tools and share your love for our planet with your class this term! The competition aligns with the NSW Department of Education curriculum, supporting key areas like STEM, sustainability, and leadership development, fostering creative problem-solving, critical thinking, and environmental stewardship—making it a valuable addition to your school’s teaching plans.
SECONDARY SCHOOL PRIZES
$5,000 - Yrs 10 – 12 Prize winner
$3,000 - Yrs 7 – 9 Prize winner
$2,000 - People’s Choice Prize winner
PRIMARY SCHOOL PRIZES
$200 - Yrs 3 – 4 Prize winner
$200 - Yrs 5 – 6 Prize winner
$100 - People’s Choice Prize Winner
2026 JUNIOR FINALISTS
Mission H.A.T.C.H: Sea Turtle Survival
By Madi, Harper & Bruna, St Aloysius Catholic Primary school Cronulla
Explanation of our idea
When we began our project, we wanted to understand why so few sea turtle hatchlings
survive their journey from the nest to the ocean. We learned that baby turtles already face
many natural dangers, but human activity has made things even harder for them. Artificial
lights from houses, streets, and beaches can confuse hatchlings. Instead of following the
moonlight reflecting on the waves, they often crawl the wrong way, towards bright lights on
land. This puts them at risk of getting lost, dehydrated, or eaten by predators. When we
discovered that only 1 to 10 out of every 100 hatchlings even make it to the ocean, we knew
this was a serious problem in our natural world but humans were contributing to it.
Seeing how tiny and vulnerable the hatchlings are inspired us to design something that could
help. We researched and discovered that red and amber lights are turtle‐friendly because
hatchlings don’t follow them. This allowed us to design a solution that supported turtle
behaviour instead of confusing them with light pollution. We also shared our idea with Kal
Glanznig, a young Australian ocean and climate leader. He encouraged us to think more
deeply about human impact and how we could strengthen our design.
As we continued learning, we realised that predators were another big part of the problem.
Birds, crabs, and crocodiles often wait near nesting areas, and confused hatchlings make
easy targets. We found out that many predators are sensitive to vibrations and avoid areas
where the ground feels unstable. That gave us the idea to add small vibrators under the
sand to scare predators away. We made sure to place them far enough from the nest so they
wouldn’t disturb the baby turtles.
Our final prototype brought all these ideas together. We built a cardboard beach with a shield
that blocks artificial light from houses or people walking nearby. This helps keep the nesting
area darker and more natural. We added red warning LEDs facing away from the ocean to
let people know turtles are nesting, which helps reduce accidental disturbance. Under the
sand, we placed our vibration system to deter predators and give hatchlings a safer path to
the sea.
Our solution supports the Sustainable Development Goal “Life Below Water”. By
researching, testing, and improving our ideas, we created a thoughtful design that gives
baby turtles a better chance of reaching the ocean safely.
When we began our project, we wanted to understand why so few sea turtle hatchlings
survive their journey from the nest to the ocean. We learned that baby turtles already face
many natural dangers, but human activity has made things even harder for them. Artificial
lights from houses, streets, and beaches can confuse hatchlings. Instead of following the
moonlight reflecting on the waves, they often crawl the wrong way, towards bright lights on
land. This puts them at risk of getting lost, dehydrated, or eaten by predators. When we
discovered that only 1 to 10 out of every 100 hatchlings even make it to the ocean, we knew
this was a serious problem in our natural world but humans were contributing to it.
Seeing how tiny and vulnerable the hatchlings are inspired us to design something that could
help. We researched and discovered that red and amber lights are turtle‐friendly because
hatchlings don’t follow them. This allowed us to design a solution that supported turtle
behaviour instead of confusing them with light pollution. We also shared our idea with Kal
Glanznig, a young Australian ocean and climate leader. He encouraged us to think more
deeply about human impact and how we could strengthen our design.
As we continued learning, we realised that predators were another big part of the problem.
Birds, crabs, and crocodiles often wait near nesting areas, and confused hatchlings make
easy targets. We found out that many predators are sensitive to vibrations and avoid areas
where the ground feels unstable. That gave us the idea to add small vibrators under the
sand to scare predators away. We made sure to place them far enough from the nest so they
wouldn’t disturb the baby turtles.
Our final prototype brought all these ideas together. We built a cardboard beach with a shield
that blocks artificial light from houses or people walking nearby. This helps keep the nesting
area darker and more natural. We added red warning LEDs facing away from the ocean to
let people know turtles are nesting, which helps reduce accidental disturbance. Under the
sand, we placed our vibration system to deter predators and give hatchlings a safer path to
the sea.
Our solution supports the Sustainable Development Goal “Life Below Water”. By
researching, testing, and improving our ideas, we created a thoughtful design that gives
baby turtles a better chance of reaching the ocean safely.
Breaker Fence by the Beach Warriors
Breaker Fence is an environmentally sustainable barrier engineered
to reduce the entry of plastic and other waste into our oceans.
Each unit will be strategically installed in high-traffic and pollution-
prone locations, serving as a protective barrier—effectively a
‘rubbish break’—between urban areas and vulnerable waterways.
Our approach is distinguished by two key innovations:
• The incorporation of a lip-shaped top edge is designed to
capture debris that might otherwise be carried over the fence
by wind.
• The use of eco-friendly composite decking materials, primarily
composed of recycled plastic and timber, ensures minimal
environmental impact.
Breaker Fence actively contributes to ocean conservation by
intercepting waste and promoting proper disposal of rubbish.
Lennox Head Public School’s Message to the Ocean
Dear Ocean,
We are writing to tell you that you are incredibly important to the students at our
school, Lennox Head Public School, where our 430 students benefit from being located
just 300 metres from your sandy shores. For many of our students, you are an integral
part of their daily lives, providing opportunities for surfing, swimming, and exploring
marine environments. This close connection that we have with you fosters a strong
appreciation for the natural world, promotes active, healthy lifestyles, and encourages
environmental responsibility. Ocean, you inspire learning in science, sustainability, and
physical education, and you are a vital and cherished resource for our school community.
We love you!
Sincerely,
Lennox Head Public School
to reduce the entry of plastic and other waste into our oceans.
Each unit will be strategically installed in high-traffic and pollution-
prone locations, serving as a protective barrier—effectively a
‘rubbish break’—between urban areas and vulnerable waterways.
Our approach is distinguished by two key innovations:
• The incorporation of a lip-shaped top edge is designed to
capture debris that might otherwise be carried over the fence
by wind.
• The use of eco-friendly composite decking materials, primarily
composed of recycled plastic and timber, ensures minimal
environmental impact.
Breaker Fence actively contributes to ocean conservation by
intercepting waste and promoting proper disposal of rubbish.
Lennox Head Public School’s Message to the Ocean
Dear Ocean,
We are writing to tell you that you are incredibly important to the students at our
school, Lennox Head Public School, where our 430 students benefit from being located
just 300 metres from your sandy shores. For many of our students, you are an integral
part of their daily lives, providing opportunities for surfing, swimming, and exploring
marine environments. This close connection that we have with you fosters a strong
appreciation for the natural world, promotes active, healthy lifestyles, and encourages
environmental responsibility. Ocean, you inspire learning in science, sustainability, and
physical education, and you are a vital and cherished resource for our school community.
We love you!
Sincerely,
Lennox Head Public School
2026 SENIOR FINALISTS
Farming for Tomorrow - Deena Cohen
The Problem:
Agriculture is responsible for almost a third of global greenhouse gas emissions, almost
all of which is methane from animals. Greenhouse gases trap heat, speed up climate
change and warm our oceans which in turn causes coral bleaching, ocean acidification
and biodiversity loss. Yet consumers hardly understand how their everyday purchases
are connected to these impacts which impedes our ability to take meaningful action.
This occurs in relation to what we buy and how it is produced. Oceans are paying a
heavy price for a problem that begins on land.
The problem isn’t that people don’t want to help, it’s that there isn’t a simple enough
way to get Gen Z involved. People have busy lives and busy routines, so if the decision
to help the planet isn’t as easy as buying a cup of coffee, then people won’t take the
initiative. But what if it can be? What if something as simple as a coffee cup could fight
climate change?
The Innovative Solution:
Farming for Tomorrow is an innovative concept that connects the choices made by
everyday consumers with actual, measurable carbon reduction on farm. It gives people
the opportunity to make helping the planet part of their everyday routine. On each item
that bears the Farming for Tomorrow label, from a coffee cup to a paper bag, is a small
contribution that helps fund climate-saving projects on Australian farms. At only 10
cents, you can save the planet. These projects might involve feeding cattle a seaweed
remedy that cuts methane or regenerative grazing to boost soil health and carbon-rich
crops. The model has scientific supports, and it is community driven. So that every cup
of coffee cools the planet and protects our oceans.
The idea unites coOee shops, schools and businesses so they can be part of the
solution. Farming for Tomorrow encourages people to make changes that are
meaningful, manageable and visible instead of concentrating on the problem.
Benefits to the Ocean and Community:
Farming for Tomorrow helps ocean warming and protects marine ecosystems by
reducing methane emissions. When farms are healthier, it means that there will be less
chemical runoff and less sediment entering the ocean. The ocean absorbs about a
quarter of all human-produced carbon dioxide, which makes seawater more acidic and
harms marine life such as coral, plankton, and shellfish. By reducing emissions at their
source, Farming for Tomorrow lessens the amount of CO2 entering the ocean and helps
maintain the oceans natural balance. Only are there environmental advantages, but it
also engages the community. The movement motivates youth and local cafés to work
together, demonstrating that sustainability doesn’t have to be complex – it can start
with your morning coffee.
How It Could Be Developed and Marketed:
We would develop is through BioPak (partnered already) and the plan was to have the
cafes and schools join it too and promote it through social media. One Cup, One
Planet. Visual branding such as stickers, QR codes and short reels would make the
environmental impact visible and relatable.
Agriculture is responsible for almost a third of global greenhouse gas emissions, almost
all of which is methane from animals. Greenhouse gases trap heat, speed up climate
change and warm our oceans which in turn causes coral bleaching, ocean acidification
and biodiversity loss. Yet consumers hardly understand how their everyday purchases
are connected to these impacts which impedes our ability to take meaningful action.
This occurs in relation to what we buy and how it is produced. Oceans are paying a
heavy price for a problem that begins on land.
The problem isn’t that people don’t want to help, it’s that there isn’t a simple enough
way to get Gen Z involved. People have busy lives and busy routines, so if the decision
to help the planet isn’t as easy as buying a cup of coffee, then people won’t take the
initiative. But what if it can be? What if something as simple as a coffee cup could fight
climate change?
The Innovative Solution:
Farming for Tomorrow is an innovative concept that connects the choices made by
everyday consumers with actual, measurable carbon reduction on farm. It gives people
the opportunity to make helping the planet part of their everyday routine. On each item
that bears the Farming for Tomorrow label, from a coffee cup to a paper bag, is a small
contribution that helps fund climate-saving projects on Australian farms. At only 10
cents, you can save the planet. These projects might involve feeding cattle a seaweed
remedy that cuts methane or regenerative grazing to boost soil health and carbon-rich
crops. The model has scientific supports, and it is community driven. So that every cup
of coffee cools the planet and protects our oceans.
The idea unites coOee shops, schools and businesses so they can be part of the
solution. Farming for Tomorrow encourages people to make changes that are
meaningful, manageable and visible instead of concentrating on the problem.
Benefits to the Ocean and Community:
Farming for Tomorrow helps ocean warming and protects marine ecosystems by
reducing methane emissions. When farms are healthier, it means that there will be less
chemical runoff and less sediment entering the ocean. The ocean absorbs about a
quarter of all human-produced carbon dioxide, which makes seawater more acidic and
harms marine life such as coral, plankton, and shellfish. By reducing emissions at their
source, Farming for Tomorrow lessens the amount of CO2 entering the ocean and helps
maintain the oceans natural balance. Only are there environmental advantages, but it
also engages the community. The movement motivates youth and local cafés to work
together, demonstrating that sustainability doesn’t have to be complex – it can start
with your morning coffee.
How It Could Be Developed and Marketed:
We would develop is through BioPak (partnered already) and the plan was to have the
cafes and schools join it too and promote it through social media. One Cup, One
Planet. Visual branding such as stickers, QR codes and short reels would make the
environmental impact visible and relatable.
Oleo Fish - Laila Bolot and Mika Rom
Every year, approximately 2.7 billion litres of oil pollute our oceans, destroying
ecosystems and habitats, and killing thousands of marine animals. Even one oil spill
can devastate habitats for decades, smothering coral reefs and poisoning whole
environments. Our ocean and its diverse marine life, which produce over half of the
oxygen we breathe, and regulate Earth’s climate, are desperate for a solution to oil spills
that is both sustainable and effective.
Our vision is to clean our oceans of oil through innovation that blends seamlessly with
nature.
Oleo Fish is a robotic fish designed to reduce the impact of oil spills on ecosystems.
With a design inspired by marine life, Oleo Fish mimics the form and swimming patterns
of a real fish, avoiding disruptions to surrounding wildlife. It’s coating of non-toxic fish
repelling polymer, modelled after coatings used on underwater equipment to prevent
biofouling, ensures that no marine animals attempt to bite or ingest Oleofish, both
keeping ecosystems safe, and ensuring environmental resilience for the product.
Oleo Fish contains a simple yet effective hydrophobic filtration system, ideal for quick
and inexpensive manufacturing. As it swims through polluted water, the fish glides
through oil, which is pushed through its mouth cavity by the force of the fish’s forward
propulsion. Inside, the hydrophobic nano-mesh filter repels polar water molecules
while attracting and trapping non-polar oil particles. This selective permeability allows
the precise separation of oil from seawater, ensuring that even micrometre-sized
droplets of water do not enter the tank. The recovered oil is stored in an internal
containment tank and can later be processed and repurposed. This filtration technology
is designed to mirror the microscopic waxy structures of lotus leaves, which reduce
surface adhesion and repel water, yet another way the design draws inspiration from
nature to maintain efficiency in turbulent oceans.
The product’s propellor is also powered by indented solar panels on the back of the fish,
operating near the water’s surface where sunlight penetration is greatest. The energy
collected is stored in an internal waterproof battery pack, which powers a motor that
spins the propelling tail.
When the internal tank reaches capacity, embedded capacity sensors send a wireless
signal to the operational base. Oleo Fish’s intelligent homing system-directly inspired by
robotic vacuum cleaners that autonomously return to charging docks- then activates.
Using a combination of sonar mapping, inertial navigation systems, and acoustic
beacons, the fish follows it’s programmed path back to base. Once docked, the fish is
emptied of oil, which is repurposed, and its filters are cleaned and maintained. This
automated homing reduces human intervention, allowing the fish to independently
function and clean.
Thus, Oleo Fish exploits the power of technological biomimicry, drawing inspiration
from nature to reduce human impacts on our marine environment. Through intelligent,
sustainable and independent technology, Oleo Fish can make a difference, significantly
reducing the effects of oil spills on marine life and aquatic ecosystems. Introducing
Oleo Fish into marine ecosystems transforms the fight against oil into a sustainable
solution for healthier oceans.
ecosystems and habitats, and killing thousands of marine animals. Even one oil spill
can devastate habitats for decades, smothering coral reefs and poisoning whole
environments. Our ocean and its diverse marine life, which produce over half of the
oxygen we breathe, and regulate Earth’s climate, are desperate for a solution to oil spills
that is both sustainable and effective.
Our vision is to clean our oceans of oil through innovation that blends seamlessly with
nature.
Oleo Fish is a robotic fish designed to reduce the impact of oil spills on ecosystems.
With a design inspired by marine life, Oleo Fish mimics the form and swimming patterns
of a real fish, avoiding disruptions to surrounding wildlife. It’s coating of non-toxic fish
repelling polymer, modelled after coatings used on underwater equipment to prevent
biofouling, ensures that no marine animals attempt to bite or ingest Oleofish, both
keeping ecosystems safe, and ensuring environmental resilience for the product.
Oleo Fish contains a simple yet effective hydrophobic filtration system, ideal for quick
and inexpensive manufacturing. As it swims through polluted water, the fish glides
through oil, which is pushed through its mouth cavity by the force of the fish’s forward
propulsion. Inside, the hydrophobic nano-mesh filter repels polar water molecules
while attracting and trapping non-polar oil particles. This selective permeability allows
the precise separation of oil from seawater, ensuring that even micrometre-sized
droplets of water do not enter the tank. The recovered oil is stored in an internal
containment tank and can later be processed and repurposed. This filtration technology
is designed to mirror the microscopic waxy structures of lotus leaves, which reduce
surface adhesion and repel water, yet another way the design draws inspiration from
nature to maintain efficiency in turbulent oceans.
The product’s propellor is also powered by indented solar panels on the back of the fish,
operating near the water’s surface where sunlight penetration is greatest. The energy
collected is stored in an internal waterproof battery pack, which powers a motor that
spins the propelling tail.
When the internal tank reaches capacity, embedded capacity sensors send a wireless
signal to the operational base. Oleo Fish’s intelligent homing system-directly inspired by
robotic vacuum cleaners that autonomously return to charging docks- then activates.
Using a combination of sonar mapping, inertial navigation systems, and acoustic
beacons, the fish follows it’s programmed path back to base. Once docked, the fish is
emptied of oil, which is repurposed, and its filters are cleaned and maintained. This
automated homing reduces human intervention, allowing the fish to independently
function and clean.
Thus, Oleo Fish exploits the power of technological biomimicry, drawing inspiration
from nature to reduce human impacts on our marine environment. Through intelligent,
sustainable and independent technology, Oleo Fish can make a difference, significantly
reducing the effects of oil spills on marine life and aquatic ecosystems. Introducing
Oleo Fish into marine ecosystems transforms the fight against oil into a sustainable
solution for healthier oceans.
Reversing Coral Bleaching - Sukaina Youssef and Chloe Pracy
Our idea addresses the problem of coral bleaching, a crisis that can lead to the collapse of an entire
marine ecosystem.. Due to rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification, coral usually experience a
critical stress response that expels their symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae). Zooxanthellae is responsible
for the colour a coral presents and more importantly, their colour, a photosynthetic ability that
provides the energy and nutrients necessary for survival.
Coral reefs support around 25% of all marine life by providing essential habitat to various species of fish,
while covering only 1% of the ocean floor. This makes urgent action necessary to reverse coral
bleaching before biodiversity decline and ecosystem collapse become more widespread.
Our solution is to create heat-resistant zooxanthellae. These mutualistic symbiotic algae supply corals
with carbohydrates, amino acids, and vitamins. As ocean temperatures rise about 1°C since the late 19th
century, thermal stress causes zooxanthellae to produce harmful reactive oxygen species. Corals then
expel the algae, leading to loss of photosynthetic ability and bleaching.
When rising ocean temperatures occur, the zooxanthellae in corals are placed under thermal stress
which causes them to break down and start to produce toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) which is
unstable and highly reactive, which impacts the coral. In order to protect itself, the coral expels this
algae, then without the algae the coral becomes “bleached”, with tissue becoming transparent, leaving
that white and ‘dead’ look since its main nutrient source is gone.
We propose the idea to create heat resistant zooxanthellae. With the increase in ocean temperatures,
coral bleaching will soon become inevitable, so trials and tests to create heat resistant zooxanthellae
could be a viable solution for corals to withstand climate trends. The idea is to acclimate, adapt and
create symbiotic algae to withstand an increase in temperature by even 1 degree over a period of time.
This is done by introducing Heat Shock Proteins.
Heat shock Proteins, also known as the HSP70 gene, helps to stabilize cells against thermal stress,
which can create heat-tolerant strains that can be reintroduced into corals and enhance resilience
against bleaching.
To do this scientists must go through a process of Genetic Engineering, by trialling and working out
different ways to make the process as successful as possible. The process is made up of extracting the
zooxanthellae DNA and identifying which genes to edit.
The HSP70 gene will act like a protector as it will prevent the other proteins from unfolding or melting
when water temperatures increase.
To insert the gene into the zooxanthellae cell, it needs to be in the logarithmic growth phase. In other
words, the cells are dividing rapidly, which is beneficial for the process as the cells are fresh and
increasing, giving the HSP70 a better chance of working.
Then, the zooxanthellae cell can be treated with chemicals to help soften the rigid cell wall, making it
easier for DNA to enter the cell. Scientists will have to use the ‘Gene Gun’ method due to the tough cell
wall, it contains coating microscopic gold particles in the HSP70 DNA, then using high pressure helium,
they are then fired into a petri dish full of zooxanthellae cells. The gold particles then punch through
the cell wall and nucleus membrane, depositing the DNA directly into the nucleus.
Most cells will die, but the ones successful at taking up the gene will survive and multiply.
The survivors then need to be cloned to create a pure population of HSP70-enhanced algae.
These cells then need to be put to the test in a thermal challenge in a controlled environment with
increasing temperatures. In some cells it might fail, but if it is successful then the HSP70 genes will
protect the proteins immediately, allowing the algae to keep providing the coral with nutrients, despite
the heat.
Our ideas will impact the ocean and the community in many positive ways.
Reversing coral bleaching will provide and keep up marine animals habitat, whereas if coral bleaching
were to continue their habitat would be destroyed.
Reversing coral bleaching provides significant ecological and economical benefits, acting as a natural
defense system for oceans and coastal communities.
Reversing the damage would increase biodiversity, support industries like tourism and fishing, and will
improve water quality.
Overall saving a small but critical part of our marine ecosystem.
marine ecosystem.. Due to rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification, coral usually experience a
critical stress response that expels their symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae). Zooxanthellae is responsible
for the colour a coral presents and more importantly, their colour, a photosynthetic ability that
provides the energy and nutrients necessary for survival.
Coral reefs support around 25% of all marine life by providing essential habitat to various species of fish,
while covering only 1% of the ocean floor. This makes urgent action necessary to reverse coral
bleaching before biodiversity decline and ecosystem collapse become more widespread.
Our solution is to create heat-resistant zooxanthellae. These mutualistic symbiotic algae supply corals
with carbohydrates, amino acids, and vitamins. As ocean temperatures rise about 1°C since the late 19th
century, thermal stress causes zooxanthellae to produce harmful reactive oxygen species. Corals then
expel the algae, leading to loss of photosynthetic ability and bleaching.
When rising ocean temperatures occur, the zooxanthellae in corals are placed under thermal stress
which causes them to break down and start to produce toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) which is
unstable and highly reactive, which impacts the coral. In order to protect itself, the coral expels this
algae, then without the algae the coral becomes “bleached”, with tissue becoming transparent, leaving
that white and ‘dead’ look since its main nutrient source is gone.
We propose the idea to create heat resistant zooxanthellae. With the increase in ocean temperatures,
coral bleaching will soon become inevitable, so trials and tests to create heat resistant zooxanthellae
could be a viable solution for corals to withstand climate trends. The idea is to acclimate, adapt and
create symbiotic algae to withstand an increase in temperature by even 1 degree over a period of time.
This is done by introducing Heat Shock Proteins.
Heat shock Proteins, also known as the HSP70 gene, helps to stabilize cells against thermal stress,
which can create heat-tolerant strains that can be reintroduced into corals and enhance resilience
against bleaching.
To do this scientists must go through a process of Genetic Engineering, by trialling and working out
different ways to make the process as successful as possible. The process is made up of extracting the
zooxanthellae DNA and identifying which genes to edit.
The HSP70 gene will act like a protector as it will prevent the other proteins from unfolding or melting
when water temperatures increase.
To insert the gene into the zooxanthellae cell, it needs to be in the logarithmic growth phase. In other
words, the cells are dividing rapidly, which is beneficial for the process as the cells are fresh and
increasing, giving the HSP70 a better chance of working.
Then, the zooxanthellae cell can be treated with chemicals to help soften the rigid cell wall, making it
easier for DNA to enter the cell. Scientists will have to use the ‘Gene Gun’ method due to the tough cell
wall, it contains coating microscopic gold particles in the HSP70 DNA, then using high pressure helium,
they are then fired into a petri dish full of zooxanthellae cells. The gold particles then punch through
the cell wall and nucleus membrane, depositing the DNA directly into the nucleus.
Most cells will die, but the ones successful at taking up the gene will survive and multiply.
The survivors then need to be cloned to create a pure population of HSP70-enhanced algae.
These cells then need to be put to the test in a thermal challenge in a controlled environment with
increasing temperatures. In some cells it might fail, but if it is successful then the HSP70 genes will
protect the proteins immediately, allowing the algae to keep providing the coral with nutrients, despite
the heat.
Our ideas will impact the ocean and the community in many positive ways.
Reversing coral bleaching will provide and keep up marine animals habitat, whereas if coral bleaching
were to continue their habitat would be destroyed.
Reversing coral bleaching provides significant ecological and economical benefits, acting as a natural
defense system for oceans and coastal communities.
Reversing the damage would increase biodiversity, support industries like tourism and fishing, and will
improve water quality.
Overall saving a small but critical part of our marine ecosystem.
SEACYCLE - Stephanie Spark
Ocean pollution is one of the most urgent threats facing sea life today. An estimated 8 million
tonnes of plastic enters our oceans each year. This waste lingers for centuries, endangering
marine animals, harming ecosystems and disrupting nature’s balance.
Despite ongoing clean up efforts, there remains a significant disconnect between people and the
issue. Communities often lack awareness or emotional connection to the ocean, and young
people in particular can feel powerless when confronting global environmental challenges. Many
believe only governments, large organisations, or advanced technologies, can create
meaningful change, leading to inaction on an individual level.
What our community needs is a small scale, creative and empathetic approach that transforms
ocean conservation into something personal, inspiring and accessible. We need a local initiative
that uses unconventional ideas to spark awareness and inspire action.
This is where SeaCycle comes in: a small business dedicated to repurposing ocean litter into
long-lasting, sustainable jewellery. Discarded nets and other plastics are collected from
waterways and beaches, then combined with other recycled materials to create unique,
hand-crafted pieces. Each item is a symbol of renewal, where trash is transformed into
something beautiful and treasured. They act as constant reminders of the need for ocean
conservation that people can wear everywhere.
SeaCycle will begin with a small collection sold at local markets and festivals, like the Ocean
Lovers Festival. As interest grows, the business can expand into online sales to promote the
jewellery and its message of sustainability to a wider audience. Social media campaigns will
target environmentally conscious young people, encouraging both purchases and participation
in a broader movement for ocean health. Local promotion through notice boards will help
ground the initiative in community involvement.
Each jewellery piece comes with a story card made from recyclable cardboard detailing where
the materials were collected, how long they would’ve taken to break down, and key statistics
about ocean health. These cards deepen the buyer's emotional connection to the piece,
enhancing it from a simple accessory into a meaningful reminder of the ocean’s fragility and the
importance of sustainable choices.
SeaCycle offers significant benefits to both the ocean and the community. Each piece physically
removes pollution and single-use waste from beaches, contributing to a cleaner and healthier
environment. When worn, the jewellery sparks conversations and raises awareness through
their visibility. As more people support SeaCycle, a ripple effect will spread through the
community, encouraging individuals to reflect on their own actions, take initiative and promote
ocean health.
A portion of profits will be donated to verified charities dedicated to ocean conservation, such as
the Australian Marine Conservation Society and the Clean Ocean Foundation, supporting large
scale conservation efforts. Since material costs are minimal, the jewellery can be sold at
affordable prices, making them accessible while maximising profits and therefore also donation
amounts.
By popularising eco-friendly jewellery, SeaCycle empowers individuals, especially young people,
to take part in protecting our oceans. It proves that small actions, when shared and celebrated,
can create waves of change.
tonnes of plastic enters our oceans each year. This waste lingers for centuries, endangering
marine animals, harming ecosystems and disrupting nature’s balance.
Despite ongoing clean up efforts, there remains a significant disconnect between people and the
issue. Communities often lack awareness or emotional connection to the ocean, and young
people in particular can feel powerless when confronting global environmental challenges. Many
believe only governments, large organisations, or advanced technologies, can create
meaningful change, leading to inaction on an individual level.
What our community needs is a small scale, creative and empathetic approach that transforms
ocean conservation into something personal, inspiring and accessible. We need a local initiative
that uses unconventional ideas to spark awareness and inspire action.
This is where SeaCycle comes in: a small business dedicated to repurposing ocean litter into
long-lasting, sustainable jewellery. Discarded nets and other plastics are collected from
waterways and beaches, then combined with other recycled materials to create unique,
hand-crafted pieces. Each item is a symbol of renewal, where trash is transformed into
something beautiful and treasured. They act as constant reminders of the need for ocean
conservation that people can wear everywhere.
SeaCycle will begin with a small collection sold at local markets and festivals, like the Ocean
Lovers Festival. As interest grows, the business can expand into online sales to promote the
jewellery and its message of sustainability to a wider audience. Social media campaigns will
target environmentally conscious young people, encouraging both purchases and participation
in a broader movement for ocean health. Local promotion through notice boards will help
ground the initiative in community involvement.
Each jewellery piece comes with a story card made from recyclable cardboard detailing where
the materials were collected, how long they would’ve taken to break down, and key statistics
about ocean health. These cards deepen the buyer's emotional connection to the piece,
enhancing it from a simple accessory into a meaningful reminder of the ocean’s fragility and the
importance of sustainable choices.
SeaCycle offers significant benefits to both the ocean and the community. Each piece physically
removes pollution and single-use waste from beaches, contributing to a cleaner and healthier
environment. When worn, the jewellery sparks conversations and raises awareness through
their visibility. As more people support SeaCycle, a ripple effect will spread through the
community, encouraging individuals to reflect on their own actions, take initiative and promote
ocean health.
A portion of profits will be donated to verified charities dedicated to ocean conservation, such as
the Australian Marine Conservation Society and the Clean Ocean Foundation, supporting large
scale conservation efforts. Since material costs are minimal, the jewellery can be sold at
affordable prices, making them accessible while maximising profits and therefore also donation
amounts.
By popularising eco-friendly jewellery, SeaCycle empowers individuals, especially young people,
to take part in protecting our oceans. It proves that small actions, when shared and celebrated,
can create waves of change.
ECOdrains - Jentzen Tjiong, Bayden Wood, Max Mchugh
Every year, an estimated 145,000 tonnes of plastic leak into the ocean, affecting marine
environments, with around 80% of that plastic coming from stormwater drains. These drains are
often overlooked by all locals as one of the biggest contributors to ocean pollution. Unlike
sewerage waterways, stormwater is not monitored and treated, enabling things like plastics,
wrappers and other unwanted debris to enter our waterways and eventually make their way into
marine ecosystems. Stormwater pollution travels over the land, picking up all kinds of sediments
that are not naturally found in our waterways, which could be poisonous or generally not healthy
for our natural systems and can eventually cause toxic algal blooms and other pollution
problems in our waterways. The main pollutants we see affecting stormwater would be things
such as leaves, grass clippings, sediments, as well as chemicals such as fertilisers, paint,
detergents, and the major concern of litter, such as plastic bags and other pieces of rubbish.
These things that go into our stormwater impact our environment, such as altering the chemical
balance of our waterways, causing toxic effects on aquatic plants and animals, which is
detrimental as it can lead to damage in our food chain. There is also an influence from visual
pollution, like toxins in the litter that can kill the sealife, decaying litter can reduce water oxygen
levels and also kill animals and plant life under the sea
Our stormwater catchment drain (name?) is a simple yet sustainable solution for this. With their
easy-to-remove mesh layer, which blocks waste and debris such as bottles, cigarette butts and
other unwanted plastics from entering the ocean as well as filtering the water, ensuring we
minimise the amount of toxins entering the waterways, while still enabling water to flow freely
through. This will drastically minimise the amount of pollution impacting Australia’s marine
ecosystems and ensure that our sealife, including the plants and animals, are healthy, stabilising
their reproductive cycles as well as reducing the amount of algae blooms that suck oxygen out
of the water. We will see a reduction in waterborne illnesses, making beaches and lakes safer
for swimming, an economic boost through improvements in the fishing industry, and assist in
flood prevention, as there won’t be drain clogs from rubbish and less money spent on chemical
treatments and filtration. The (name) have the ability to change how we respond to water
pollution and can play a major role in sustaining the waterways for future generations.
Our ecodrain is a sustainable solution to saving our marine ecosystems by blocking
pollution like this bottle from reaching the ocean.
environments, with around 80% of that plastic coming from stormwater drains. These drains are
often overlooked by all locals as one of the biggest contributors to ocean pollution. Unlike
sewerage waterways, stormwater is not monitored and treated, enabling things like plastics,
wrappers and other unwanted debris to enter our waterways and eventually make their way into
marine ecosystems. Stormwater pollution travels over the land, picking up all kinds of sediments
that are not naturally found in our waterways, which could be poisonous or generally not healthy
for our natural systems and can eventually cause toxic algal blooms and other pollution
problems in our waterways. The main pollutants we see affecting stormwater would be things
such as leaves, grass clippings, sediments, as well as chemicals such as fertilisers, paint,
detergents, and the major concern of litter, such as plastic bags and other pieces of rubbish.
These things that go into our stormwater impact our environment, such as altering the chemical
balance of our waterways, causing toxic effects on aquatic plants and animals, which is
detrimental as it can lead to damage in our food chain. There is also an influence from visual
pollution, like toxins in the litter that can kill the sealife, decaying litter can reduce water oxygen
levels and also kill animals and plant life under the sea
Our stormwater catchment drain (name?) is a simple yet sustainable solution for this. With their
easy-to-remove mesh layer, which blocks waste and debris such as bottles, cigarette butts and
other unwanted plastics from entering the ocean as well as filtering the water, ensuring we
minimise the amount of toxins entering the waterways, while still enabling water to flow freely
through. This will drastically minimise the amount of pollution impacting Australia’s marine
ecosystems and ensure that our sealife, including the plants and animals, are healthy, stabilising
their reproductive cycles as well as reducing the amount of algae blooms that suck oxygen out
of the water. We will see a reduction in waterborne illnesses, making beaches and lakes safer
for swimming, an economic boost through improvements in the fishing industry, and assist in
flood prevention, as there won’t be drain clogs from rubbish and less money spent on chemical
treatments and filtration. The (name) have the ability to change how we respond to water
pollution and can play a major role in sustaining the waterways for future generations.
Our ecodrain is a sustainable solution to saving our marine ecosystems by blocking
pollution like this bottle from reaching the ocean.
Reducing Noise Pollution - Willow Starling
Problem - background - statistics
Ocean Noise pollution is an escalating environmental problem caused by human activities. This
includes things like drilling into the sea bed, maritime vessel’s engine’s, propellers noises, and
global shipping. A once relatively quiet environment dominated by the natural sound of marine
communication, Has now turned into a nonstop industrial worksite. In the last 50 years
underwater noise levels have increased dramatically.
The main contributor is global commercial shipping. These include things like Cargo ships and
shipping container vessels which both emit the equivalent of around 190 decibels (Db) of
underwater noise, which is deafening to marine life within the proximity, and because sound
travels 4 times further underwater, that proximity can be massive.
In 2023 a research article showed that worldwide, the international commercial fleet numbered
more than one hundred thousand ships, and was growing rapidly. This is a massive issue for
the marine environment, because it interferes with the marine animals that rely on sound for
navigation, feeding, and communication.
Innovative solution
My innovative solution is to redesign propulsion systems for large container ships to reduce
underwater noise and to improve efficiency. The system would feature modified hybrid
propulsion combined with new propeller designs. The hybrid propulsion would combine both
diesel and electric motors for rotational thrust to the prop shaft. The propulsion would use a
revolutionary new hi tech designed propeller, replacing the traditional style of propeller which
was invented in the 1800’s. This is because the new high tech propeller would be designed to
be more quieter and more efficient the cavitations
There have been some great advancements in prop design in recent years, and now is the time
to advance these designs to large vessels to make a bigger impact on solving this issue.
The new propulsion system is designed to run more efficiently at a lower RPM (rotations per
min) which will reduce Cavitation and vortices, improve fuel efficiency, reduce overall energy
consumption during long-distance travel, and cut down noise pollution dramatically.
Finally, the propeller would be manufactured using recyclable or partially recyclable
marine-grade materials, such as advanced metal alloys, to reduce environmental impact at the
end of the vessel’s service life.
Solution how are you going to solve this
A first step would be getting big shipping companies to do as little as slowing ships 10-20%, it
can benefit the marine ecosystem twice as much. By reducing the amount of speed, a ship is
going at. It can significantly decrease underwater noise and reduce the risk of ship strikes on
marine animals.
Another approach is collaboration with shipbuilders, marine engineers, conservation
organizations, and the shipping industry. Marketing would emphasize the dual benefits of
environmental protection and economic efficiency, including lower fuel costs, reduced
maintenance, and alignment with global sustainability goals. By reducing both anthropogenic
noise (human generated sound) and vessel collisions with marine life, this vision promotes a
safer, quieter ocean that supports marine ecosystems while sustaining the human communities
that rely on it.
The ocean isn’t waiting forever; we need to act now.
Ocean Noise pollution is an escalating environmental problem caused by human activities. This
includes things like drilling into the sea bed, maritime vessel’s engine’s, propellers noises, and
global shipping. A once relatively quiet environment dominated by the natural sound of marine
communication, Has now turned into a nonstop industrial worksite. In the last 50 years
underwater noise levels have increased dramatically.
The main contributor is global commercial shipping. These include things like Cargo ships and
shipping container vessels which both emit the equivalent of around 190 decibels (Db) of
underwater noise, which is deafening to marine life within the proximity, and because sound
travels 4 times further underwater, that proximity can be massive.
In 2023 a research article showed that worldwide, the international commercial fleet numbered
more than one hundred thousand ships, and was growing rapidly. This is a massive issue for
the marine environment, because it interferes with the marine animals that rely on sound for
navigation, feeding, and communication.
Innovative solution
My innovative solution is to redesign propulsion systems for large container ships to reduce
underwater noise and to improve efficiency. The system would feature modified hybrid
propulsion combined with new propeller designs. The hybrid propulsion would combine both
diesel and electric motors for rotational thrust to the prop shaft. The propulsion would use a
revolutionary new hi tech designed propeller, replacing the traditional style of propeller which
was invented in the 1800’s. This is because the new high tech propeller would be designed to
be more quieter and more efficient the cavitations
There have been some great advancements in prop design in recent years, and now is the time
to advance these designs to large vessels to make a bigger impact on solving this issue.
The new propulsion system is designed to run more efficiently at a lower RPM (rotations per
min) which will reduce Cavitation and vortices, improve fuel efficiency, reduce overall energy
consumption during long-distance travel, and cut down noise pollution dramatically.
Finally, the propeller would be manufactured using recyclable or partially recyclable
marine-grade materials, such as advanced metal alloys, to reduce environmental impact at the
end of the vessel’s service life.
Solution how are you going to solve this
A first step would be getting big shipping companies to do as little as slowing ships 10-20%, it
can benefit the marine ecosystem twice as much. By reducing the amount of speed, a ship is
going at. It can significantly decrease underwater noise and reduce the risk of ship strikes on
marine animals.
Another approach is collaboration with shipbuilders, marine engineers, conservation
organizations, and the shipping industry. Marketing would emphasize the dual benefits of
environmental protection and economic efficiency, including lower fuel costs, reduced
maintenance, and alignment with global sustainability goals. By reducing both anthropogenic
noise (human generated sound) and vessel collisions with marine life, this vision promotes a
safer, quieter ocean that supports marine ecosystems while sustaining the human communities
that rely on it.
The ocean isn’t waiting forever; we need to act now.
SEA SNAP SAVE - Dallas Secondary College
‘SEA, SNAP, SAVE’ APP
I invented the ‘Sea, Snap, Save’ App when I was in Yr 3 at Bondi
Public School. It started as a homework assignment when my class
was asked to ‘solve a local problem’. Researching I found out the
critically endangered Grey Nurse Shark lived only 1km from my
school. The “Sea, Snap, Save” App makes it easier for people to
report sightings and interactions with the Grey Nurse Shark and up
to 40 other endangered marine creatures using inbuilt features such
as GPS location, camera, water depth, size, time, date and condition
sent at the touch of a button on the App. The App data collected
from each encounter reported allows scientists to better understand
where endangered marine creatures live and how we can help
protect them. I gifted my invention to the NSW government and
they now use it on their FISH SMART APP thanks to Hon. Dugald
Saunders MP who loved my ‘Sea, Snap, Save” App idea so much he
turned it into a real world solution on the FishSmart App.
‘SHARK ALERT’ APP
I invented the ‘Shark Alert” App in Year 8 at Rose Bay Secondary
College. My invention will save lives by alerting people using the
ocean (swimmers and surfers ) that a tagged shark is nearby and to
get out of the water immediately. It works by sounding an alarm/
vibrations on a Smart Watch. Only tagged sharks can connect to my
‘Shark Alert’ App so I plan to donate the prize money to the Rose
Bay Secondary College working Marine Biology Lab to develop it.
I invented the ‘Sea, Snap, Save’ App when I was in Yr 3 at Bondi
Public School. It started as a homework assignment when my class
was asked to ‘solve a local problem’. Researching I found out the
critically endangered Grey Nurse Shark lived only 1km from my
school. The “Sea, Snap, Save” App makes it easier for people to
report sightings and interactions with the Grey Nurse Shark and up
to 40 other endangered marine creatures using inbuilt features such
as GPS location, camera, water depth, size, time, date and condition
sent at the touch of a button on the App. The App data collected
from each encounter reported allows scientists to better understand
where endangered marine creatures live and how we can help
protect them. I gifted my invention to the NSW government and
they now use it on their FISH SMART APP thanks to Hon. Dugald
Saunders MP who loved my ‘Sea, Snap, Save” App idea so much he
turned it into a real world solution on the FishSmart App.
‘SHARK ALERT’ APP
I invented the ‘Shark Alert” App in Year 8 at Rose Bay Secondary
College. My invention will save lives by alerting people using the
ocean (swimmers and surfers ) that a tagged shark is nearby and to
get out of the water immediately. It works by sounding an alarm/
vibrations on a Smart Watch. Only tagged sharks can connect to my
‘Shark Alert’ App so I plan to donate the prize money to the Rose
Bay Secondary College working Marine Biology Lab to develop it.
Proudly Supported by
Teacher Survey Results 2025
'Between 60% and 100% of participants who will change their behaviour positively towards the protection of our waterways and ocean.'
bottom of page