ORA - Ocean Regeneration Aotearoa

Reviving the lifeforce of our ocean's ecosystems

ORA (Ocean Regeneration Aotearoa) is a trust that uses catalytic, blended capital (philanthropy, government grants, private investment) to originate, develop, fund, and execute new blue ventures.

Our work

We are guided by a deep respect for our coastal areas and oceans, their fragile ecosystems and the potential for a sustainable blue economy that enables active regeneration alongside economic growth.

We believe that economic growth, and ecological and social benefits are not mutually exclusive goals. We envision thriving coasts and oceans that sustain communities through innovative blue economy businesses.

ORA is delivered by the team at EnviroStrat, an impact investment venture studio and environmental advisor. For over 15 years, EnviroStrat has excelled at solving complex environmental challenges in New Zealand and around the world, through a blend of technical excellence and an innovation-centric approach to challenge traditional models.

Our ventures

ORA Reefs

Actively restoring biodiversity in impacted rocky reefs and soft bottom marine environments through supporting kina removal, reseeding kelp, reintroducing crayfish, and investigating artificial reefs seeded with kelp, mussels and oysters to provide structure for marine life.

Save Our Scallops

To address our closed scallop fishery, we are building a sustainable, resilient scallop aquaculture sector that creates environmental, economic, and community benefits, while actively supporting the long-term restoration and recovery of wild scallop beds.

Kinanomics

Kinanomics has successfully validated the market opportunity of enhancing wild caught marginal kina to produce a much sought after seafood delicacy. This work has reduced the risk and uncertainty for attracting investors and partners in a future commercial enterprise.

Greenwave Aotearoa

Establishing a viable, scalable, high value seaweed supply chain that can be a powerful force in combating climate change, boosting biodiversity and creating regional jobs. This will assist in creating low carbon, regenerative new businesses.

Crayfish Culture

Crayfish are natural predators of kina, and overfishing of crayfish has exacerbated a kina population explosion. ORA Reefs will test the feasibility of crayfish culture to rebuild wild populations.

Blue Nature Credits

By developing a credit for the Hauraki Gulf’s restored reefs, ORA aims to unlock capital for continual regeneration, ensuring restoration efforts can be maintained and expanded over decades. This is a financial tool that's tailored to ocean conservation outcomes.

Do you share our vision to regenerate our oceans?

We want to hear from you.

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