The Future of Coral Reefs & Ocean Acidification
Every second, our oceans undergo rapid transformation due to climate change, pollution, and human intervention. While coral reefs may seem like distant, beautiful ecosystems, they play a crucial role in protecting our coastlines, regulating marine biodiversity, and supporting economies across the world.
In this episode of Liquid Assets, we sit down with Patrick Clasen, co-founder of Ecotech Marine, an innovator in marine technology and coral reef restoration. From his early days as an engineering student designing aquarium equipment to leading advancements in coral restoration technology, Patrick shares his journey into the world of marine conservation and innovation.
We discuss the dire state of coral reefs, the growing threat of ocean acidification, and how cutting-edge technology is being leveraged to protect and restore marine ecosystems. Patrick also dives into the intersection of entrepreneurship and sustainability, sharing lessons from scaling Ecotech Marine and collaborating with research institutions to tackle some of the ocean’s biggest threats.
What You'll Hear in This Episode:
- The importance of coral reefs – Why they matter beyond aesthetics
- Why 98% of Florida’s reefs are nearly dead – And what’s being done about it
- The role of ocean acidification – How pH levels are affecting marine life
- How DARPA and marine institutions are working – Efforts to reverse coral decline
- The fascinating technology behind reef restoration – Innovations in coral farming
- How Ecotech Marine developed groundbreaking tech – Advancements in aquarium and ocean monitoring
- What individuals and businesses can do – Steps to support ocean sustainability
Listen On:
📺 Watch the Interview
Meet Patrick Clasen
From college aquarium enthusiast to marine tech entrepreneur, Patrick Clasen has spent the last two decades pioneering innovations in coral restoration and sustainable reef management. As co-founder of Ecotech Marine, he has developed industry-leading reef aquarium technology, including the Vortech pump and Radeon LED lighting, both used by conservation groups worldwide for coral propagation.
His expertise in coral reef restoration, sustainable marine technologies, and climate change impact mitigation has led him to collaborate with organizations like the Coral Restoration Foundation, Florida Aquarium, and DARPA.
Patrick is passionate about scaling technology-driven solutions to preserve the ocean and is actively working on deploying AI-driven ocean monitoring systems to combat ocean acidification and biodiversity loss.
The Book, Movie, or Show
📖 "The Rational Optimist" by Matt Ridley
Patrick highlights how this book reshaped his perspective on human progress, innovation, and sustainability. While climate and environmental challenges are daunting, the book presents a hopeful view on technological and economic advancements that can drive solutions to our biggest problems.
📖 Contains affiliate Amazon links.
“Before diving into the cutting-edge technology of reef restoration, I’d like to share a moment that fundamentally changed how I see the ocean. Last winter at the Louvre, I encountered an exquisite blue relief—a masterpiece of Achaemenid Persian art from Susa, where Darius I once ruled (522–486 BCE). The intricate patterns and deep turquoise hues captivated me. It wasn’t merely art; it was a frozen piece of history, speaking to the enduring power of beauty. That moment sparked a vision: what if nature’s own masterpieces—like our fragile coral reefs—could be preserved with the same reverence? This blend of art, history, and nature is the very inspiration behind my journey into marine conservation and innovation.” - Patrick Clasen
Transcript
[00:00:00] - Introduction
Ravi Kurani: Welcome to Liquid Assets! This is a podcast where we explore the intersection of water, business, policy, and innovation. I’m your host, Ravi Kurani, and today, we have a fascinating guest who is working at the forefront of marine conservation and coral reef restoration—Patrick Clasen.
Patrick is the Co-Founder of Ecotech Marine, a company revolutionizing marine technology with advanced aquarium systems, reef restoration tools, and cutting-edge water monitoring solutions.
Today, we’ll be diving into:
- The rapid decline of coral reefs worldwide
- The impact of ocean acidification on marine ecosystems
- The role technology plays in restoring and protecting reefs
- How entrepreneurship and sustainability are shaping the future of ocean conservation
Patrick, welcome to the show!
[00:02:30] - Patrick’s Background & Journey into Marine Conservation
Ravi Kurani: Patrick, you’ve been involved in marine conservation and aquatic technology for years. What initially got you interested in this space?
Patrick Clasen: Thanks, Ravi! My journey into marine conservation actually started with a passion for aquariums. I was fascinated by coral reefs and how fragile they are.
I studied engineering and initially worked on fluid dynamics and pump systems, but I quickly realized that coral reef restoration was an area where technology was severely lacking.
So, with my co-founders, we started Ecotech Marine, focusing on creating better tools for both reef enthusiasts and conservationists.
[00:07:15] - The Global Coral Reef Crisis
Ravi Kurani: Let’s talk about the state of coral reefs today. How bad is it?
Patrick Clasen: It’s dire. 98% of Florida’s coral reefs are functionally dead. Globally, we’ve already lost about 30% of reefs, and if current trends continue, we could lose 60% more in the next two decades.
The biggest drivers?
- Ocean Acidification – Rising CO₂ levels are lowering ocean pH, making it harder for corals to build their skeletons.
- Bleaching Events – Extreme temperatures stress corals, causing them to expel their symbiotic algae and die.
- Pollution & Overfishing – Excess nutrients from agriculture lead to algal blooms that suffocate corals.
[00:12:40] - The Role of Technology in Reef Restoration
Ravi Kurani: We’re seeing massive efforts in reef restoration. Can technology help reverse the damage?
Patrick Clasen: Yes, and this is where innovation is critical. Some of the exciting advancements include:
✔️ Coral Propagation & Spawning Techniques – Scientists are using controlled breeding to create corals more resistant to heat and acidification. ✔️ AI-Powered Reef Monitoring – Smart sensors detect pH shifts, temperature spikes, and pollution levels in real-time. ✔️ 3D-Printed Reef Structures – Artificial reefs made of limestone and biodegradable materials help young corals attach and grow.
At Ecotech Marine, we’ve developed water flow systems that mimic natural reef currents, helping corals grow in artificial environments before being transplanted back into the wild.
[00:20:15] - The Challenges of Ocean Acidification
Ravi Kurani: One of the biggest threats is ocean acidification. Can you break down what’s happening?
Patrick Clasen: Absolutely. As we burn fossil fuels, we release CO₂ into the atmosphere, and the ocean absorbs about 30% of it.
- When CO₂ dissolves in seawater, it forms carbonic acid, lowering the ocean’s pH.
- A lower pH weakens coral skeletons, preventing them from building reefs effectively.
- This disrupts entire marine food chains, affecting fish populations and coastal economies.
Some solutions being explored include alkalinity enhancement, where scientists add minerals like calcium carbonate to stabilize ocean pH.
[00:28:40] - The Intersection of Business & Sustainability
Ravi Kurani: A lot of conservation efforts are nonprofits, but you’ve taken a business-driven approach. What are the advantages?
Patrick Clasen: Nonprofits do amazing work, but scaling solutions requires sustainable business models.
At Ecotech Marine, we sell high-quality marine technology that funds our reef restoration research. Instead of relying on grants, we reinvest profits into developing better tools for conservation groups.
I believe the future of conservation is tech-driven, scalable, and self-sustaining.
[00:35:50] - What Can Individuals Do to Help?
Ravi Kurani: For listeners who care about the ocean but don’t work in marine science, how can they help?
Patrick Clasen: A few things: ✔️ Reduce Plastic Use – Single-use plastics harm marine life. Opt for reusable bottles and bags. ✔️ Eat Sustainable Seafood – Overfishing damages ecosystems. Look for MSC-certified seafood. ✔️ Support Reef-Safe Sunscreen – Many sunscreens contain oxybenzone, which kills coral larvae. Use zinc-based alternatives. ✔️ Donate or Volunteer – Organizations like Coral Restoration Foundation and The Ocean Agency are making a difference.
[00:42:30] - Book, Movie, or Show That Had an Impact
Ravi Kurani: Patrick, I always ask my guests—what’s a book, movie, or show that has had a big impact on you?
Patrick Clasen: 📖 "The Rational Optimist" by Matt Ridley – It changed my perspective on how innovation and technology can solve big problems.
It’s easy to feel pessimistic about climate change, but human ingenuity has solved massive challenges before. I believe we can restore coral reefs, but we need science, investment, and public awareness.
[00:48:00] - Final Thoughts & Where to Connect
Ravi Kurani: Patrick, this has been an incredible discussion. Where can people find you and learn more about your work?
Patrick Clasen: Thanks, Ravi! You can find me at:
🌐 Aperture: apetlife.com
📌 LinkedIn: Patrick Claesen