Teaming up with Shift Coastal Technologies to utilize their new Port Environmental Monitoring Platform (the PEMP), Gitxaala Environmental Services is working on a multi-phase project to improve and expand how marine ecology data is collected, which may also proactively reduce environmental adverse effects on surrounding marine ecology.
A Homefield Advantage
The project is facilitated through British Columbia’s Integrated Marketplace program, designed to support projects that connect strategic industry partners to BC-based solution providers to implement, scale, and export local technology solutions. Gitxaala Environmental Services and Shift Coastal Technologies’ project is in support of operations at the Port of Prince Rupert, which serves as a testbed to pilot the use of commercially-ready products in real-world settings.
For Shift Coastal Technologies, CEO James Spencer describes the program as one that demonstrates the value of collaboration and innovation development with direct intent. “This collaboration, made possible through Innovate BC’s Integrated Marketplace program, exemplifies how advanced marine technologies, paired with a local First Nation-owned business, can create scalable, impactful solutions for sustainability.”
Trevor McConkey, General Manager of Gitxaala Environmental Services, echoes the sentiment, stating this kind of collaboration “is key to building resilient and local expertise in marine and environmental sciences.”
The program, funded through the Governments of Canada and British Columbia and delivered by Innovate BC, provides a platform where companies and major industries, such as transportation and healthcare, can test and validate their technologies in operational environments. This enables companies to refine their solutions in collaboration with end-users, ensuring that innovations are not only technologically sound but also commercially viable. At the end of the project, the aim is to offer the industry partner an adoptable technology and the solution provider a significant reference customer to leverage in accessing new markets.
“There is a strong ecosystem of talented companies creating new and innovative technology that will drive BC towards sustainable economic growth,” said Diana Gibson, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. “One example is Gitxaala Environmental Services, which—working with Innovate BC through the Integrated Marketplace program—will scale up its technology solutions and strengthen the Blue Economy in a way that contributes to meaningful economic reconciliation.”
Leveraging Real-Time
Data Gitxaala Environmental Service and Shift Coastal Technologies aim to minimize port and terminal marine environmental impacts by using the PEMP to collect real-time data that can support more informed decisions.
The project will test the PEMP in three distinct subject areas, each leveraging different hardware, including sensors mounted on autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) and aerial drones. This will enable the PEMP to collect real-time, diverse data types, including habit characterization, underwater hydroacoustic noise levels, AI-supported marine mammal observations during less-than-ideal ocular conditions (i.e., fog), seabed disturbance, and water quality, among other ecological factors.
Phase 1: Marine Mammal Observation (MMO) and Marine Water Quality
Using a combination of the PEMP’s shore-based and drone optical and thermal imaging cameras, along with drones equipped with water sampling devices, the project aims to improve the observation of marine mammals and water quality monitoring to enhance understanding of local marine behavior and environmental conditions.
Phase 2: Hydroacoustic Monitoring for MMO and Underwater Noise
Employing ASVs equipped with hydroacoustic sensors, the project seeks to utilize the PEMP to enhance the observation of marine mammals and underwater noise levels to establish exclusion zones and protect marine habitats. The ASVs conduct monitoring during nighttime environments or in locations not suitable for human-operated vessels, increasing the safety measures for these monitoring programs.
Phase 3: Photogrammetry Surveys for Artificial Reefs and Infrastructure
Utilizing the PEMP’s ASVs fitted with photogrammetric cameras to capture high-resolution images of underwater habitat, artificial reefs, and underwater structures, Gitxaala Environmental Services can build 3D models to analyze structure and habitat changes over time, gathering detailed insights into species composition, habitat changes, and infrastructure health.
Innovation Across Sectors
However, it’s not just innovation in marine environments; the Integrated Marketplace program supports projects at other Testbeds, including Vancouver International Airport and the Provincial Health Services Authority. A recent project is adding automated robotic pods into terminals at the airport to support passengers with mobility needs.
What’s consistent, though, is that across the program, projects are taking on impact-based opportunities that have the potential to transform industries.
“Through the Integrated Marketplace, we’re creating an avenue for local solution providers to contribute to the development of high-growth industries and at the same time address critical priorities here in BC and at a global level,” said Peter Cowan, President and CEO of Innovate BC. “From reducing carbon emissions in key provincial sectors to bolstering the productivity of major industries, and in this instance, supporting Indigenous economic development in BC and generating new job opportunities in the region’s ocean-based sector, the impact is broad-based, creating prosperity for our industries, businesses, and communities.”
The Integrated Marketplace program is enhancing the province’s standing as an innovation and technology hub and expanding its ability to adapt for the future. By fostering a culture of collaboration, investment, and applied research, the initiative ensures that BC remains at the forefront of viable and impactful solution development.
To find out more, visit: https://www.innovatebc.ca/programs/integrated-marketplace
This feature appeared in environment coastal & offshore (eco) magazine’s 2025 spring edition The Blue Economy, to read more access the magazine here.
