FISHTANK

Australia’s Ocean Innovation Challenge for youth aged 12-25

Got an idea to save the ocean? Now's the time to pitch it.

FishTank invites students aged 12-25 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 thinking caps on. Express your interest today.

EcoMind Certificate for all finalists!_edited.jpg

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
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Why Teachers Love FishTank

Curriculum-aligned for Years 7–12
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

DOWNLOAD YRS 7-9

DOWNLOAD YRS 10-12

PREVIOUS FINALISTS!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Teacher Survey Results 2025

'Between 60% and 100% of participants who will change their behaviour positively towards the protection of our waterways and ocean.'