E99: Mapping the Ocean Economy with Tim Janssen

This week on Everybody in the Pool, we’re diving into ocean intelligence. Despite covering more than 70% of the Earth, the ocean remains one of the least understood parts of our climate system — and that knowledge gap has huge consequences for weather prediction, global commerce, and climate resilience.

Our guest is Tim Janssen, co-founder and CEO of Sofar Ocean, a company building the world’s largest privately deployed network of ocean sensors. Their inexpensive, solar-powered Spotter buoys collect real-time data on waves, weather, and water conditions — information that fuels better climate models, safer shipping routes, and more sustainable ocean economies.

We talk about:

• The massive “ocean data gap” and why it hinders weather and climate forecasting
• How Sofar’s 2,500+ Spotter buoys are creating the largest private ocean sensor network
• Wayfinder, Sofar’s “Google Maps for ships,” and how it saves fuel and cuts emissions
• Why more ocean intelligence is critical for industries from aquaculture to shipping
• Partnerships with researchers, governments, and nonprofits to democratize ocean data
• The bigger vision: turning ocean information into a foundation for climate solutions

From global trade to Pacific Island communities, ocean intelligence has the potential to save money, reduce emissions, and protect vulnerable coastlines. Janssen explains why data may be the most important climate solution of all.

LINKS:

• Sofar Ocean: https://www.sofarocean.com/
• All episodes: https://www.everybodyinthepool.com/
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