Mark Andrew Kozlowski grew up near the sea. Living in Nova Scotia, Canada, he was surrounded by the ocean and the people who depended on it.
“I didn’t just see the ocean,” Mark says. “I lived with it. The tides, the storms, the boats—they were part of everyday life.”
That early connection shaped his future. Mark would go on to study offshore engineering and environmental science. But he didn’t stop at understanding the ocean. He wanted to protect it.
From Engineer to Ocean Advocate
After school, Mark worked as an offshore engineer. He helped build deep-sea systems for energy and infrastructure. It was exciting work, but he started to see things that bothered him.
“I was working on projects labeled ‘green’ or ‘sustainable,’” he says. “But when I looked closer, the impact on marine life was still there. It didn’t feel honest.”
That’s when Mark had a turning point. He realized real sustainability needed more than labels. It needed action—and better tools. So, he decided to build them himself.
He started Blue Horizon Technologies. The goal? To create smart tools for ocean industries that protect the sea while helping businesses run better.
Smart Tech Meets the Sea
Mark believes in the power of data. That’s why his company uses artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor the ocean.
“We can’t protect what we don’t understand,” Mark says. “AI helps us see patterns, predict changes, and act faster.”
His team builds AI-powered systems that track fish populations, water quality, and offshore energy activity. These tools help fishing crews avoid overfishing. They help wind farms adjust operations to protect marine life.
It’s all about balance.
“The ocean is powerful but fragile,” he says. “We need to treat it with respect while still solving real-world problems.”
Business and the Environment
Mark knows that some people see business and the environment as opposites. But he disagrees.
“That’s the biggest myth,” he says. “Protecting the ocean isn’t a cost. It’s an investment. A healthy ocean means stable jobs, better resources, and fewer crises.”
Mark spends a lot of time talking to companies and policymakers. He uses real data to show how sustainability can lead to long-term success.
For example, if fish populations stay healthy, seafood companies can plan years ahead. If offshore wind farms use eco-friendly designs, they avoid legal problems and public backlash.
“It’s not about being perfect,” Mark says. “It’s about making better choices every day.”
The Power of Patience
Mark’s journey hasn’t been easy. Some people didn’t take his ideas seriously. Others thought his goals were too idealistic.
“At first, it was a lot of ‘no,’” he says. “But you learn to keep going. The ocean teaches you that. Waves take time to shape the shore.”
He’s had failed prototypes. Delayed projects. Slow funding. But each step forward mattered.
“I always tell young entrepreneurs—don’t wait for the perfect time. Start now. Learn as you go. Stay humble.”
Teaching the Next Generation
Beyond tech and business, Mark cares deeply about education. He works with schools and local groups to teach young people about the ocean.
“Kids today are smart and curious,” he says. “They just need tools and a chance to get involved.”
He speaks at events, mentors students, and even helps shape ocean-related education programs. He believes that building a sustainable future means involving the next generation now.
“The ocean isn’t just for scientists or sailors,” he says. “It’s for everyone.”
What’s Next
Right now, Mark is expanding Blue Horizon’s reach. His team is working on smarter ocean monitoring systems that use satellite and drone data. They’re also developing clean tidal energy solutions with less impact on marine life.
At the same time, Mark is focused on making ocean literacy part of public education. He believes every student should learn how the ocean affects weather, food, and life on Earth.
“The more we understand the ocean, the more we’ll protect it,” he says.
Final Thoughts
Mark Andrew Kozlowski isn’t trying to save the ocean alone. He’s building the tools, ideas, and partnerships that will help others do it too.
He doesn’t call himself an activist or a CEO. Just someone who saw a problem and decided to try something new.
“I just want to leave things better than I found them,” he says. “The ocean has given us so much. It’s time we give something back.”
Read more:
Mark Andrew Kozlowski: Building a Better Future with Ocean Technology
