WC146 JanFeb 2026 - Magazine - Page 8
WATER STORY
Protecting Oceans
Through Youth-Led
Innovation
How Artash Nath is helping protect marine
species through AI, machine learning and
underwater acoustic data
BY OLEKSANDRA “SASHA” SHELUDKO
OR MANY YOUNG CANADIANS, the ocean is
more than just water and coastline. It is a living force
that sustains rich marine life and biodiversity, while
also shaping our climate, fueling our economy and
linking us to the wider world.
F
With the world’s longest coastline stretching over
243,000 kilometres, Canada carries both a privilege and a
responsibility to protect the oceans that surround us and
the life they sustain. Eureka Fellow Artash Nath is taking
up that challenge. The 19-year-old from Toronto is leading
research and driving change through You-Oceans.com, a
non-profit organization he founded that harnesses artificial
intelligence, machine learning and underwater acoustic data
from around the globe to protect marine species.
Sasha Sheludko is a coordinator with
National Public Relations in Toronto.
In recognition of his sustainability leadership, Nath has
been named one of 10 recipients of the 2025–26 Eureka Fellowship for Youth Changemakers in Canada, a joint initiative
from AstraZeneca Canada and Plan International Canada that
supports young leaders who are building a healthier, more
equitable world.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, quieter cities and the
resurgence of wildlife led Nath to wonder if similar patterns
were unfolding beneath the waves. “If birds in Toronto could
sing earlier when the streets were quiet, I wondered what would
happen to whales and dolphins when shipping slowed,” he said.
Nath’s research journey began by analyzing seismic vibrations from earthquake stations to track how human activity
declined during lockdowns. The data showed a 20 to 40 per
cent drop in urban vibrations, mirroring the surge in wildlife
sightings across Canada and beyond. This sparked the idea to
track ocean activity, and one of his first discoveries was a global
4.5-decibel reduction in ocean noise pollution. That breakthrough inspired the launch of You-Oceans.com.
“With You-Oceans.com, I wanted to bring all my skills in
coding, machine learning and data analysis together to create
a real-time monitoring portal. By detecting the sounds of
whales, dolphins and ships, we can better understand migration patterns and provide the kind of insights that bridge
science and policy,” said Nath.
Through the Eureka Fellowship, over the next 18 months
Nath will look to expand his impact and reach more Canadians. The Fellowship will provide him with the opportunity
to deepen his leadership skills, connect with a network of
changemakers and professionals, and receive funding for his
project. With support and mentorship from the Fellowship,
Artash plans to deploy underwater microphone tests in British
Columbia and develop a bilingual course that will be free and
accessible to youth and schools across Canada. The course will
show how technology such as drones and AI can be used to
preserve marine species and protect the oceans.
Nath also sees businesses and organizations as critical partners in driving environmental change. He believes their support can empower youth by providing real platforms such as
conferences and policy roundtables, investing in infrastructure
through student grants and youth-led projects, and fostering
long-term partnerships and mentorships that help guide ideas
from start to finish.
Alongside the other nine Eureka Fellows, Nath is excited to
continue advancing his initiative to make a positive sustainability impact.
“If we invest in young people today, they’ll have the skills and
opportunities to build a better future for tomorrow,” he said.
To learn more about the Eureka Fellowship and the 2025–26 Eureka Fellows, visit
https://www.astrazeneca.ca/en/sustainability/eureka-fellowship.html.
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WATER C AN ADA • JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2026
WAT E R C A N A D A . N E T
