Ocean Sustainability Innovation Resilience
For nearly a decade, I have worked at the intersection of science, policy, and innovation. I bring leadership experience from both the non-profit and private sectors, where I have led applied, multi-disciplinary programs on global plastic pollution and contributed to initiatives that shape industry practice and government strategy.
Recent work includes authoring a federally supported study on microfibre pollution in the textile sector to inform Canada’s plastics strategy, building partnerships with industry, government, academia and NGOs, and establishing a dedicated microplastics service laboratory and capabilities that now support a Canadian federal monitoring program.
Today, through my consultancy, Ocean Positive Solutions, I support ventures, governments, and NGOs with independent research, strategic advisory, and program support. My goal is to help organizations make informed decisions, build effective tools and frameworks, and bring forward solutions that contribute to a more sustainable, ocean-positive future.
I also serve on the National Research Council of Canada’s Ocean Program Advisory Committee and hold a PhD in oceanography with field experience in the Northeast Pacific.
If you’d like to connect, you can find me on LinkedIn or reach out directly at anna@oceanpositive.ca
About
My work focuses on advancing ocean sustainability, with emphasis on tackling pollution through innovative technologies, programs, and strategic tools.
Recent Publications & Projects
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Canada Microfibre Pollution Framework
Co-author & Chief Scientist @ Ocean Diagnostics
Collaborative project of Ocean Diagnostics Inc and Raincoast Conservation Foundation, with support from Environment and Climate Change Canada. These reports assess the current state of science and efforts on microfibre pollution, providing a blueprint for national multi-stakeholder action.
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US Congressional Report on Microfibres
Contributing Author and member of the Expert Advisory Committee.
Developed by US NOAA and EPA on behalf of the Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee, with support from the consulting firm Materevolve. This report provides Congress with an overview of microfiber pollution and outlines a federal action plan to address the issue.
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CBC documentary "Creatures of Convenience"
Role: Scientific Advisor and Expert Contributor
This CBC documentary, directed by Stuart Gilles, is a solutions-focused film that explores the challenges our convenience culture is placing on our environment, and highlights actions anyone can take to reduce everyday waste.
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Polyester Microfibres in the Arctic, Nature Communications
Co-author
This study documents widespread microplastics, mainly polyester fibres, across the Arctic Ocean — including the North Pole — revealing the global reach of textile pollution.
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Canadians — and our oceans — need robust protection from plastic pollution
Ottawa Citizen Opinion, April 11, 2024
Authors: Peter Ross & Anna Posacka
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Global plastics treaty failed: how Canada can still protect its environment through a national microfibre strategy
The Hill Times, Opinion, Dec 9, 2024,
Authors: Peter Ross, Anna Posacka & Ethan Edson
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Report: "Me, my clothes and the ocean"
Co-author, Research Manager @ Ocean Wise
In collaboration with MEC, Patagonia, REI, Arc’teryx, Metro Vancouver and Environment and Climate Change Canada, this project examined opportunities in textile design and laundry filtration to reduce microplastic pollution.
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Microfibre Innovation Challenge
Expert reviewer
An international competition led by Conservation X Labs that awarded funding to pioneering technologies and approaches aimed at reducing microfiber pollution from textiles.