ABOUT US
WHAT WE DO
At Mermaid Energy, we’re turning a regional crisis into a sustainable opportunity. Our mission is to deliver a scalable solution to the sargassum invasion impacting the Caribbean.
While sargassum plays a vital ecological role offshore, it becomes harmful when it floods coastlines — disrupting marine ecosystems, damaging tourism, threatening public health, and releasing greenhouse gases as it decomposes.
OUR EXPERTISE
With over two decades of experience across oceanography, environmental science, ecology, public health, tourism, finance and renewable energy development, our team brings the knowledge and perspective needed to tackle the sargassum crisis head-on.
We combine scientific insight with practical, region-specific solutions — acting quickly and effectively to protect Caribbean coastlines.
OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
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Dr. Kristi Shaw
Founder & CEO, Marine Scientist, Biofuels & Public Health Expert
Kristi is a biological oceanographer and public health expert with over a decade of entrepreneurial experience in renewable energy and environmental innovation. She holds a Ph.D. in Biological Oceanography, a Master's in Public Health, and has spent her entire career at the intersection of ocean science, human health, and sustainable development.To further the regulatory initiatives for the responsible harvest of Sargassum, Kristi has joined Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (WHOI) as a Visiting Scholar in the Marine Policy Center for the 2026-2027 academic year.
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Dr. Rasmus Jensen
Co-Founder — Commercialization & Strategy
Rasmus is a biotechnology leader and innovation strategist with 15 years of experience advancing sustainable, climate-positive technologies through research and development. Throughout his career, he has led high-performing, cross-functional teams, and managed multi-million-dollar R&D portfolios, translating complex biotechnology breakthroughs into practical, commercially viable solutions that deliver both environmental and business impact. -
Rohit Kalvakaalva, MS
Bioprocess Advisor
Rohit is a leader in modeling and assessment of emerging sustainable technologies with 8 years of experience in process modeling, life cycle assessment, and techno-economic analysis. He has applied these tools across multiple sectors including circular agriculture systems, waste management, CCUS, and waste-to-energy systems amongst others in an effort to balance system economics and environmental impacts, and inform optimal scale-up strategies. Rohit holds a M.S. and is completing a Ph.D. in Biosystems Engineering. -
Fabien Lanteri-Massa, BCL/LLB
Special Advisor, Legal
Fabien is a lawyer specializing in banking and project finance at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, with extensive experience in complex financing transactions across Canada, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. His expertise spans renewable energy, infrastructure and public-private partnerships, together with significant experience in international development.
Passionate about environmental protection and ocean conservation, Fabien increasingly focuses his time and expertise on innovative financing solutions for the regenerative blue economy. He works to develop blended finance structures and other mechanisms capable of mobilizing private and public capital toward ocean-focused projects, with a particular interest in helping bridge the financing gap for SDG 14 and the protection and regeneration of marine ecosystems.
Beyond his professional practice, Fabien is actively engaged in strengthening Canada’s ocean conservation and blue economy ecosystem. He also works to build bridges between Europe and Canada, fostering partnerships and opportunities for emerging companies and innovative ventures developing solutions for a more sustainable and regenerative ocean economy.
OUR COMMITMENT TO THE REGION
Mermaid Energy is built on care for people, place, and planet. We work hand in hand with Caribbean communities, governments, scientists, and businesses to create solutions that are effective, inclusive, and equitable.
We prioritize local hiring, honor cultural and ecological heritage, and reinvest in the ecosystems and economies that make the Caribbean so extraordinary.
Our work isn't just about clean energy- it's about collective resilience, regional self-reliance, and the belief that the tides can be turned.