Before the Tipping Point AI & Sustainability

Welcome to The Business of Aquaculture Podcast , where we dive deep into innovation, sustainability, and strategy in the blue economy. This episode features James Yip KW , General Manager at AR Biotech Pte Ltd and Director at DaFang AI — two companies at the intersection of aquaculture and automation. James has led the development of two Vibrio detection devices for inland shrimp ponds within just...

In this episode of The Business of Aquaculture , we dive into the ABCs of Artificial Intelligence— Artificial Intelligence, Business, and Connections —with the dynamic Jennifer Hufnagel , AI Enthusiast and Trainer. From our first encounter at Innovation Island in British Columbia to recently sharing the stage at WeDo Canada’s Women in Tech event, Jennifer has continuously inspired with her insight...

When the first recording didn’t go as planned, we didn’t miss a beat—we swam with the current and came back stronger. 🌊✨ In this episode, we’re turning technical hiccups into deeper dives and more insights. Join us as we sit down with Federico Marques , CEO of Moonflower Farms , Houston’s trailblazing vertical hydroponic operation. With a mission to provide hyper-local, sustainable smart farm so...

In this powerful conversation, Lourdes Gant—Managing Director of Manatee Holdings Ltd. and sustainability strategist—introduces her groundbreaking new book The Sustainability Code: AI for Sustainable Farming . This interview goes beyond the pages of the book to explore why she wrote it and what it means for the future of agriculture and aquaculture. Lourdes brings listeners back to the basics of s...

In this episode of The Business of Aquaculture podcast, we dive deep into the currents of global seafood investment with none other than Philipp Hammerli, Chief Investment Officer at Bonafide Ltd. With his unmatched expertise in financial analysis and fund custodianship—especially in the fish and seafood sector—Philipp offers a rare insider's look at how asset management is shaping the future...

In this compelling conversation, AquaAI’s CEO Liane Thompson interviews Lourdes Gant, Managing Director of Manatee Holdings Ltd., diving into the dynamic journey of running a family-owned aquaculture firm. Lourdes shares candid insights on the triumphs and trials of managing generational legacy, the gritty reality behind fundraising efforts—from investor wins to cautionary tales—and the evolving l...

In this episode of The Business of Aquaculture , we’re honoured to welcome Emily Power , Founder of Ocean-made.com and one of the bold voices reshaping the blue economy. Emily is more than an entrepreneur—she’s a board member, ocean conservationist, collaborator, hobby painter, seaweed-lover, and self-proclaimed pickle enthusiast 🌿🫙. Her work bridges creativity and sustainability, all with a mis...

In this episode of The Business of Aquaculture , we’re diving into the intersection of education assets , strategic partnerships , and the innovations shaping the future of sustainable food systems. 🌊🌍 We’re joined by Nathan Davidson , Conference Producer of the Blue Food Innovation Summit by Rethink Events —a leading force connecting global stakeholders across the sustainable seafood and aquacu...

What does it take to create real impact in the blue economy? This week on The Business of Aquaculture , I’m joined by Aacini Huerta , a powerful force in sustainable seafood branding and strategic growth. With over 15 years of experience across aquaculture, fisheries, and international business, Aacini doesn’t just build brands—he positions them for transformation . He’s helped clients double perf...

What if the future of sustainable aquaculture hinges on animal welfare ? 🧐 Many believe welfare comes at the expense of productivity, but FAI Farms CEO Oistein Thorsen is here to challenge that mindset. In this episode, we cut through the noise and dive into how a bottom-up, farmer-centric approach can boost sustainability, improve productivity, and drive long-term industry success . Oistein shar...

In this episode of The Business of Aquaculture podcast, we welcome back Bonnie Waycott, an expert in aquaculture development and fisheries management, with a special focus on Japan. We explore the latest developments in regenerative aquaculture , discuss sustainable practices from around the world, and highlight cutting-edge technologies shaping the industry. Bonnie shares insights on how industry...

In this episode of The Business of Aquaculture podcast, we dive into the ethics of seafood with Wasseem Emam, a passionate advocate for aquatic welfare and a leader in sustainable fisheries and aquaculture research. We explore the founding of Ethical Seafood Research (ESR), the most pressing ethical challenges in the seafood industry, and innovative solutions that are making a real impact. Plus, W...

In this episode of The Business of Aquaculture podcast, we dive deep into the world of sustainable seafood with Aaron Huang, CEO of OoNee . OoNee is pioneering new ways to harvest, ranch, and process sea urchins in Oregon, tackling climate change impacts while scaling a niche seafood market. Aaron shares how his team of divers, researchers, and technologists is reshaping seafood systems by blendin...

In this episode of The Business of Aquaculture podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome Chris Ninnes, CEO of the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC). We dive deep into the role of certifications in sustainable seafood, tackling the tough questions—do they truly drive environmental impact or just serve as a marketing tool? Are they accessible to small-scale producers, or do they create unintended barrier...

In Episode 9 of Season 11 of The Business of Aquaculture , we welcome back Cyr Couturier, a leading Marine Biologist and Aquaculture Scientist from the Marine Institute of Memorial University. Join us as we dive into the transformative role of artificial intelligence in aquaculture, exploring innovations like eDNA monitoring, autonomous farm operations, and solutions to challenges such as data own...

Dive into an ocean of innovation with Liane Thompson, CEO and Founder of AquaAI, as we explore the fascinating world of "Fish-as-a-Service." Discover how AquaAI’s groundbreaking biomimetic platform—equipped with cameras and plug-and-play sensors—revolutionizes data acquisition in aquatic environments. Learn about the inspiration behind transforming costly equipment into an accessible Saa...

In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Dave Walker, former U.S. Comptroller General and author of America in 2040: Still a Superpower . Together, we explore America and North America's potential economic trajectory through 2040, examining how fiscal trends could influence global trade relationships and drive innovation in sustainable industries such as ocean farming and AI. Dave...

In this episode of The Business of Aquaculture podcast, we are thrilled to welcome back Tim Kennedy, President and CEO of the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance. As a returning guest, Tim brings a wealth of knowledge about Canada’s evolving role as a global leader in sustainable aquaculture. Join us as we dive into the highlights of the latest Sustainability Report and explore how the industry...

In this episode of The Business of Aquaculture podcast, we're thrilled to welcome Alan Cook, a seasoned seafood executive and global aquaculture expert. Together, we dive into the dynamic world of international aquaculture, exploring how bridging cultures and fostering leadership development can create cohesive teams and operations. Alan shares insights from his journey into aquaculture consu...

In Season 11, Episode 4, we are excited to welcome Chuck Toombs , a visionary leader revolutionizing seaweed farming in the United States. As the Founder and CEO of Oregon Seaweed, Chuck has turned a groundbreaking discovery at Oregon State University into the largest land-based seaweed farm in the U.S. , with 30 tanks across two state-of-the-art farms in Bandon and Garibaldi, Oregon. Prepare to b...

In Season 10, Episode 3, we are thrilled to feature Olavur Gregersen, a trailblazing entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in seaweed cultivation and the blue bioeconomy. As the CEO and co-founder of Ocean Rainforest, Olavur leads one of Europe’s largest seaweed cultivation companies, with operations extending to California. Prepare to be inspired as Olavur shares his wealth of knowledge a...

Welcome to another exciting episode of The Business of Aquaculture podcast! In Season 11, Episode 2, we are thrilled to feature Husain Shetranjiwala , a marine biologist, zoologist, and founder of Hide & Sneak —a passion project redefining how we connect with marine conservation. Prepare to be inspired as Husain takes us on a journey into the fascinating world of marine biology, education, and...

Welcome to the highly anticipated first episode of Season 11 of The Business of Aquaculture podcast! We are diving into the captivating world of shrimp farming with none other than Robin Pearl, Chief Shrimper at Sun Shrimp.   Prepare to be fascinated as we explore the unique qualities that make shrimp special and delve into the remarkable story of Sun Shrimp, the largest all-natural, sustainable,...

In our Season 10 finale of The Business of Aquaculture Podcast , we’re breaking new ground with a special episode featuring an interactive, two-way AI-driven conversation using NotebookLM. This unique format allows us to dive deep into the season’s biggest themes, guided by insights from Episode 7 with Erik Hempel of The Nor-Fishing Foundation. Together with AI, we explore complex topics like regu...

In this episode of The Business of Aquaculture , we're thrilled to welcome Thijs Wullems, founder and "Head of the Tribe" at Monkeys by the Sea, a company dedicated to developing plant-based seafood that aligns with the values of ocean conservation and planetary health. Thijs and his team are pioneering a range of products that provide delicious, sustainable alternatives to traditio...