Fish n' Bits - The Aquaculture Data Intelligence Podcast

What’s driving the ups and downs in the salmon industry this quarter? This week we dive into the Q3 2024 earnings reports from salmon companies across six countries, uncovering the biological challenges, strategic shifts, and market dynamics shaping the sector. From Norway's battle with record-breaking sea lice outbreaks to Scotland’s impressive profitability turnaround, and insights into global p...

What if the key to solving aquaculture's biggest challenges lay hidden in a strand of DNA? This week’s episode discusses deep into the science and controversy surrounding gene editing, exploring how tools like CRISPR are transforming the possibilities for seafood and agriculture. From the basics of genomics and the pivotal discoveries behind CRISPR technology to the stark regulatory differences be...

What’s the next frontier for AI, and how might it transform seafood and aquaculture? This week’s episode we discuss the emerging shift from model-centric to data-centric AI, unpacking why the industry’s future depends on improving data quality over simply refining algorithms. You’ll hear how OpenAI’s recent developments signal a broader pivot in the tech world, what data-centric AI really means, a...

Where in the world is aquaculture set for the next big growth spurt? While many countries face regulatory barriers, Turkey has managed to consistently scale its industry, positioning itself as a key player in European aquaculture. This week, we look into Turkey's rise in the aquaculture world, exploring their impressive growth in sea bass, sea bream, and even Turkish Salmon. Despite the challenges...

What does the future hold for Scottish salmon farming, and what recent events could shape its course? This week, we explore the controversy surrounding a viral video that has sparked national debate and led to a deeper examination of fish welfare in Scotland. With industry experts and government officials weighing in on salmon farming practices and the challenges they face, we’ll break down the ke...

What does it take to move from fascination to practical use with AI in aquaculture? In this week’s episode, Tony Chen dives deep into how the conversation around AI has evolved in the seafood industry, shifting from wide-eyed amazement to actionable implementation. Tony breaks down the four key methods enterprises are using to integrate AI with their own data—prompt engineering, RAG databases, fin...

How bad is the current sea lice outbreak in Northern Norway, and could it have been prevented? In this week’s episode, we dive into unprecedented sea lice levels caused by extreme sea temperatures, impacting multiple regions. We’ll analyze data showing how far the situation has escalated compared to previous years, explore industry responses, and discuss potential long-term implications. Plus, we’...

This week, we’re excited to welcome Dag Sletmo, Senior Vice President of DNB’s seafood division. Dag offers his unique perspective on the evolving relationship between industry, government, and academia in shaping aquaculture’s future. We explore key challenges, including the rising focus on animal welfare, shifts in public perception, and how digital innovation could transform fish farming. With...

How is the global salmon farming industry faring in 2024? This week we dive into Q2 reports from seven major publicly traded salmon companies across six countries. You'll hear about Scotland's remarkable turnaround, the continued rise of Salmon Evolution's innovative approach, and the challenges facing Grieg as they struggle to maintain profitability. We'll also discuss the ongoing...

What does Canada’s recent decision to phase out open-net pen salmon farming in British Columbia mean for the future of salmon farming in the region? In this episode, we break down the data and implications behind this pivotal move, exploring the challenges and opportunities of transitioning to land-based farms. You’ll hear insights from industry leaders and examine the economic and operational rea...

Have you ever wondered if there’s a future beyond antibiotics in aquaculture? In this week’s episode, we dive deep into the promising world of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs)—small, naturally occurring proteins that could revolutionize disease management in fish farming. We explore how AMPs work, their potential to replace antibiotics, and the groundbreaking research bringing them closer to commerci...

How do different countries' sea lice regulations impact the global salmon farming industry? In this week's episode, we dive deep into the often-overlooked regulatory frameworks that shape sea lice treatment strategies across major salmon-producing nations. From Norway’s strict 0.5 lice per fish limit to Chile’s more lenient threshold of 3, we explore the striking disparities in how each re...

How are salmon harvest forecasts being revised amidst new challenges and glimmers of hope? This week we break down Rabobank’s latest update on their annual salmon forecast, addressing the biological hurdles in Norway and Chile. We’ll also discuss the promising new data from Norwegian researchers showing a potential turnaround in the battle against sea lice, offering a rare optimistic outlook for t...

Special Crossover Episode! To kick off our summer series of episodes we're starting off with an interview Tony did with the National Fisheries Institute's podcast SoFISHticated , a leading podcast on actional seafood industry information. In this episode, Tony gets asked about the current state of AI in aquaculture, the technology trends and applications, and what Manolin is doing within t...

Why is AI suddenly everywhere and what’s it really doing? In this week's episode, we break down the evolving conversation around artificial intelligence, from its foundational breakthroughs to its current and future applications in the seafood sector. We'll explore the origins of AI models, how Nvidia's technological advancements are driving AI capabilities, and the practical implicati...

What role does aquaculture play in the economic development of First Nations communities? This week we had the pleasure of interviewing Isaiah Robinson , the Deputy Chief Counselor of the Kitasoo Xai'xais Nation. Isaiah shares his personal journey, the unique challenges of managing economic development in a remote community, and the critical role of aquaculture in creating jobs and fostering e...

What led to the fall of Red Lobster, once synonymous with seafood dining in North America? This week’s episode we explore the storied history of Red Lobster, from its founding by Bill Darden to its peak with over 700 locations. We’ll explore the business decisions, such as private equity sales and promotional missteps, that contributed to its decline. While our episodes typically focus on seafood...

Curious about the latest trends and insights in the global salmon industry? This week we dive back into the most recent quarterly earnings (Q1 of 2024) reports of seven major publicly traded salmon companies across six countries and three farming types. We'll dissect the EBIT/kg figures, discuss the industry's challenges, and highlight unique developments from companies like Salmon Evoluti...

Have you ever imagined a future where worrying about salmon escapes becomes a thing of the past? This week as we take a deep dive into the world of triploid salmon. From their sterile nature to the potential benefits for sustainability and commercial success, triploids are an intriguing topic for the salmon farming industry. In this episode, we explore the historical context, recent research findi...

Is the story of salmon mortality as black-and-white as the media suggests? This week we look into the nuanced realities of rising mortality rates in salmon farming. We'll review the findings from a recent Nature's Scientific Report, assess the complex interplay of environmental challenges, disease management, and regulatory impacts, and discuss why significant achievements like the reducti...

How do fluctuating fish grades and stringent regulations shake up the global seafood market? This week, Tony Chen looks into the ripple effects of fish health challenges on the seafood industry, particularly examining the surge in lower-grade salmon production in Norway. As colder waters and health issues like winter ulcers surge, a record high of "production" grade salmon—deemed unfit f...

How will the recent reopening of the Peruvian anchovy fishery impact global aquaculture and the burgeoning alternative ingredients sector? This week we’re discussing the crucial developments in the fish feed industry, particularly focusing on fish oil and fish meal. With the anchovy fishery resuming and a quota set at 2.4 million metric tons—more than double last year’s—there's potential relie...

How do you transform a passion for skateboarding into leading one of the most innovative and sustainable companies in the fisheries and biotech industry? In this enlightening episode of Fish and Bits, we chat with Matts Johansen, CEO of Aker BioMarine , to explore his extraordinary journey from a high school dropout to the helm of a pioneering company. Discover how balancing risks has propelled bo...

Norway’s newest traffic light designations are out and it’s controversial at best among farmers. We’re kicking off our new season by looking into this critical regulatory framework. A month after the latest updates to the system were announced, we explore the intricate details behind the decision, the data shaping these changes, and the industry's reaction. Join us as we navigate the complexit...

The Q4 2023 quarterly results have arrived, and this week, we're highlighting these outcomes, featuring notable advancements from several companies alongside the debut of financial reports from two emerging operations, SalMar Aker Ocean and Salmon Evolution. Join us in examining the financial outcomes of publicly traded farming companies and their strategies for addressing their current challe...