This episode is sponsored by WildTechDNA: https://wildtechdna.com

Episode Summary

As aquaculture continues to expand its role in global food production, public understanding of farmed seafood often struggles to keep pace. Misconceptions, outdated narratives, and the rapid spread of information across social media have created new challenges for producers, researchers, and seafood organizations seeking to build trust with consumers. Effective communication has become an essential part of responsible seafood production, requiring more than facts alone—it requires stories that connect people with the individuals and communities behind the industry.

James Sibley has built one of the world's largest aquaculture-focused audiences by documenting seafood production firsthand across multiple continents. Drawing from experiences on more than 150 farms, he discusses why authentic storytelling resonates across diverse audiences, how transparency strengthens social license, and why seafood producers have an opportunity to become their own advocates online. The conversation also examines the growing influence of AI-generated content, the importance of consistency in digital communication, and practical ways the seafood industry can better engage consumers through genuine human stories.

Featured Guests

James Sibley
Founder, Content Creator
SibleyAqua

Key Topics Covered

• Building a global career in aquaculture media and digital storytelling
• Why social media now shapes public perception of farmed seafood
• Communicating complex aquaculture topics without technical jargon
• The value of authentic, on-farm storytelling for consumer education
• How misinformation influences social license and industry reputation
• Lessons learned from filming aquaculture operations in 14 countries
• The opportunities and risks of AI-generated content in seafood communications
• Why seafood producers should invest in consistent digital storytelling
• Connecting consumers with the people behind seafood production
• Creating educational content that serves both industry professionals and newcomers

Key Takeaways

• Authentic storytelling creates stronger public trust than polished marketing alone.
• Social media has become one of the seafood industry's most influential communication channels.
• Showing real people and real production practices helps close the knowledge gap around aquaculture.
• Consistency matters more than perfection when building an online audience.
• Transparency and curiosity encourage constructive conversations instead of confrontation.
• Human stories often resonate more deeply than technical explanations.
• Investing in communication is increasingly important for maintaining social license.

Links and Resources Mentioned

Follow James Sibley: 

Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | LinkedIn | TikTok

Follow Global Seafood Alliance:

Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube | Website

Email us: podcast@globalseafood.org

If you want to be more involved in the work that we do, become a member of the Global Seafood Alliance: https://www.globalseafood.org/membership/

The views expressed by external guests on Aquademia are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Aquademia or the Global Seafood Alliance. Listeners are advised to independently verify information and consult experts for any specific advice or decisions.

Episode Summary

The Responsible Seafood Summit returns to Bangkok, Thailand, bringing together seafood professionals from across the global value chain for four days of learning, collaboration, and meaningful industry connections. Hosted by the Global Seafood Alliance, the Summit creates an environment where producers, retailers, suppliers, researchers, NGOs, policymakers, and seafood leaders can exchange ideas, explore emerging challenges, and work toward practical solutions that strengthen the future of responsible seafood.

This year's program highlights major industry priorities including global seafood markets, aquaculture production, fisheries, animal health and welfare, feed innovation, labor practices, and seafood supply chains. With a new program structure that combines broad industry discussions with focused deep-dive sessions, attendees will have opportunities to gain valuable insights, build new partnerships, and help shape the conversations driving seafood sustainability and innovation worldwide.

Episode Sponsor

Thank you to Veramaris for sponsoring this episode of the Aquademia podcast

Their vision is bold: reshaping how the world is nourished with Omega-3.

By pioneering new ways to deliver essential nutrition, Veramaris supports the aquaculture industry in closing the Omega-3 supply gap. Through resilient innovation, they produce high quality EPA and DHA directly from natural marine algae, providing farmers with a secure, reliable supply to raise healthier fish. Earning trust in every drop of algal oil, Veramaris makes sustainable growth possible today, and tomorrow. Learn more at Veramaris.com and give them a follow on LinkedIN.

Featured Guests

Steve Hart
Senior Vice President of Market Development
Global Seafood Alliance

Key Topics Covered

• Why Bangkok was selected to host the 2026 Responsible Seafood Summit
• The importance of returning the Summit to Asia
• The 2026 theme: Connect, Collaborate, Commit
• New program structure featuring plenary sessions and focused deep-dive discussions
• Global seafood market trends and changing consumer preferences
• Aquaculture production, feed innovation, and animal health
• Tuna sustainability, labor practices, and vessel connectivity
• Networking opportunities designed to encourage meaningful industry relationships
• Industry field trips showcasing Thai aquaculture, fisheries, feed production, and culinary experiences
• Executive keynote conversations with leaders from Binhuan, Umios, and Thai Union

Key Takeaways

• The Responsible Seafood Summit emphasizes collaboration that leads to real industry action.
• Returning to Thailand places the event at the center of one of the world's most important seafood regions.
• New programming combines high-level industry perspectives with practical, solution-focused discussions.
• Networking is intentionally built into every aspect of the event through meals, receptions, tours, and the attendee app.
• Field trips provide firsthand experiences across aquaculture, fisheries, seafood production, and Thai culture.
• Industry leaders from across the seafood supply chain will share insights on navigating today's rapidly changing marketplace.
• The Summit offers valuable opportunities for professionals at every stage of their careers to build lasting relationships.

Links and Resources Mentioned

Responsible Seafood Summit (REGISTER)

Seafood Nutrition Partnership - Summer Seafood Challenge

The views expressed by external guests on Aquademia are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Aquademia or the Global Seafood Alliance. Listeners are advised to independently verify information and consult experts for any specific advice or decisions.

Episode Summary

What if the future of seafood sustainability starts with everything we leave behind? Across global seafood systems, fish skins, heads, frames, roe, and other processing leftovers are often treated as low-value material or discarded entirely. Yet growing interest in full utilization is challenging long-held assumptions about seafood waste and creating opportunities that extend well beyond the plate.

Dallas Abel’s work sits at the intersection of fisheries, circular economy thinking, conservation, and product innovation. Drawing from experience as a fisheries observer and later through New Zealand’s Kai Ika initiative, his work explores how overlooked parts of the fish can become valuable resources for communities, education, and entirely new product categories—including fish leather. The conversation highlights how greater utilization can strengthen seafood system resilience, reduce waste, create economic opportunity, and encourage a broader cultural shift toward valuing the whole fish.

Featured Guests

• Dallas Abel — Founder, Ofishal Leather

Key Topics Covered

• Fisheries observation and insights into seafood processing practices
• Seafood waste and opportunities for full fish utilization
• The origins and growth of the Kai Ika community redistribution model
• Cultural perspectives on consuming different parts of the fish
• Fish leather production and the tanning process
• Comparing traditional and vegetable tanning approaches
• Selecting fish species based on leather performance and aesthetics
• Circular economy innovation within seafood systems
• Consumer perceptions of seafood byproducts and waste
• Conservation through value creation and resource efficiency

Key Takeaways

• Significant portions of harvested fish remain underutilized across seafood supply chains.
• Whole fish utilization can create environmental, social, and economic benefits simultaneously.
• Fish skins can become durable premium materials through established leather-making techniques.
• Cultural food traditions offer valuable lessons in reducing seafood waste.
• Innovation in seafood often begins by rethinking existing resources rather than harvesting more.
• Creating more value per fish may help reduce pressure on fisheries over time.
• Education and storytelling play an important role in changing consumer behavior.

Links and Resources Mentioned

Ofishal Leather:

• Instagram: @ofishal_leather
• LinkedIn
• Facebook

Global Seafood Alliance:

Website!: https://www.globalseafood.org/podcast

Follow us on social media!

Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

Share your sustainability tips with us podcast@globalseafood.org!

If you want to be more involved in the work that we do, become a member of the Global Seafood Alliance: https://www.globalseafood.org/membership/

The views expressed by external guests on Aquademia are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Aquademia or the Global Seafood Alliance. Listeners are advised to independently verify information and consult experts for any specific advice or decisions.

Episode Summary

Bivalve aquaculture is increasingly being explored not only as a source of sustainable seafood, but also as part of a broader conversation about ecosystem services and coastal resilience. Emerging research in the United Kingdom is helping quantify how shellfish species such as mussels, oysters and clams remove nutrients from marine environments through natural biological processes, creating opportunities to better understand aquaculture’s role in supporting water quality and environmental management.

At the same time, this work emphasizes the importance of realism and balance. Nutrient removal through shellfish farming is not a replacement for traditional water treatment or a universal solution to eutrophication, but it may become one tool within a larger portfolio of approaches. The discussion explores how science, industry, policymakers and growers can collaborate to better measure environmental outcomes while continuing to strengthen seafood production, ecosystem health and long-term resilience.

Featured Guest

• Konstancja Woźniacka — Policy Advisor (Bivalves), Seafish

Key Topics Covered

• Understanding ecosystem services in seafood production
• How bivalves naturally remove nutrients from coastal waters
• The relationship between eutrophication and marine ecosystem health
• Quantifying environmental benefits in shellfish aquaculture
• Differences in nutrient removal across species and farming methods
• Environmental and economic approaches to valuing nutrient removal
• Lessons from nutrient credit and ecosystem service programs
• Challenges to scaling environmental outcomes in shellfish farming
• The importance of localized research and environmental conditions
• Building public awareness around the broader value of seafood systems

Key Takeaways

• Shellfish aquaculture can provide benefits beyond food production.
• Bivalves improve water quality through natural filter-feeding processes.
• Nutrient removal performance varies by species, location and cultivation method.
• Ecosystem services require careful measurement to avoid oversimplification.
• Environmental value and commercial viability must remain aligned.
• Collaboration across industry, science and policy is essential.
• Incremental solutions can still make meaningful contributions to marine health.

Links and Resources Mentioned

• Seafish Website
• Chesapeake Bay nutrient management and oyster restoration initiatives

Check out our website!: https://www.globalseafood.org/podcast

Follow us on social media!

Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

If you want to be more involved in the work that we do, become a member of the Global Seafood Alliance: https://www.globalseafood.org/membership/

The views expressed by external guests on Aquademia are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Aquademia or the Global Seafood Alliance. Listeners are advised to independently verify information and consult experts for any specific advice or decisions.

Episode Summary

Queen conch have long been a cultural, ecological, and economic cornerstone throughout the Caribbean, but decades of overfishing, habitat degradation, and climate impacts have caused populations to decline dramatically. In this episode, Becky Holt and Dr. Megan Davis of the Florida Atlantic University Queen Conch Lab share how their team is working to reverse that trend through restoration aquaculture, community partnerships, and an innovative network of mobile hatcheries deployed throughout the Caribbean.

The conversation explores how the Queen Conch Lab evolved from a single collaborative project in Puerto Rico into a growing regional initiative with mobile labs operating across multiple Caribbean nations. Becky and Megan discuss everything from the biology of queen conch and their role in maintaining healthy seagrass ecosystems to the logistics of raising larvae, training local communities, and building long-term conservation programs. They also reflect on winning the 2025 Responsible Seafood Summit Innovation Award and their vision of establishing a queen conch farm in every Caribbean country.

Featured Guests

• Dr. Megan Davis - Research Professor and Director, Florida Atlantic University Queen Conch Lab
• Becky Holt - Assistant Director, Florida Atlantic University Queen Conch Lab

Key Topics Covered

• Why queen conch are critical to Caribbean ecosystems and coastal communities
• How conch help maintain healthy seagrass beds and biodiversity
• The development of mobile queen conch hatcheries
• Community-based restoration and local workforce training
• The lifecycle and aquaculture process of queen conch
• “Conch ranching” and nursery release strategies
• Educational outreach through the “Conch in the Classroom” program
• Challenges facing queen conch populations, including climate change and overfishing
• The Queen Conch Lab’s 2025 Responsible Seafood Summit Innovation Award win
• The future potential for commercial queen conch aquaculture

Key Takeaways

• Queen conch play a major ecological role by naturally grazing and cleaning seagrass habitats.
• Successful restoration efforts depend heavily on local partnerships and community involvement.
• Mobile hatcheries allow restoration projects to operate in remote Caribbean regions without major infrastructure needs.
• Queen conch restoration creates both conservation benefits and economic opportunities for local communities.
• Education and hands-on engagement are helping inspire the next generation of ocean stewards throughout the Caribbean.
• The Queen Conch Lab’s long-term vision is to establish restoration-focused conch farming initiatives throughout the Caribbean region.

Links and Resources Mentioned

• Queen Conch Lab 
• Florida Atlantic University Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
• Instagram Queen Conch Lab
• Global Seafood Alliance
• Responsible Seafood Summit

Follow us on social media!

Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

Share your sustainability tips with us podcast@globalseafood.org!

Do you have a seafood innovation? Applications are now open for this years Responsible Seafood Innovation Awards. APPLY NOW

If you want to be more involved in the work that we do, become a member of the Global Seafood Alliance: https://www.globalseafood.org/membership/

The views expressed by external guests on Aquademia are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Aquademia or the Global Seafood Alliance. Listeners are advised to independently verify information and consult experts for any specific advice or decisions.

Episode Summary

In this episode of Aquademia, hosts Justin Grant and Maddie Cassidy explore how aquaculture, entrepreneurship, and education intersect through the SeaMade Kelp Bar project at the University of New England. Guests Jaden Schoppee, student CEO of SeaMade, and Cameron Wake, Director of the Center for North Atlantic Studies, share how a kelp-based nutrition bar evolved into a fully student-led business and hands-on learning experience.

The conversation dives into how students are actively involved in every stage of the process—from harvesting kelp off the coast of Maine to managing production, branding, and regulatory challenges. It’s a real-world example of experiential learning in action, where students are solving complex business, sustainability, and food system challenges while building career-ready skills.

Featured Guests

• Jaden Schoppee — Student Project Manager & CEO, SeaMade Kelp Bar, University of New England 
• Dr. Cameron Wake — Director, Center for North Atlantic Studies, University of New England 
• Hosts: Justin Grant & Maddie Cassidy 

Key Topics Covered

• The origin story of SeaMade Kelp Bars 
• How kelp is harvested and turned into a nutrition bar 
• Student-led business structure and interdisciplinary collaboration 
• Challenges in food labeling, nutrition testing, and ingredient sourcing 
• University support vs. entrepreneurial flexibility 
• Real-world problem solving in experiential education 
• Sustainability and the future of kelp in food systems 
• Maine aquaculture and its connection to the lobster industry 

Key Takeaways

• SeaMade Kelp Bars are both a product and a living classroom, integrating aquaculture, nutrition, marketing, and business education. 
• Students are not just observing—they are actively running production, solving operational challenges, and making strategic business decisions. 
• Small changes in ingredients or suppliers can significantly impact nutrition labeling, cost, and compliance. 
• Kelp offers a highly sustainable, nutrient-rich ingredient with strong potential for future food systems. 
• Real-world uncertainty (weather, infrastructure, regulations) is a constant part of aquaculture and food production. 

Links & Resources Mentioned

University of New England:

• SeaMade Kelp Bar Project: Information
• Seaweed Saturday Event — Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI): https://gmri.org
• SeaMade Kelp Bar Instagram: @SeaMadeKelpBar

Global Seafood Alliance:

• Check out our website!: https://www.globalseafood.org/podcast
• Follow us on social media: Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram
• Share your sustainability tips with us podcast@globalseafood.org!
• If you want to be more involved in the work that we do, become a member of the Global Seafood Alliance: https://www.globalseafood.org/membership/

The views expressed by external guests on Aquademia are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Aquademia or the Global Seafood Alliance. Listeners are advised to independently verify information and consult experts for any specific advice or decisions.

On this episode of the Aquademia Podcast, Justin and Maddie sit down with Jorge Torres, Business Development Director for the Americas at Veramaris.

Jorge shares the story of his career pathway—from growing up in Chile and discovering aquaculture as a young student, to studying aquaculture engineering, gaining international experience, and ultimately working in leadership roles across the global seafood industry.

Along the way, he discusses the importance of hands-on experience, learning new skills like English to work in an international industry, navigating career challenges, and building relationships across the aquaculture value chain.

This episode offers valuable insight for anyone interested in aquaculture careers, workforce development, and the evolving global seafood industry.

Episode Links:

Veramaris Website

Check out our website!: https://www.globalseafood.org/podcast

Follow us on social media!

Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

Share your sustainability tips with us podcast@globalseafood.org!

If you want to be more involved in the work that we do, become a member of the Global Seafood Alliance: https://www.globalseafood.org/membership/

The views expressed by external guests on Aquademia are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Aquademia or the Global Seafood Alliance. Listeners are advised to independently verify information and consult experts for any specific advice or decisions.

Episode Links:

Rhode Island Sea Grant Aquaculture Training Course

Azure Cygler – Rhode Island Sea Grant Staff Profile

Azure Cygler – Coastal Resources Center Profile

Roger Williams University: Shellfish and Aquaculture Program

NOAA Sea Grant Network

Check out our website!: https://www.globalseafood.org/podcast

Follow us on social media!

Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

Share your sustainability tips with us podcast@globalseafood.org!

If you want to be more involved in the work that we do, become a member of the Global Seafood Alliance: https://www.globalseafood.org/membership/
 

The views expressed by external guests on Aquademia are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Aquademia or the Global Seafood Alliance. Listeners are advised to independently verify information and consult experts for any specific advice or decisions.

Check out our website!: https://www.globalseafood.org/podcast

Follow us on social media!

Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

Share your sustainability tips with us podcast@globalseafood.org!

If you want to be more involved in the work that we do, become a member of the Global Seafood Alliance: https://www.globalseafood.org/membership/

Thank you to our episode sponsor: F3 (Future of Fish Feed)

Curious how your company can compete for $200,000 in cash prizes in the F3 Fish Farm Challenge? Visit the F3 – Future of Fish Feed contest website to review the rules and learn how to participate—whether as an individual company or as part of a team.

Learn more at f3challenge.org and take the first step toward feed innovation—and your share of $200,000 in prizes.

The views expressed by external guests on Aquademia are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Aquademia or the Global Seafood Alliance. Listeners are advised to independently verify information and consult experts for any specific advice or decisions.

The Nature Conservancy Website

Follow The Nature Conservancy on Social:

Facebook I X I Threads I LinkedIn

Check out the GSA website!: https://www.globalseafood.org/podcast

Follow us on social media!

Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

Share your sustainability tips with us podcast@globalseafood.org!

If you want to be more involved in the work that we do, become a member of the Global Seafood Alliance: https://www.globalseafood.org/membership/

The views expressed by external guests on Aquademia are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Aquademia or the Global Seafood Alliance. Listeners are advised to independently verify information and consult experts for any specific advice or decisions.

Referenced Episodes:

1) Whole Fish, Whole Future in the Great Lakes with David Naftzger

2) Conservation Through Utilization with Dallas Abel of the Kai Ika Project

3) Regenerative Aquaculture: How Pine Island Redfish is Restoring Coastlines, One Fish at a Time

Check out our website!: https://www.globalseafood.org/podcast

Follow us on social media!

Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

Share your sustainability tips with us podcast@globalseafood.org!

If you want to be more involved in the work that we do, become a member of the Global Seafood Alliance: https://www.globalseafood.org/membership/

The views expressed by external guests on Aquademia are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Aquademia or the Global Seafood Alliance. Listeners are advised to independently verify information and consult experts for any specific advice or decisions.

Order SEA CHANGE:

• Torrey House Press (use code BUDDY to save 20%)
• On Amazon

Evironmental Defense fund: 

• Website
• LinkedIn
• X
• Instagram
• Facebook

Check out our website!: https://www.globalseafood.org/podcast

Follow us on social media!

Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

Share your sustainability tips with us podcast@globalseafood.org!

If you want to be more involved in the work that we do, become a member of the Global Seafood Alliance: https://www.globalseafood.org/membership/

The views expressed by external guests on Aquademia are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Aquademia or the Global Seafood Alliance. Listeners are advised to independently verify information and consult experts for any specific advice or decisions.

Whole Foods Market Website

Whole Foods Market: New Seafood Code of Conduct

Check out our website!: https://www.globalseafood.org/podcast

Follow us on social media!

Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

Share your sustainability tips with us podcast@globalseafood.org!

If you want to be more involved in the work that we do, become a member of the Global Seafood Alliance: https://www.globalseafood.org/membership/

The views expressed by external guests on Aquademia are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Aquademia or the Global Seafood Alliance. Listeners are advised to independently verify information and consult experts for any specific advice or decisions.