Aquademia: The Seafood Podcast

By Justin Grant, Maddie CassidyScience Health & Fitness Nutrition Arts Food Nature

Aquademia: The Seafood Podcast episodes

September 17Managing the World’s Tuna: Harvest Strategies, RFMOs and a Race to 2028
Episode Summary
Tuna is far more than a familiar item on supermarket shelves or a staple of sushi menus. More than five million metric tons of tuna are caught each year, supporting a global supply chain valued at more than $40 billion and providing food and economic security for millions of people. The fishery is particularly important to small island nations, where tuna-related income can account for a significant share of domestic revenues. But getting tuna from ocean to consumer involves an intricate global network of fishing fleets, processing facilities, exporters, importers and markets. Different tuna species also serve distinct markets, from canned skipjack and albacore to high-value bluefin destined for fresh and premium markets.
Because tunas migrate across national boundaries and entire ocean regions, managing them sustainably requires countries to coordinate through regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs). The conversation examines how these organizations make decisions, why consensus can be difficult, and how harvest strategies are changing the approach to fisheries management. The recovery of southern bluefin tuna demonstrates the potential of a long-term, pre-agreed management framework: after the stock had been severely depleted, its biomass quadrupled by 2020, ultimately contributing to its removal from the critically endangered list and the fishery achieving MSC certification. With all tuna RFMOs committed to implementing harvest strategies but only 10 of 23 commercially harvested tuna stocks having adopted them, initiatives such as All Tunas 2028 are focused on accelerating progress while encouraging seafood companies, governments, scientists and other stakeholders to become more engaged in fisheries decision-making.
Featured Guests
Katy Hladki — Senior Officer, International Fisheries Team — The Pew Charitable Trusts
Key Topics Covered
The global economic, social and nutritional importance of tuna fisheries

The complex journey of tuna from fishing vessels to processing facilities and consumer markets

Major commercially harvested tuna species, including skipjack, albacore, yellowfin, bigeye and bluefin

How regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs) coordinate tuna management across international waters

The challenges of reaching consensus among countries and stakeholders with different interests

Harvest strategies as a science-based, pre-agreed framework for long-term fisheries management

The recovery of southern bluefin tuna and what its management history demonstrates

Why only 10 of 23 commercially harvested tuna stocks currently have established harvest strategies

The role of seafood companies, retailers, wholesalers and distributors in tuna fisheries advocacy

The All Tunas 2028 initiative and its goal of advancing harvest strategies across tuna fisheries

The importance of transparent fisheries data, independent vessel monitoring and stronger compliance

The potential impacts of climate and environmental change on fisheries management
Key Takeaways
Tuna is a globally significant resource. More than five million metric tons are harvested annually, supporting a supply chain worth more than $40 billion and contributing to food and economic security around the world.

International cooperation is essential. Because tuna are highly migratory and can be harvested by vessels from many different countries, effective management requires coordination through RFMOs.

Harvest strategies can provide greater predictability. By establishing management rules and objectives in advance, harvest strategies can reduce uncertainty and help balance long-term sustainability with economic needs.

Southern bluefin tuna demonstrates what effective management can accomplish. After severe depletion, the stock's biomass quadrupled by 2020 under a harvest strategy, and the species was subsequently removed from the critically endangered list.

Progress is happening, but adoption remains incomplete. All tuna RFMOs have committed to implementing harvest strategies, yet only 10 of 23 commercially harvested tuna stocks had adopted them at the time of the conversation.

Seafood businesses have a role beyond purchasing seafood. Retailers, wholesalers, distributors and other companies can engage directly in fisheries policy discussions and advocate for management decisions that protect long-term supply.

Better data and monitoring are critical. Transparent fisheries information, independent vessel monitoring and strong compliance systems can improve both management decisions and confidence in their implementation.

The future of tuna depends on broad engagement. Governments, fisheries managers, fishers, scientists, seafood companies and consumers all have a role in supporting healthy tuna populations and resilient seafood systems.
Links and Resources Mentioned
The Pew Charitable Trusts — Research and advocacy related to international fisheries, tuna management and regional fisheries management organizations.

All Tunas 2028 — Initiative focused on advancing harvest strategies across commercially harvested tuna fisheries.

Harvest Strategies — Educational resources about modern fisheries management and harvest strategies.

[Course] UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) — A free course on harvest strategies
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.
32 min
August 20Changing the Conversation Around Farmed Seafood with James Sibley
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: [email protected]
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.
57 min
July 30Inside the 2026 Responsible Seafood Summit: What to Expect in Bangkok, Thailand
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.
33 min
July 09From Fish Waste to Fish Leather: Rethinking Seafood Utilization
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 [email protected]!
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.
39 min
June 25Shellfish Beyond Seafood: How Bivalve Aquaculture Supports Cleaner Waters
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.
47 min
May 21Saving the Queen: How Mobile Hatcheries Are Reviving Caribbean Conch
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 [email protected]!
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.
51 min
April 23From Kelp to Classroom: Building a Student-Led Aquaculture Business
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 [email protected]!

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.
56 min
March 12 Career Pathway: Building a Global Career in Aquaculture with Jorge Torres of Veramaris
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 [email protected]!
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.
49 min
February 19 Training The Next Generation of Aquaculture Professionals with Azure Cygler
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 [email protected]!
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.
46 min
February 02 How to Eat More Seafood This Year (Without Overthinking It)
Check out our website!: https://www.globalseafood.org/podcast
Follow us on social media!
Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram
Share your sustainability tips with us [email protected]!
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.
18 min

About Aquademia: The Seafood Podcast

From the publisher's feed

Hosted by Global Seafood Alliance’s Justin Grant and Maddie Cassidy, Aquademia is your go-to podcast for a fresh take on all things seafood. The podcast aims to educate consumers and industry…