For our Season 13 finale of The Business of Aquaculture, we’re diving into one of the ocean’s most promising allies in the sustainability movement: seaweed—and more importantly, the ecosystem services that make it a powerhouse for regenerative aquaculture.

In this episode, we sit down with Sophie Koch, a scientific researcher at Sjokovin, whose work spans international research consortia and the cutting edge of seaweed cultivation. Sophie specializes in quantifying and valuing ecosystem services, conducting interdisciplinary carrying capacity assessments, and gathering both ecological and socio-economic data. From systematic literature reviews and proposal writing to peer-reviewed publications, she brings a rigorously scientific lens to the conversation—grounded in real-world aquaculture challenges.

Together, we explore:

• How ecosystem services translate into tangible operational and environmental benefits for seaweed aquaculture businesses
• Whether there are downsides or trade-offs operators should be aware of
• What it actually takes to measure these ecosystem services—and the complexities Sophie has faced in the field
• How seaweed practitioners can adapt to shifting environmental and regulatory conditions
• And the key mindset shift needed to build resilient, future-proof aquaculture models

Seaweed isn’t just a crop—it’s a climate solution, a coastal ally, and a blueprint for regenerative blue economies. Join us for a finale that’s equal parts science, strategy, and seaweed-powered optimism.

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In this episode of The Business of Aquaculture, we dive deep into the environmental and socio-economic dimensions of seaweed farming with Dr. Sander van den Burg, Senior Researcher at Wageningen Economic Research (Wageningen University) in the Netherlands.

Sander specializes in assessing the environmental impact of global seaweed value chains, leading studies on life cycle assessments (LCAs) and ecosystem service valorisation in the SeaMark project.

We explore questions shaping the future of blue carbon and ocean-based climate solutions:

• What should people really understand about carbon sequestration in seaweed farming beyond the buzzwords?
• How might Sander’s findings influence the integration of seaweed farms into carbon credit markets and climate policies?
• Is carbon sequestration the main driver for seaweed investment—or just an added benefit?

Tune in for a grounded, science-backed look at how seaweed cultivation can truly contribute to a more sustainable blue economy.

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In this episode of The Business of Aquaculture podcast, we welcome back agrifood and agritech expert Rob Arthurs—exactly three years after his first appearance in Season 4, Episode 16. This time, we dive deep into the future of spirulina and purpose-driven impact.

Rob shares insights on how spirulina brands can craft consumer messaging that resonates with today’s health-conscious audience while staying compliant with regulations. We explore the audience segments most receptive to spirulina—like athletes, wellness influencers, and biohackers—and discuss how storytelling rooted in professionalism, transparency, and sustainability builds lasting trust.

Discover how your spirulina brand can align with a bigger mission: protecting people from toxins and microplastics naturally, supporting detox and wellness, and leading the charge toward a cleaner, healthier planet.

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In this special informational episode, we feature insights from a recent Canadian Centre for Food Integrity (CCFI) webinar led by Dr. Rozita Dara of the University of Guelph and AI4Food. This session unpacks how artificial intelligence is transforming the food and farming landscape — from decision support systems and digital twins to early disease detection, misinformation monitoring, and AI governance.

The episode explores how algorithms are reshaping public trust in food systems, balancing innovation with ethics, and redefining what it means to produce food responsibly in the age of automation.

CCFI webinars are hosted monthly and provide attendees with information on key food system issues. These sessions share best practices, tools, and cutting-edge research that members can use when connecting with Canadians. All webinars are free of charge for CCFI members.

Tune in to discover how AI and data-driven innovation are building a more transparent, sustainable, and trustworthy future for the global food system.

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Meet the not-your-average suit who’s practically grown gills. Nik Sachlikidis—CEO of The Oyster Restoration Company and Managing Director (Aquaculture) at Cadman Capital—builds ventures that regenerate oceans, feed the future, and create real-world value by turning breakthrough science into scalable action. In this kickoff conversation, we chart Nik’s journey into oyster restoration, unpack TORC’s mission-driven playbook, and explore how bivalves are quietly powering big environmental wins.

You’ll hear:

• What sparked Nik’s passion for restoration—and how it’s evolved over 20 years in aquaculture and fisheries
• TORC’s core mission and how it guides daily decisions (from seabed to spreadsheet)
• The toughest challenge so far—and the strategy that turned it around
• How oyster reefs deliver outsized climate and community benefits
• The innovative techniques and tech TORC uses to scale restoration
• Long-term goals for the movement—and what success looks like at ecosystem level
• A success story with measurable impact on a local coast
• How TORC engages communities, policymakers, and partners to accelerate change

Whether Nik’s casting lines on the weekend or casting vision for the industry, this episode is a masterclass in ocean-positive leadership—with practical insights you can apply on Monday. Dive in.

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Welcome to The Business of Aquaculture! This week, we dive beyond the splashy headlines into the quiet revolution happening under the waves with Dr. James Bellingham—world-renowned robotics pioneer, executive director of the Johns Hopkins Institute for Assured Autonomy, and Bloomberg Distinguished Professor of exploration robotics. He’s also the author of How Are Marine Robots Shaping Our Future?

From the Arctic to the Antarctic, Dr. Bellingham has led two dozen AUV (autonomous underwater vehicle) expeditions through crushing pressure, freezing darkness, and some very opinionated currents. In this episode, we explore how marine robots are already transforming aquaculture management, climate data collection, offshore energy scouting, and even shipwreck discovery. We dig into:

• How ocean forces, habitats, and creatures shape our daily lives—and the urgent environmental threats robotics can address.
• Real-world deployments, from wreck recovery to deep-sea resource mapping—and what’s next for industry.
• The ethics and safety playbook: accountability, regulation, and trust as autonomy scales.

If you care about sustainable seafood, resilient supply chains, and smarter decisions at sea, this conversation is your sonar ping. Grab your fins—no human piloting required.

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Sustainable seafood has evolved from a nice-to-have corporate initiative to the driving force behind billion-dollar investment decisions. In this episode of The Business of Aquaculture, we dive deep into the ten transformative trends reshaping the global seafood industry and creating clear winners and losers in the marketplace.

Discover how Atlantic bluefin tuna went from collapse to comeback, why Thai shrimp farmers are embracing blockchain technology, and how Norwegian salmon now comes with QR codes that tell the complete story from fjord to fork. We explore the ABC framework—Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and Community—that's enabling unprecedented transparency and efficiency across the supply chain.

From the massive capital flows of the "Blue Economy" to the consumer revolution demanding traceability, this episode reveals how smart operators are turning sustainability from a cost center into a competitive advantage. Learn why Maine lobster commands premium prices through managed scarcity, how AI is solving the bycatch problem, and why aquaculture is getting a high-tech makeover that's attracting major investment.

Whether you're an aquaculture producer, seafood buyer, investor, or industry leader, this episode provides actionable insights on navigating climate-driven stock migrations, leveraging technology for market access, and positioning your business for the sustainable seafood revolution.

Key Topics:
• Global fishery winners vs. losers and what it means for supply chains
• Technology revolution: blockchain traceability and AI-powered fishing
• Investment boom in the Blue Economy and consumer-driven market demands
• Aquaculture's transformation from "dirty" industry to climate solution
• How smart regulation creates premium markets and stable profits

Perfect for: Aquaculture professionals, seafood industry executives, sustainable food investors, supply chain managers, and anyone interested in the intersection of technology, sustainability, and marine business.

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In this episode of The Business of Aquaculture, host Lourdes Gant sits down with Maddie Voorhees, U.S. Aquaculture Campaign Director at Fisheries & Oceans, Environmental Defense Fund, to dive into the Marine Aquaculture and Resilient Oceans (MARA) Act.

We explore the Act’s environmental and economic objectives, its role in strengthening marine conservation, and the opportunities it creates for coastal community development. Maddie also shares EDF’s perspective on the biggest challenges facing ocean sustainability, and how aquaculture and fisheries can engage with the MARA Act to not only meet compliance but also drive innovation toward more sustainable practices.

Whether you’re in policy, aquaculture, or simply passionate about the future of our oceans, this conversation offers practical insights on how legislation and industry can work hand-in-hand for a resilient blue economy.

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In this episode, we unpack Blue Food Performance’s comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment of geoduck farming, revealing its low carbon footprint and environmental impact compared to other aquaculture systems. Learn how energy use, shell carbon sequestration, and sustainability trade-offs shape the future of this unique shellfish business. We explore actionable insights for aquaculture entrepreneurs aiming to build sustainable, market-leading operations.

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This week on The Business of Aquaculture, we welcome Ethan Weber—an innovator with a diverse background in recirculating aquaculture R&D, multitrophic systems, aquaponics, worker training, and community education. As a podcast host himself, Ethan brings a unique perspective on the industry’s opportunities and challenges.

In this conversation, we dive into:

• What inspired Ethan to pursue aquaculture
• The biggest gripes he sees in the industry
• What education and training really need to evolve
• His vision for the future of aquaculture

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