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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