Aquademia: The Seafood Podcast

Епизоди

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  From Fish Waste to Fish Leather: Rethinking Seafood Utilization 09.07.2026 38мин

  Fish utilization is evolving beyond food, creating new opportunities for sustainability, innovation, and value across the seafood sector. Dallas Abel shares how his journey from fisheries observer to founder of Ofishal Leather revealed overlooked potential in fish skins and other underutilized seafood resources, transforming processing byproducts into premium leather products and new economic pathways. The conversation explores circular seafood systems, cultural perspectives on whole fish use, emerging materials innovation, and how maximizing every fish can support conservation and long-term seafood resilience.
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  Shellfish Beyond Seafood: How Bivalve Aquaculture Supports Cleaner Waters 25.06.2026 46мин

  Bivalve aquaculture is often recognized for producing nutritious seafood, but shellfish farming may also contribute to healthier coastal ecosystems through nutrient removal and other ecosystem services. This conversation explores emerging research from the UK examining how mussels, oysters and clams interact with water quality, what nutrient remediation could mean in practice, and why local environmental conditions matter. Listeners will gain a broader understanding of how seafood production, environmental stewardship and future policy discussions may increasingly intersect.
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  Saving the Queen: How Mobile Hatcheries Are Reviving Caribbean Conch 21.05.2026 50мин

  The Aquademia Podcast sits down with Becky Holt and Dr. Megan Davis from the Florida Atlantic University Queen Conch Lab to explore how mobile hatcheries are helping restore queen conch populations across the Caribbean. The conversation dives into the ecological importance of queen conch, the innovative “conch ranching” model, and the community partnerships driving the project forward. From conservation and aquaculture to education and entrepreneurship, this episode highlights a restoration effort that is reshaping the future of an iconic Caribbean species.
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  From Kelp to Classroom: Building a Student-Led Aquaculture Business 23.04.2026 55мин

  In this episode, we explore how aquaculture, entrepreneurship, and education intersect through the SeaMade Kelp Bar project at the University of New England. Host Justin Grant and co-host Maddie Cassidy speak with student CEO Jayden Schoppee and Director Cameron Wake about how a kelp-based nutrition bar became a fully student-led, interdisciplinary business. The conversation highlights real-world problem solving, from seaweed harvesting and production to branding, regulation, and building career-ready experiences for students.
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  Career Pathway: Building a Global Career in Aquaculture with Jorge Torres of Veramaris 12.03.2026 48мин

  What does a career in aquaculture look like from the farm to the global stage? In this Career Pathway episode, Jorge Torres of Veramaris shares how his early work on Chilean fish farms helped launch a career that now spans international aquaculture markets and innovation in sustainable seafood.
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  Training The Next Generation of Aquaculture Professionals with Azure Cygler 19.02.2026 45мин

  Azure Cygler of Rhode Island Sea Grant joins us to discuss aquaculture education, workforce development, and how hands-on training programs at the University of Rhode Island, are helping prepare the next generation of seafood professionals.
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  How to Eat More Seafood This Year (Without Overthinking It) 02.02.2026 17мин

  In this back-to-basics episode, hosts Maddie and Justin share three simple, realistic pillars to help you add more seafood to your diet without stress, strict rules, or overthinking.
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  The Nature Conservancy: Volunteer-Powered Oyster Restoration with Kelsey Meyer-Rust 18.12.2025 42мин

  Dive into the fascinating world of oyster restoration with The Nature Conservancies Coastal Conservation Coordinator, Kelsey Meyer-Rust, who joins Justin and Maddie to explore the vital role oysters play in the Great Bay Estuary.
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  Survey Says: The 2025 Seafood Trends Listeners Care About Most 27.11.2025 28мин

  This month on the Aquademia Podcast, Justin and Maddie flip the mic toward you; our listeners. We recently ran a listener survey for attendees of the 2025 Responsible Seafood Summit in Colombia and our wider LinkedIn community, and the response rate blew every past podcast survey out of the water. In this episode, we break down what you told us.
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  Reviving Oceans and Fisheries with Amanda Leland of the Environmental Defense Fund 23.10.2025 31мин

  In this episode of the Aquademia podcast, hosts Justin Grant and Maddie Cassidy are joined by Amanda Leland, Executive Director of the Environmental Defense Fund and co-author of Sea Change. Amanda discusses how her early love for the ocean guided her career in marine biology and environmental advocacy. She dives into the inspiration and research behind her book, which explores how market-based solutions are transforming struggling fisheries and rebuilding over 50 U.S. fish stocks. The conversation also highlights the compelling story of fisherman Buddy Guindon and offers insights into how practical, community-driven solutions can tackle environmental challenges. Amanda shares her hopes that Sea Change will inspire positive change and promote sustainable practices in the seafood industry.
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  Seafood Sourcing at Whole Foods Market: Wes Rose on Raising the Bar 18.09.2025 30мин

  From the seafood counter in Massachusetts to leading perishables at one of the world’s most iconic grocery brands, Wes Rose has spent nearly three decades shaping how Whole Foods sources, sells, and inspires trust in seafood. On this episode of Aquademia, Wes shares his journey, the evolution of Whole Foods’ sustainable and ethical seafood programs, and the lessons that have guided him from hands-on store work to executive leadership. Tune in for insights on building customer trust, advancing responsible sourcing, and what it takes to make a meaningful impact in the grocery industry.
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  Inside the 2025 Responsible Seafood Summit in Cartagena, Colombia 14.08.2025 25мин

  In this episode, Justin and Maddie sit down with Devan Meserve, GSA’s VP of Marketing & Communications, to dive into everything you need to know about the upcoming Responsible Seafood Summit, happening September 29 – October 2 in Cartagena, Colombia. From the vibrant coastal setting and world-class venue to immersive field trips, thought-provoking sessions, and unforgettable networking opportunities, Devan shares what makes this annual event unlike any other in the seafood industry. Discover this year’s theme of impact, hear about exciting program highlights, and get insider tips on how to make the most of your experience. Whether you’re a seafood professional, innovator, or simply passionate about the industry, this episode will have you ready to pack your bags for Cartagena.
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  Tilapia, Tech, and Transformation: Elevating Fish Welfare in Africa 24.07.2025 35мин

  In this episode of Aquademia, we dive into the growing field of fish welfare with Wasseem Emam, founder of Ethical Seafood Research (ESR). From tilapia farms in Egypt to high-level UN policy discussions, Wasseem shares how ESR is transforming aquaculture in Africa and beyond. Learn how technology like the Tilapia Welfare App is improving practices on thousands of farms, why humane slaughter is an urgent challenge, and how ESR is embedding animal welfare into university curricula, national strategies, and global policy. Whether you're in aquaculture, sustainability, or just passionate about ethical food systems, this conversation offers a rare look into a fast-evolving and often overlooked frontier of seafood production.
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  GSA’s Integrity Work, Unpacked! 26.06.2025 42мин

  In this special episode, we’re turning the spotlight inward to share the critical work happening within GSA’s Program Integrity Department. From advancing auditor training to improving labor rights data and launching a completely overhauled seafood processing standard, we’re showcasing how our team is driving transparency and trust across the seafood supply chain. We’re joined by: Kyle Harrison, Governance & Training Specialist, who walks us through the evolution of GSA’s auditor training program—from a five-day, in-person marathon to an engaging, efficient, and highly rated virtual model. Amy McGann, Director of Social Responsibility, who discusses our new efforts to go beyond audits with anonymous worker surveys, social KPIs, and cross-sector collaboration aimed at improving labor conditions. David Dietz, Manager of Standards Oversight, who shares a deep dive into SPS 6.0, the newly launched Seafood Processing Standard. He breaks down its modular design and how it supports both aquaculture and wild-capture operations.
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  Career Pathways: How Curiosity, Baseball, and a Broken Shoulder Shaped a CEO 22.05.2025 59мин

  In this inspiring Career Pathways episode, we sit down with Francisco Aldon, CEO of MarinTrust, to hear about his global journey from animal-loving surfer in Peru to leader in sustainable marine ingredients. Francisco shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career, from founding a university baseball team to learning English in three months, and discusses the evolving landscape of certification, traceability, and circularity in the seafood industry.
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  Regenerative Aquaculture: How Pine Island Redfish is Restoring Coastlines, One Fish at a Time 24.04.2025 43мин

  In this episode, we’re joined by Megan and Tom Sorby, the co-founders of Pine Island Redfish, to explore a bold new vision for aquaculture—one that’s regenerative, community-driven, and deeply rooted in place. Based in Florida, Pine Island Redfish is using land-based recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) not only to raise delicious, native redfish but also to restore coastal ecosystems through innovative mangrove planting initiatives. From turning fish waste into fertilizer to engaging local residents in hands-on conservation, Megan and Tom are proving that aquaculture can be part of the solution. Whether you're a seafood professional, sustainability advocate, or just a curious listener, this conversation will inspire you to rethink what fish farming can be.
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  Balancing the Scales: The Business Case for Living Wages in Seafood 20.03.2025 35мин

  What does it really mean to earn a living wage—and why should seafood companies care? In this episode, we explore the IDH Living Wage Roadmap with Lisa van Wageningen, Program Manager for Aquaculture at IDH – The Sustainable Trade Initiative. Lisa breaks down the key differences between a living wage and a minimum wage, the business benefits of fair pay, and the real challenges companies face when striving for wage equity. We also discuss lessons from other industries, the power of collaboration, and actionable steps companies can take to close the living wage gap. This is a must-listen for anyone passionate about ethical business practices and the future of fair labor in seafood. Tune in to learn why paying a living wage isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a smart business decision.
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  Species Spotlight: Pollock – A Deep Dive with Craig Morris, CEO of GAPP 20.02.2025 31мин

  In this episode of Aquademia, we dive deep into the world of Wild Alaska Pollock with Craig Morris, CEO of the Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP). Craig shares insights on what makes Pollock a sustainable and versatile seafood choice, the industry's impact on Indigenous communities, and how marketing efforts are shifting consumer perceptions. Tune in to learn about the future of Pollock, its role in global markets, and why it's more than just a fish in your favorite seafood dishes!
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  Country Spotlight: Colombia’s Seafood Evolution -Responsible Practices, Small Producers and Global Markets 23.01.2025 42мин

  In this episode of Aquademia, we welcome Carlos Mario Ramirez to explore Colombia's dynamic seafood industry. From its evolution in shrimp and tilapia production to its focus on small producers and responsible practices, Carlos shares insights on Colombia's export markets, innovations, and the economic impact of aquaculture. Join us for this deep dive into the heart of Latin American seafood!
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  Reeling It In: Lessons and Wins from the Year Behind Us 19.12.2024 28мин

  In this special year-end episode, hosts Maddie and Justin dive into the 2024 metrics and share the results from our listener survey. They reflect on their favorite episodes of the year, the feedback that shaped the podcast, and the moments that made 2024 unforgettable. The duo also look ahead to 2025, discussing potential changes and exciting new ideas to make the podcast even better. Don’t miss this engaging wrap-up and sneak peek into the future of Aquademia!