Expansion sees pioneering biotech company MiAlgae launch omega-3 product, NaturAlgae

Leading biotech company MiAlgae has officially launched its omega-3 product NaturAlgae to market thanks to recent expansion of its commercial production site in Scotland.

Image credit: Dave Evers on flickr
(CC BY 2.0)

MiAlgae recycles the co-products from the Scotch Whisky industry, like pot ale, as a feedstock to grow omega-3 rich microalgae which can then be used as a nutritious fish feed and petfood ingredient.

The company’s pioneering manufacturing process aims to reduce global reliance on billions of wild-caught fish, the traditional source of omega-3.

Following the installation of eight new bioreactors north of Glasgow, MiAlgae will soon be producing 100’s of tonnes of nutrient-rich omega-3 powder per year.

NaturAlgae is a dry powder with a high concentration of DHA and other oils. This powder can easily be added to recipes for petfood and aquafeeds, providing the well known health benefits that omega-3 provides.

This is the beginning of an exciting new phase for MiAlgae, which has headquarters in Edinburgh, as it continues to develop commercial relationships with customers across the petfood and aquaculture sectors. 

With final commissioning underway, the vessels will enable MiAlgae to boost production capacity almost immediately with a growing waiting list of customers.

Douglas Martin, MD and Founder at MiAlgae, says, “This expansion of our commercial production site marks a huge milestone on our journey to champion the circular economy. With the addition of our new equipment, we are now able to take our product to market at a meaningful scale with significant headroom to grow.

“We are lucky to have a highly experienced and passionate team who share our vision of a more sustainable future. Huge thanks go to them for their hard work in getting to this exciting point.”

Using the outputs from a single distillery, MiAlgae’s technology has the potential to save 80k tonnes of CO2, recycle 14.4m litres of water and protect tens of thousands of tonnes of fish annually.

Earlier this year, MiAlgae announced its partnership with Falkirk Distillery to drive forward a greener and more efficient whisky industry. The agreement will see Falkirk’s whisky co-products transported to MiAlgae’s site where it will be used in MiAlgae’s processes.

Douglas Martin continues, “We’re committed to scaling quickly and have plans to work closely with a number of distilleries across Scotland where we can co-locate MiAlgae’s technology with the distilleries, creating an on-site water recycling solution for the distillery, and a greater production capacity for MiAlgae. This will allow us to expand rapidly and make a very real stride towards the sector’s environmental goals.”

To help drive its planned expansion, MiAlgae has appointed Polly Douglas as Business Development Manager.

Ms Douglas joins the company with strong expertise in aquaculture and nutrition and recent experience in the biotech start-up world. She joins MiAlgae from gas-fermentation company, Deep Branch Biotechnology Ltd. where she was responsible for managing a portfolio of multi-million-pound grant funded projects. Previously Ms Douglas managed funding for several industry-lead research projects when at the Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC) in Stirling.

Discussing her new role, Ms Douglas says, “Having 20 years of experience ranging from innovation management, nutrition and aquaculture, this role helps me to consolidate my expertise and support the commercial activities at MiAlgae.

“Joining at this exciting time, as production is increasing and our technology is proven, it’s great to be able to get out there and engage with customers. My role will be to identify strategic partners and future development opportunities, as well as develop an understanding of additional products in as yet un-identified markets.” 

Welcoming Ms Douglas’ appointment, Douglas Martin says “It’s great to have Polly on board at MiAlgae. She joins us at a time where we are making strides to full commercialisation of the technology.  With her breadth of experience, Polly’s know-how will be invaluable in helping us to achieve our growth aspirations.”

For more information about MiAlgae visit the website, HERE.

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Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global analyses the sector’s main challenges

The 29th edition of Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global opened its doors yesterday and continued today with sessions analysing the challenges and opportunities of the sector within its conference program. The event, which is the largest edition ever held in the history of the Expo, held several sessions focused on leadership and business in the seafood industry, responsible sourcing of materials, the evolution of fisheries and aquaculture markets, and accountability, transparency and sustainability as growing trends within the sector.

Image credit: llee_wu on flickr
(CC BY-ND 2.0)

Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global takes place at Fira de Barcelona’s Gran Via exhibition centre until today, Thursday, 27 April, making Barcelona the global seafood capital for the second consecutive year. For three days, Seafood Expo Global/ Seafood Processing Global represents the largest and most diverse global trade event for the seafood sector. The Expo provides a valuable business platform for suppliers and buyers from around the world and features a comprehensive conference program with practical and theoretical industry topics.

The program includes more than 20 educational sessions by more than 85 international experts in the sector, from marine professionals and prominent policy makers to entrepreneurs, economists, NGO representatives, and experts in biodiversity and sustainability. Among them is Megan Greene, global economist, Financial Times columnist and professor at Brown University’s Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs. This Wednesday, Greene led the conference “Navigating the Global Polycrisis” and examined how different risks and factors – such as the reopening of China and global indebtedness, among others – will mark the roadmap of the world economy in the coming months.

Ms Greene notes that “the likelihood of inflation remaining persistently high is high,” a trend that will be accompanied by other plausible risks such as an impending recession or central banks breaking the markets. However, the economist points out that “business expectations and consumer confidence are improving” exponentially in a post-pandemic era and “wages remain robust,” facts that allow us to remain optimistic about a future of economic uncertainty.

Also today, the presentation ” Social Responsibility and Alignment With SDG14b: How Can Companies Meet Human Rights Challenges Whilst Ensuring Social Equity for Small-Scale Fisheries?”, delved into aspects of social responsibility in tuna supply chains, human rights in small-scale fisheries, and how companies can take greater responsibility for eliminating human rights abuses.

First day focused on sustainability, new trends and innovative solutions for industry

Speakers from today’s program included Javier Garat, secretary general of Cepesca, president of Europêche and of the International Coalition of Fisheries Associations; Arturo Clement, COB at SalmonChile; Børge Gronbech, of the Norwegian Seafood Council; and Mauricio Orellana, CEO of the Mexican Council for the Promotion of Fishery and Aquaculture Products (COMEPESCA). In the session, ” Building Future Seafood Consumers,” Garat, Clement, Gronbech and Orellana shared tools and strategies used to increase consumption of seafood products from their respective countries. “Our main objective is to promote the consumption of wild caught fish and combat the ‘fake news’ that stalk and weaken the seafood industry” said Garat in his speech. The four speakers shared that only with “good education” and the “joining of forces among competitors” will it be possible to get consumers to incorporate more and more seafood products into their regular consumption.

Tuesday also saw the session ” Planning Around Uncertainty: Business Strategy for Strange Economic Times”. Cliff White, Executive Editor of SeafoodSource.com, led a discussion with the CEOs of Trident Seafoods, Bakkafrost, Aquaculture Stewardship Council and Sea Harvest Group Limited. Attendees were able to learn first-hand how these leaders managed their companies during the pandemic and how they are planning for future success. On the other hand, the conference “Alternative Feed is no longer novel or discretionary” representatives from BioMar Group, Enthos Circular Feed Technologies, S2G Ventures and Benson Hill addressed the options and benefits of affordable and resilient alternative feed proteins and common and an effective solution to address the environmental consequences of intensive farming practices.

Last day of the conference program

Today, 27 April, the last day of the 29th edition of Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global, will feature the panel discussion ” How Can Marine Ingredients Support the Growth of the Aquaculture Sector in a World of Greater Food Sovereignty?”. The session will provide an overview of different actions to increase the availability of sustainable marine ingredients, such as fishery improvement projects in India, exploring life cycle assessment of marine ingredients and supporting efforts to ensure food security in West Africa.

In the field of logistics, the session “Global Logistics Outlook” will focus on the global supply and demand for shipping and logistics from East to West and vice versa by sea and air.

For further information about Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global, and to register, visit the website, HERE.

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The law on “fish reform” enters into force tomorrow

Law No. 7616 “On Amendments to Some Legislative Acts of Ukraine Regarding Improvement of State Regulation in the Field of Fisheries, Conservation and Rational Use of Aquatic Biological Resources and the Field of Aquaculture” enters into force tomorrow.

Image credit: L Church on flickr
(CC BY 2.0)

The law initiates a reform in the fishing industry, will contribute to its restoration, overcoming corruption schemes and increasing revenues to the budgets of local communities.

The law provides for the creation of a single state electronic management system for the “eRyba” industry in order to digitise the industry; introduction of the mechanism for issuing permit documents in electronic form; providing all fishing vessels with means of remote control; establishment of legislative requirements for fish reception points as a significant lever for accounting of caught aquatic biological resources and products from them, etc.

In particular, with the adoption of the Law, electronic auctions for the right to commercial fishing, which were previously conducted as a government experiment, will become fully operational. A transparent bidding mechanism will create a level playing field for economic competition and ensure equal access to fishing for new business entities.

In general, the implementation of this Law will create conditions for the development of the fishing industry, stimulation of the fight against illegal, unaccountable and unregulated fishing and will ensure the possibility of European integration of legal norms related to the industry.

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BioMar signs deal with Agronutris to produce novel insect aquafeed

BioMar and Agronutris have signed a long-term partnership to develop the next generation of black soldier fly meals specifically designed for the aquaculture industry.

After years of R&D, insect meal is now seen as a promising new feed ingredient in the aquaculture industry. Identifying the suitability of black soldier flies as a novel feed ingredient, innovative aquafeed company, BioMar, has joined forces with Agronutris – a French biotech company specialising in black soldier flies – to produce the next generation sustainable insect meal designed for aquaculture.

“Black soldier fly meal has always been an interesting prospect that could be well suited for aquafeeds,” says Fernando Norambuena, BioMar’s global category manager – novel raw materials, in a press release. “In Agronutris we have found a partner that shares our mission and dedication to reducing the environmental impacts of our aquafeeds. They have developed a scalable model for black soldier fly able to meet the nutritional and sustainability profile required by us and the industry,” 

“For insect meal to successfully make its way into aquafeeds, it must demonstrate high nutritional value and support good growth and health for the fish and shrimp. Our innovative product has a great nutritional profile that is well suited for the aquaculture industry,” adds Chris Haacke, director of business development at Agronutris. 

Agronutris’ solution is to bring a stable, high-quality product with a high sustainability performance demonstrated by a robust life-cycle assessment. The biotech company has created an approach where by there is a clear vision of moving from a novel source of protein into an ingredient that has an impact at a scale relevant to the aquaculture industry. 

“A truly sustainable insect meal should be decoupled from the human food supply chain and fed off a substrate based on waste foods and by-products. With Agronutris, we see a viable, scalable model for producing black soldier fly meal that could see this product become a good source of nutrition in aquaculture,” concludes Vidar Gundersen, global sustainability director at BioMar. 

There is a strong strategic alignment between Agronutris’ mission to supply low environmental impact alternatives and BioMar, which has placed sustainability at the heart of its future strategy with the aim of 50 percent of ingredients from a circular and restorative economy and lowering its feed carbon footprint by a third by 2030.

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ReelData AI announces appointment of Ohad Maiman to Board of Directors

ReelData AI, an AI company providing customised data and automation to land-based aquaculture farmers, announces it has named founder and former CEO of The Kingfish Company, Ohad Maiman, to its Board of Directors. This news comes just over a month after the company shared the news of a successful Series A funding round where they closed US$8M in a deal led by Buoyant Ventures and S2G Ventures. 

Mr Maiman made the decision to step down as CEO of The Kingfish Company in November  2022. His intention was to transition to supporting the industry through other avenues, with artificial intelligence being a high priority. His relationship with ReelData started in November 2021, when The Kingfish Company implemented their inaugural product, ReelAppetite.

“Ohad has been a friend and mentor to us at ReelData long before we made an official agreement,” says Mathew Zimola, CEO and co-founder of ReelData. “He has a wealth of knowledge and experience that will be immeasurable as we continue to expand our business to help the underserved land-based aquaculture industry. It was an easy decision to welcome him in an official capacity.”

“Having experienced first hand the capabilities and challenges of building and operating a large scale land based operation, I am convinced that while the ability to grow fish to market size on land has been proven, significant room for improvements in operational excellence and efficiencies remains, and ReelData AI is at the forefront of developing these capabilities. By leveraging AI and significant technological capabilities Matt and his team have been able to identify and tackle the most critical needs of land based farmers, and I am excited to support the company as it continues to develop groundbreaking products for the land based sector,” says Mr Maiman.

In 2015, Mr Maiman founded The Kingfish Company alongside experienced RAS and aquaculture experts Kees Kloet and Hans den Bieman. Breaking away from the more commonly farmed salmon, they decided to focus the business on the raising of yellowtail kingfish. The company began trading on the Oslo stock exchange in 2020. They have also been successful in obtaining permits to expand their operations in Maine, USA. More recently, the company experienced a sales increase of 82 percent in 2022, with Q4 sales up by 34 percent.

ReelData’s first product to market is ReelAppetite, an AI-controlled automated feeding system that monitors the appetite of fish through the wasted feed released through the tank, and adjusts feed real-time to limit waste while maximising growth. ReelBiomass is the most recent product. It is the only biomass estimation camera created specifically for RAS and flow-through systems, eliminating the need for costly and intrusive weigh-ins while improving accuracy. 

For more information about ReelData AI visit the website, HERE.

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Telefónica Tech digitalises Stolt Sea Farm’s aquaculture farms with artificial intelligence

Telefónica Tech, through its company Geprom and its Big Data and AI business line, has drawn up a plan to digitalise within five years the 14 aquaculture farms that Stolt Sea Farm, a leading company in land-based turbot and sole aquaculture with more than 50 years of history, has in Spain, Portugal, France, Iceland and Norway. 

The plan designed by Telefónica Tech includes the development of a pioneering digital tool that will allow Stolt Sea Farm to optimise its business by giving it the capacity to predict the supply and demand of its fish. The tool will integrate various industrial digitalisation platforms (WMS for warehouse management, MES for production digitalisation and APS for production and demand planning) with data collected at the plants and analysed with Big Data and Artificial Intelligence. 

Machine learning algorithms will provide Stolt Sea Farm with patterns to improve its planning, as advanced analytics will give it an estimate of customer orders and it will be able to manage more efficiently the fish to be slaughtered. You will also be able to optimise your processes to more accurately quantify the number of turbot and sole fingerlings you need to bring into the farms to ensure they reach the right size on time. 

“We are very proud to have developed a pioneering analytics plan for Stolt Sea Farm that will help optimise its business margins. The application of technologies such as Big Data and Artificial Intelligence allows the industrial sector to rely on analysed data to make better decisions aimed at transforming their business models and making them more efficient and competitive,” says Dario Cesena, CEO of Geprom, Part of Telefónica Tech. 

“The digitisation of both demand planning and our production processes, both in an integrated manner, will contribute to better service to our customers and better internal management of operational processes,” says Jorge Juan Alfonso, Food Operations Manager of Stolt Sea Farm. 

The digitalisation of Stolt Sea Farm’s aquaculture farms is one of the success stories that Telefónica Tech has addressed in the seventh edition of the Advanced Factories 2023 congress that is taking place in Barcelona between 18 and 20 April. Specifically, Darío Cesena (Geprom) and Jorge Juan Alfonso (Stolt Sea Farm) have explained in a presentation how the need to digitalise the aquaculture farms arose and how technology is helping the company to optimise its business. 

For more information about Telefónica Tech visit the website, HERE.

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Second edition of ASC And SSP’s Shrimp Summit in Ecuador attracts buyers from major markets across the globe

Following a successful inaugural of the Shrimp Summit in July 2022, the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and Sustainable Shrimp Partnership (SSP) are hosting another ASC Shrimp Summit on June 12-14, 2023. In 2022, ASC buyers and seafood suppliers from the United States and Canada such as Sysco, Alberton’s, Disney, Ahold Delhaize USA, Metro, and Loblaws joined the event. This year, shrimp buyers from all three major and promising export markets of Ecuador – North America, Europe, and Japan – have confirmed their participation.

“Connecting the marketplace to the producers is a vital part of our work at ASC in promoting ASC certified shrimp and demonstrating how responsible aquaculture production works. We are very excited to bring major retailers from Japan to Ecuador, which is an important supplier to this market for high-quality shrimp,” Koji Yamamoto, ASC General Manager in Japan, says.

“In the previous edition of the ASC Shrimp Summit, our esteemed North American guests explored the world of Ecuadorian shrimp. They experienced the commitments of SSP producers that embrace the best practices with the highest quality and social and environmental responsibility, complying with ASC label requirements, and with a special focus on zero use of antibiotics, neutral impact on water and full traceability. Their findings confirmed why Ecuador is the leading producer and exporter of shrimp in the world. This year, we are excited to expand this encounter to Europe and Asia, enabling more representatives from our three main markets to witness firsthand the exceptional efforts of our industry,” Pamela Nath, Director of the Sustainable Shrimp Partnership, says.

Close-up insights into Ecuador’s Shrimp Production
Ecuador is the world’s leading shrimp producer and exporter of Pacific white shrimp (P. Vannamei), supplying all major shrimp markets such as Europe, China and the US. In 2022, Ecuador exported more than 1 million MT of shrimp, reaching 66 countries, and adding $6.7 billion in exports. Ecuador also accounts for approximately 40 percent of available ASC certified shrimp in the world.

A packed and exciting agenda await the participants of the ASC Shrimp Summit in Guayaquil. During the visit, participants will tour ASC certified farms and processing plants to see firsthand what responsible aquaculture production looks like. The tour also includes a visit to a feed mill, an important aspect of responsible seafood farming, which is now covered by the ASC Feed Standard.

ASC’s global shrimp standard requires that all ASC labelled shrimp are free from antibiotics, aligning with Ecuador’s movement away from antibiotics in the production of responsibly farmed shrimp in order to preserve the country’s delicate natural ecology. Driving this change toward the wider market to ensure safe, transparent practices and a healthy final product requires the efforts of multiple stakeholders, underlining the importance of ASC’s ongoing work.

For more information about the ASC visit the website, HERE.

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‘All systems go’ as Scottish Sea Farms heads to world’s biggest seafood expo

Scottish farmed salmon will take centre stage with its own pavilion at the world’s biggest seafood exhibition, Seafood Expo Global, which opens this week in Barcelona.

Among the premium producers being showcased is Scottish Sea Farms, which is taking an eight-strong team, led by Managing Director Jim Gallagher.

The 29th show of its kind, this year’s event is already shaping up to be a record-breaker, with 49,299 square metres of exhibition space, 24 percent more than last year and 21 percent more than the 2019 edition, which was the largest in the event’s history and the last held at its former venue in Brussels, Belgium.

More than 2,000 exhibiting companies from 87 countries have signed up for the 2023 expo, spanning 68 regional and national pavilions. This includes the return of countries that have re-opened post-Covid, including China, which is bringing a big contingent, according to the show organisers, Diversified Communications.

Scottish Sea Farms Head of Markets Celine Kimpflin, who has been attending the expo for over 20 years, says the event is an invaluable opportunity for people from near and far to meet in one place in an informal setting.

‘The big draw this year is reconnecting with customers and suppliers alike that we haven’t seen for longer than usual due to Covid,’ she says.

‘We achieved this to an extent at last year’s expo – the first event post-pandemic – but with different countries coming out of lockdown at different times, not all customers felt comfortable travelling.

‘This year, it’s all systems go. The expo promises to be bigger than ever, speaking volumes about markets getting back to ‘business as usual’, customers have been busy booking appointments to see the team, and we are ready and raring to go.’

The Scottish pavilion, organised by Scottish Development International, Salmon Scotland and Seafood Scotland, will host 19 companies, with Scottish Sea Farms having its usual presence.

‘As one of the biggest producers of premium Scottish farmed salmon, it’s only natural that we have a large presence at the show to meet our existing customers, speak to prospective customers and catch up with suppliers too,’ says Ms Kimpflin.

A further 25 Scottish companies will have their own stands elsewhere in venue or will be attending the show as visitors, many of them representing the country’s supply chain. 

Scottish Sea Farms Head of Operations Ewan Mackintosh says, ‘With the expo representing both seafood producers and processing, it’s a great opportunity to find out about the latest innovations coming onto the market: from alternative packaging types and processing equipment through to new information systems and logistics.

‘It’s also a really useful way of keeping in touch with people that you perhaps don’t work with on a regular basis but whose products and services you are still interested in keeping up to date with.’

Seafood Expo Global and Seafood Expo Processing take place from April 25-27 at the Gran Via venue at the Fira de Barcelona.

For more information about Scottish Sea Farms visit the website, HERE.

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World Aquaculture 2023 to take place in May

The World Aquaculture in Darwin 2023 will be held on May 29th to June 1st, 2023, at Darwin Convention Centre, Northern Territory, Australia. This is going to be a four day event with conference and exhibitions. The conference will cover aquaculture topics  such as Aquaculture Engineering, Aquatic Biotechnology, Culture Systems, Environment, Feed Nutrition, Physiology, Freshwater Aquaculture, Genetic Improvement, Mariculture, Special Session and more. The exhibit hall will be packed with knowledgeable aquaculture representatives from the industry. There will be plenty of pre and post events including pre conference workshops and farm tours.  

On May 30th, 2023, the plenary session will start at 9:20 am, and the organisers are honoured to welcome Dan Richards and David Whyte as our plenary speakers. 

David Whyte is a graduate Marine Biologist celebrating his 37th year in the Aquaculture  industry. The majority of this time has been spent farming six different species of finfish in  Scotland, New Zealand, and Australia. Mr Whyte has also worked in the Aquaculture Technology  and Feed sectors. He is the Managing Director of BioMar Australia, responsible for Australia and New Zealand. His presentation will consider “What will Australia have taught the world about Aquaculture in 2050?”. 

The International Tropical Rock Oyster Workshop hosted by NT Fisheries and The Pacific Community (SPC), supported by the Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA) and the Crawford Fund will bring together a broad range of stakeholders to discuss the status and current knowledge of tropical oyster aquaculture research and  development. This will provide an opportunity to share experiences and develop an  international network for tropical oyster aquaculture development. There will be a two days’ workshop on Sunday 28th & Monday 29th May 2023. Seats are limited.  

Industry tours are available pre and post event. The pre-event tour is to Barramundi  Adventures Darwin (B.A.D), a land-based barramundi fishing farm with low density prawn farming operations, located at the southern end of Darwin Harbour in Berry Springs. The  post-event tour is to the Darwin Aquaculture Centre. Experience a unique insight into the Darwin Aquaculture Centre, this facility offers education and knowledge from industry professionals currently researching blacklip, rock oyster, black jewfish and barramundi aquaculture.

For more information on this event visit the website, HERE.

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FIFISH V-EVO QYSEA’s latest addition to the award-winning V6 series

The rapidly growing market for compact underwater drones is being revolutionised by QYSEA Technology, a leading manufacturer redefining the capabilities of small remotely-operated machines.

FIFISH V-EVO, QYSEA’s latest addition to the award-winning V6 series, is the first underwater drone to feature a 4K 60 FPS camera with 360-degree omnidirectional movement, allowing explorers and filmmakers to capture stunning underwater moments in high-resolution video.

Featuring a 4K 60 FPS professional-grade camera system, FIFISH V-EVO can capture increased detail and smooth slow-motion videos in ultra-high definition. The drone is equipped with dual 5000 lumens 5500K white LED lights, capable of illuminating dark underwater surroundings to reveal their vibrant colours.

QYSEA’s unique six-thruster layout enables unrestricted movement, facilitating creative and dynamic underwater filming. The drone also utilises AI-powered image enhancements to filter out plankton-induced white marine flakes and improve footage clarity.

The FIFISH V-EVO’s hydrodynamic, fluid, and rugged water droplet design ensures minimal resistance against ocean currents, allowing for longer dives. An attachment port accommodates a variety of tools, enabling integration and versatility for various tasks and scenarios.

Suitable for both leisure and professional use, the compact FIFISH V-EVO is ideal for filmmaking, deep-sea exploration, marine monitoring, scuba diving excursions, and more. QYSEA is excited to continue inspiring curiosity and exploration of the oceans.

For more information about QYSEA visit the website, HERE.

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BioFishency appoints RAS veteran and venture capital entrepreneur Ohad Maiman as Chairman of the Board

BioFishency, a leading provider of disruptive electro-chemical and biological water treatment solutions for Recirculated Aquaculture Systems (RAS), has announced that it has named internationally-acclaimed RAS expert, and venture capital frontrunner, Ohad Maiman as its new Chairman of the Board. Mr Maiman, Founder and former CEO of the prominent, publicly-traded The Kingfish Company (KING.OL), and Founder and Managing Partner of AquaFounders Capital, brings a broad set of technological and business management expertise in the land-based aquaculture sector. In his new role, Mr Maiman will leverage his unique experience, enabling BioFishency to reinforce its position as one of the world’s leading disruptive RAS water treatment solutions providers.

Mr Maiman is currently the Founder and Managing Partner of AquaFounders Capital, an investment company focused on securing a strategic position in the land-based aquaculture sector across the value chain. Prior, Mr Maiman was Founder and CEO (2015-2022) at The Kingfish Company, where he led the company to becoming one of the world’s flagship RAS producers with the development of land-based RAS Yellowtail Kingfish in the Netherlands, and the USA. 

“Few components in a RAS system are as critical as the filter unit, and replacing the biofilter with an electro-chemical process eliminates crucial uncertainties, and holds the promise of disrupting the sector by significantly improving reliability and efficiency,” says Mr Maiman. “Recognising the inherent value of BioFishency’s innovative water treatment solutions, their in-depth understanding of market requirements, and the company’s skilled and professional team, prompted my decision to get onboard. I am confident that BioFishency is poised to deliver on its immense potential, and I look forward to working with management and the board to support the company as it builds on its strong foundation, and expands its operations around the globe.”

“We could not be prouder to have Ohad Maiman join BioFishency as Chairman of the Board. It is a true testament to the future of the company,” says BioFishency CEO, Michael Isakov. “Ohad brings unrivaled business acumen in founding and leading land-based aquaculture initiatives, matched with an unprecedented track record in his knowledge and understanding of the sector. Working closely with Ohad will result in faster than anticipated success for BioFishency in our outreach to new target markets, while achieving the company’s aggressive goals.”

For more information about BioFishency visit the website, HERE.

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Benchmark Genetics strengthens technical leadership team

The new changes reflect a strategic succession, together with a renewed focus on developing market-leading and genetically-improved strains and expansion of global genetic services. 

Dr Morten Rye will take on a new senior role as Director, External Services and Global Strategies, expanding Benchmark Genetics’ provision of genetics services to the global aquaculture sector. This will include providing genomic tools and analysis, making Benchmark Genetics a one-stop shop for genetic services. 

Dr Ross Houston will lead the technical genetics team, succeeding Dr Morten Rye as Director, Genetics and Innovation.  As part of the role, Dr Houston will take primary responsibility for the internal breeding programs and product development while also retaining his leadership of R&D for the company. 

Growing expertise and capacity
Under this new leadership, the genetics team has been re-organised. It has new leadership positions for each of Benchmark´s five internal breeding programs within Atlantic salmon, Shrimp and tilapia and for the key technical support and R&D teams. This includes molecular genetics, reproductive technologies, and trait development. 

This new structure will optimise synergies across breeding programs, as well as innovation and implementation of the latest technologies. 

Commenting on the management changes, Jan-Emil Johannessen, Head of Benchmark Genetics, says, “These changes reflect a successful succession of our senior leadership team and are targeted towards securing our world-leading position within the applied aquaculture genetics field.”

“We are confident that Ross and Morten will excel in their new roles, helping our team of over 25 expert geneticists to deliver genetic improvement to the aquaculture industry.”

Innovation Board
Dr Houston will retain his role as Chair of the Benchmark Innovation Board, which is a collaborative group with representation from Benchmark’s three business units: Genetics, Health, and Advanced Nutrition. Combining genetic innovations with advances in health and nutrition provides unique opportunities to improve production and sustainability. 

For more information about Benchmark Genetics visit the website, HERE.

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The Blue $: how to keep it!

Katherine, known as ‘the Fish Lawyer’, advises aquaculture businesses that have become a focus for venture capitalists and other types of investors who are diving into opportunities that bring a return on the BLUE $ for their business. 

However, the BLUE $ in aquaculture, for both suppliers of product and services and farmers alike, is the result of passion, hard work and a belief that our industry is both viable and valuable.  

In this session they will explore how to keep your hard earned BLUE $ and potentially grow the number you already have as you dive into opportunities!  

BLUE $ dividends are available from advances in the aquatech revolution with the use of technologies, such as, robotics, artificial technology and blockchain. However, the potential for disruption in aquaculture businesses that causes legal issues from intellectual property challenges through to contractual disputes, means that your BLUE $’s are at risk. Learn how to protect your BLUE capital.

What will audience learn from your presentation? 
Aquaculture businesses will understand:

• How to protect their BLUE $
• Legal issues associated with adopting new technologies
• The types of business disruption that can occur in your supply chains
• What you need to do to legally protect your assets from disruption 
• How to incorporate and minimise disruption into your business operations
• If disruption occurs, and cannot be easily mediated, what you need to do to progress to a legal remedy.
• Investment agreements/funding opportunities.

For more information about Digital Age Lawyers visit the website, HERE.

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Meet the start-ups disrupting the Blue Food Sector

The Blue Food Innovation Summit, taking place in London on May 23-24, will present global innovators that are revolutionising blue food production whilst protecting our oceans.

Image credit: Tambako the Jaguar on flickr
(CC BY-ND 2.0)

With our food system increasingly under stress from conflict and climate change, the summit aims to put blue food, sustainable aquaculture, and restorative ocean practices at the heart of the global conversation.

Throughout the two-day agenda, early-stage innovators will showcase ground-breaking technologies and scalable solutions on stage and in the dedicated start-up exhibition. 

Five start-ups will pitch their innovative solutions in a Technology Showcase live on stage, with Q&A led by investor experts from BRIGHT TIDE and EIT FOOD.

NEXT TUNA has designed a Floating RAS to overcome the logistical challenges of Atlantic Bluefin tuna reproduction at scale, suitable for all maritime aquaculture and reducing reliance on wild catch.

AQUANZO is pioneering farmed marine ingredients using zooplankton to produce marine superfood for fish and shrimp nutrition while protecting the ocean.

MARI HEALTH SOLUTIONS havedeveloped a diagnostic molecular screening tool to assess the impact of farming operations, nutrition and environmental changes on farmed fish and shellfish.

APONIENTE has succeeded in being the first to grow marine cereal grain, also known as sea rice, as a crop under controlled conditions. It has potential as a future superfood in human diets and can be grown along coastal areas abundant in saltwater.

AQUARECH is Kenya’s first fish-farming platform, infusing IoT, farm management and use of high-quality feeds to improve the productivity of small-scale fish farmers and linking the produced fish to traders. The innovation provides vital production metrics such as feed conversion ratio, average daily growth, mortality rates and water temperature.

BIG AKWA economically and environmentally optimises land-based aquaculture by introducing industrial symbiosis between the aquaculture and processing  industries, using waste heat and oxygen to benefit each other and create usable by-products including fertiliser.

GALAXEYE SPACE is building the world’s first multi sensor imaging satellite for earth observation, enabling advanced imagery to penetrate cloud and gather unique insights day and night to provide datasets irrespective of weather conditions.

SAFETY NET TECHNOLOGIES offers precision fishing technology to help fishing crews catch their target species more consistently and sustainably.

SEAVOLUTION are developing a tissue tech that emulates the fat and muscle fibres of fish, creating plant-based seafood.

Innovation is a critical part of the agenda, and entrepreneurs will also share their insight during panels, alongside producers, retailers, feed suppliers, health providers, and active investors:

Peter Gale (REELDATA AI) will discuss how to unlock RAS using AI data and hybrid solutions.

Brian Tsuyoshi Takeda (URCHINOMICS) will examine how to scale restorative ventures whilst bolstering production in natural habitats. 

Liris Maduningtyas (JALA TECH) and Elena Piana (NOOLA REDCLAW) join a panel spotlighting how to empower smallholders and deliver climate resilient solutions through digitalisation.

Jonathan LaRiviere (SCOOT SCIENCE) and Bryton Shang (AQUABYTE) will discuss how to identify data gaps within blue food and facilitating network infrastructure.

Shrikumar Suryanarayan (SEA6 ENERGY) will highlight innovative solutions addressing key bottlenecks in the production and distribution of seaweed.

Angela Odero (RIO FISH) and Nick Hill (COAST 4C) will provide case studies sharing their experience on leading the blue food revolution in Latin America, Asia and Africa, and mapping aquaculture trends across the globe.

Gibran Huzaifah (EFISHERY) will reveal what the future of sustainable aquaculture would look like exploring innovations transforming the sector and opportunities to invest. 

Adam Baske (RUNNING TIDE) will join the panel uncovering the potential of blue carbon exploring projects and sharing unique approaches to utilise carbon.

Nathan Pyne-Carter (ACE AQUATECH) will highlight technologies meeting regulations on aquatic sentience strengthening standards and driving welfare-focused technologies in aquatic harvest. 

Blue Food Innovation Summit’s Conference Producer, Ruth McKenzie, comments, “The ocean is one of our most precious and invaluable natural resources, generating global food security and protecting our earth in mitigating climate change. We are thrilled to highlight the talented individuals emerging across the blue sector who are pioneering ground-breaking approaches to foster and grow the blue economy.” 

Meet hundreds of aquaculture, mariculture and blue food pioneers at the Blue Food Innovation Summit in London on May 23-24. The summit will bring together the full value chain for two days of high-impact networking and knowledge exchange to accelerate investments in sustainable aquaculture to replenish our oceans.

Blue Food Innovation Summit
Investing in Sustainable Aquaculture to Replenish our Oceans

In 2023, the Blue Food Innovation Summit returns to London to delve deeper into the fast-developing landscape of aquaculture and ocean health. With our food system increasingly under stress from conflict and climate change, the summit aims to put blue food, sustainable aquaculture, and restorative ocean practices at the heart of the global conversation. 

Taking place on May 23-24, the summit brings together ground-breaking companies from around the globe to discuss forward-thinking approaches to aquatic food production, including sustainable aquafeed, seaweed, fish health and welfare, and digital platforms for smallholder farmers.  

By showcasing disruptive technologies, and exploring case studies of innovation in action, the focus is on overcoming bottlenecks to growth and promoting greater partnership and collaboration to protect and restore the ocean ecosystem.

From producers, feed suppliers and health providers to retailers, investors and innovators, the summit provides stakeholders from across the value chain with a vital platform for knowledge exchange and networking through interactive panels, breakout discussions, and quality 1-1 meetings.

For more information about the event visit the website, HERE.

For 10% off of the Blue Food Innovation Summit use code AQUAFEED10.

The Aquaculturists

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Benchmark enters exclusive agreement with STIM Scotland to distribute Salmosan® Vet in the UK

Benchmark Animal Health, the aquaculture biotechnology company, has entered an exclusive distribution agreement with STIM Scotland Ltd for Salmosan®Vet in the UK. The agreement was signed on 28 March 2023, and will take immediate effect with the stock now transferred to STIM’s Glasgow warehouse ahead of distribution. 

Salmosan® Vet is a market leading azamethiphos treatment for sea lice and one product within Benchmark’s Animal Health portfolio. The product is used throughout the global salmon industry for the control of pre-adult to adult stages of sea lice. Used by Benchmark customers throughout the UK, it is well recognised as a reliable, gentle and effective treatment option.

The agreement, which took effect from 28th March, will increase the technical support available for UK customers, providing them with additional resources with both Benchmark and STIM on hand to support their effective sea lice management. STIM Scotland Ltd are professional distributors with a well-established and trusted network of delivery, which will ensure customers can access secure and consistent supply.

Announcing the agreement, John Marshall, Head of Benchmark Animal Health, says, “At Benchmark, we are committed to helping customers manage the ongoing challenge of sea lice. Our exclusive agreement with STIM Scotland offers us the opportunity to further support our customers in their use of Salmosan® Vet. I am confident this will have a positive impact on our customer’s operations”.   

Campbell Morrison, Key Account Manager at STIM Scotland Ltd, adds, “In the UK, as well as in Norway and Chile, STIM strives to supply a complete range of the most important fish health products available. Salmosan® Vet is certainly one of those and we are pleased to add the product to our growing product catalogue.”

Managing sea lice carries an annual cost of approximately £40m in Scotland alone each year and is considered to be the greatest biological challenge to the growth of the aquaculture industry.

Benchmark Animal Health is the Marketing Authorisation holder for Salmosan® Vet in the UK and will remain so after the agreement. Since 2009, Benchmark has been supporting farmers across the globe in controlling sea lice through this treatment.

For more information about Benchmark visit the website, HERE.

The Aquaculturists

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Garware strengthens its international teams in Norway, Chile and Spain

As part of its commercial strategy of international strengthening, given its powerful participation in world markets as a provider of nets for the global aquaculture industry, along with other premium quality products for industries as diverse as: sports, mining, defense, transportation, construction , geotextiles, fishing and agriculture, Garware Technical Fibres recently hired three executives to support the management of the Norwegian, Chilean and Southern European markets.

This is how Olav Kolbjørn Øvereng, a former Mowi collaborator, joins the Garware Technical Fibers team in Norway as a technical advisor. “As a local manager at Mowi for many years, he has valuable operating experience and knows what works in practice. He knows the issues and the “language” of salmon farmers,” says Pål Korneliussen, manager of Garware Technical Fibres Norway.

Mr Øvereng also has international experience as regional director of Andromeda (Avramar) in Spain, has also worked on the supplier side at Meox and is used to finding solutions for customers. “It is my desire to work closely with customers to help solve challenges related to offshore production. With cultivation experience at home and abroad, I have constantly looked for new solutions to the challenges that have arisen,” says Mr Øvereng.

For his part, in Chile, after 28 years in the international company, Ramkhrisna Borse came to strengthen the Chilean team in the technical area; He has extensive professional experience in the areas of net manufacturing and processing, export marketing, new product development, and net workshops. “I arrived in Chile as technical manager, to be a support and link between the requirements of our Chilean clients and the making of networks at our headquarters in India,” Borse points out.

And Eduardo Wolff, meanwhile, also joins the Garware team as a sales consultant and will take care of the business in all segments for southern Europe: France, Spain, Germany, Greece, Italy, “We want to get closer to customers and develop business for our products in the aforementioned countries, so Eduardo will support us to get there”, says Kanwal Malik, manager of Garware Technical Fibres Europe. Wolff has experience in the area of ​​sales and marketing, previously working at Redes Mar Adentro S.L. as sales and marketing manager and before as export manager at Grupo Tecnología Deportiva S.A.

It should be noted that the Indian company has been operating in world aquaculture since the late 1990s and in Chile since 2014, it is present in the main aquaculture countries in Europe, Asia, North America and Latin America. It has ISO9001:2015 and ISO14001:2015 certifications, was founded in 1976, is listed on the stock market and currently has 5,000 employees. 

For more information about Garware Fibres visit the website, HERE.

The Aquaculturists

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