<![CDATA[RAS Talk]]>7ed8923b-6706-502a-a86b-524400b63eb8Mon, 30 Mar 2026 17:04:35 +0000Captivate.fmRAStech Magazinehttps://artwork.captivate.fm/c33e4c7f-bdc0-4423-8f14-c0061cd53c22/tMIsOa7lhh8fe7cgNR93GK2A.jpgRAS TalkRAStech MagazineRAStech MagazineRAS Talk is a podcast about Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and land-based aquaculture. RAS Talk is hosted by Jean Ko Din, editor of RASTECH magazine, and Justin Henry, RAS consultant & expert. Each episode welcomes a new guest to discuss sustainable seafood production, technology developments and innovative ideas relevant to this rapidly expanding segment of the aquaculture industry. https://www.rastechmagazine.com/podcast/falseepisodicnopodcastChina’s aquaculture frontier with Ragnar Joensen of Nordic Aqua PartnersChina’s aquaculture frontier with Ragnar Joensen of Nordic Aqua PartnersCEO Ragnar Joensen discusses the Nordic Aqua Partners project in Ningbo, China. He highlights the facility’s strategic location near Shanghai which allows them access to 800 million consumers within 12 hours. The Atlantic salmon project started with a 4,000-ton capacity, expanded to 8,000 tons, and plans to reach 20,000 tons. Ragnar estimates profitability by the end of this year.

]]>CEO Ragnar Joensen discusses the Nordic Aqua Partners project in Ningbo, China. He highlights the facility’s strategic location near Shanghai which allows them access to 800 million consumers within 12 hours. The Atlantic salmon project started with a 4,000-ton capacity, expanded to 8,000 tons, and plans to reach 20,000 tons. Ragnar estimates profitability by the end of this year.

]]>c0181f3e-3ee3-4211-bae2-8930975d3112Thu, 26 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -040048:11falsefull6565Chasing the perfect tilapia farm with Carlos Lopez of Spring GeneticsChasing the perfect tilapia farm with Carlos Lopez of Spring GeneticsCarlos Lopez, commercial director of Spring Genetics in Miami, Fla., explains the company's history, its focus on growth and disease resistance, and the importance of biosecurity. He details the facility's operations, including the use of UV-treated water, restricted access, and health surveillance. He also offers his thoughts on tilapia aquaculture's potential to expand in the U.S. market, and the potential for future technological advancements in production.

]]>Carlos Lopez, commercial director of Spring Genetics in Miami, Fla., explains the company's history, its focus on growth and disease resistance, and the importance of biosecurity. He details the facility's operations, including the use of UV-treated water, restricted access, and health surveillance. He also offers his thoughts on tilapia aquaculture's potential to expand in the U.S. market, and the potential for future technological advancements in production.

]]>4e56e156-c321-4393-b62f-246f022b1d40Fri, 27 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -040043:58falsefull6464Fish welfare as a design principle with Daniel Elton of Lago SofiaFish welfare as a design principle with Daniel Elton of Lago SofiaLast year, Lago Sofia became the first Chilean aquaculture farm to be WELF-CERT certified for its animal welfare standards. CTO Daniel Elton shares their approach to animal welfare in RAS systems, emphasizing the five domains defined by the OIE: feeding, environmental parameters, behaviour, and mental well-being. He also introduces a new venture, Blue Waters Aquaculture Engineering, where they can offer their technological expertise to design RAS projects for others.

]]>Last year, Lago Sofia became the first Chilean aquaculture farm to be WELF-CERT certified for its animal welfare standards. CTO Daniel Elton shares their approach to animal welfare in RAS systems, emphasizing the five domains defined by the OIE: feeding, environmental parameters, behaviour, and mental well-being. He also introduces a new venture, Blue Waters Aquaculture Engineering, where they can offer their technological expertise to design RAS projects for others.

]]>ef9c2d41-3155-4d29-a40f-62c20879f671Mon, 26 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -040052:20falsefull6363The data behind RAS wins in 2025 with Matt Craze of Spheric ResearchThe data behind RAS wins in 2025 with Matt Craze of Spheric ResearchMatt Craze, lead researcher at Spheric Research, sat down with our co-hosts at the end of last year to discuss the 2025 industry trends in land-based aquaculture. He highlights a significant increase in deal flow with known investments surpassing US$2 billion. Over 90% of investments were in Atlantic salmon, with notable projects in Norway, Iceland, and Japan. The conversation also touched on the importance of a favourable regulatory environment, government support, and the need for more success stories to attract investors. 

]]>Matt Craze, lead researcher at Spheric Research, sat down with our co-hosts at the end of last year to discuss the 2025 industry trends in land-based aquaculture. He highlights a significant increase in deal flow with known investments surpassing US$2 billion. Over 90% of investments were in Atlantic salmon, with notable projects in Norway, Iceland, and Japan. The conversation also touched on the importance of a favourable regulatory environment, government support, and the need for more success stories to attract investors. 

]]>6f59ab94-03f5-4496-8a02-f87a4680b3adWed, 21 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -040057:35falsefull6262Striped bass at scale with Dave Cerino from StriperHub & Cartaret Community CollegeStriped bass at scale with Dave Cerino from StriperHub & Cartaret Community CollegeDavid Serino, director of Aquaculture Research & Development at Carteret Community College, discussed the potential of striped bass in land-based aquaculture. He highlighted the benefits of retrofitting existing sites, such as a former hog farm in North Carolina, to create a 1,500-ton annual production facility. The project aims to scale up production gradually, leveraging existing infrastructure and partnerships to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.

]]>David Serino, director of Aquaculture Research & Development at Carteret Community College, discussed the potential of striped bass in land-based aquaculture. He highlighted the benefits of retrofitting existing sites, such as a former hog farm in North Carolina, to create a 1,500-ton annual production facility. The project aims to scale up production gradually, leveraging existing infrastructure and partnerships to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.

]]>70c2c171-f510-4d04-b9d3-b65f1ffbf3dbMon, 15 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -040057:46falsefull6161Growing American-raised trout with Jesse Trushenski of Riverence GroupGrowing American-raised trout with Jesse Trushenski of Riverence GroupThis is a special episode that shares the live keynote presentation at Hatchery International's World Trout Culture Summit 2025. The Riverence Group is the leading trout producer and egg supplier in North America. Chief Science Officer Jesse Trushenski shared about the company's strategic thinking behind Riverence’s breeding principles and growing ASC-certified rainbow trout and Steelhead in land-based aquaculture farms in southern Idaho. Discover the philosophies that have underpinned their success and gain insight into Riverence’s vision for the future of trout aquaculture.

]]>This is a special episode that shares the live keynote presentation at Hatchery International's World Trout Culture Summit 2025. The Riverence Group is the leading trout producer and egg supplier in North America. Chief Science Officer Jesse Trushenski shared about the company's strategic thinking behind Riverence’s breeding principles and growing ASC-certified rainbow trout and Steelhead in land-based aquaculture farms in southern Idaho. Discover the philosophies that have underpinned their success and gain insight into Riverence’s vision for the future of trout aquaculture.

]]>c575b553-d4ea-4c21-9cd3-9c6288f01b9eMon, 10 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -040051:50falsefull6060Breeding North American salmon with Nick King of SalmoGen CompanyBreeding North American salmon with Nick King of SalmoGen CompanySalmoGen Company was first established in 2022 to develop a St. Johns River salmon strain for commercial aquaculture production. The broodstock is being developed at the National Cold Water Marine Aquaculture Center by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program in Maine. General manager, Nick King, shares insights about establishing a new salmon genetics company for North America and how the new company is gearing up for its first commercial sale of eggs in fall 2026. 

]]>SalmoGen Company was first established in 2022 to develop a St. Johns River salmon strain for commercial aquaculture production. The broodstock is being developed at the National Cold Water Marine Aquaculture Center by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program in Maine. General manager, Nick King, shares insights about establishing a new salmon genetics company for North America and how the new company is gearing up for its first commercial sale of eggs in fall 2026. 

]]>46fafe0e-1415-49ed-8185-9bd098df8215Mon, 06 Oct 2025 09:30:00 -040051:03falsefull5959RASTECH25 recap: RAS is open for businessRASTECH25 recap: RAS is open for businessTo celebrate the end of the RASTECH 2025 Conference and Trade Fair, Jean Ko Din sits down with her co-host, Justin Henry, and Howard Tang, CEO of Peritus Capital to talk about takeaways from the show in San Diego, Calif. Justin was session chair of a New Projects session that showcased new innovators in recirculating aquaculture, while Howard hosted the Investors’ Forum to talk about the investment activity in RAS for the past year.

]]>To celebrate the end of the RASTECH 2025 Conference and Trade Fair, Jean Ko Din sits down with her co-host, Justin Henry, and Howard Tang, CEO of Peritus Capital to talk about takeaways from the show in San Diego, Calif. Justin was session chair of a New Projects session that showcased new innovators in recirculating aquaculture, while Howard hosted the Investors’ Forum to talk about the investment activity in RAS for the past year.

]]>4e6c9cea-a722-4368-b8a1-ecc62404c679Fri, 04 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -040027:39falsefull5858RASTECH25 keynote: Big or small? The road to profilabilityRASTECH25 keynote: Big or small? The road to profilabilitySuccess in RAS can come in all shapes and sizes. At RASTECH 2025 (June 9-10 in San Diego, Calif., USA), our keynote panel explores how their farms forged their own path of profitability, and on their own terms.

Our panelists:

Thorsten Vammen is the general manager of FREA Solutions, based in Denmark. FREA AS is fully recirculated facility raising rainbow trout in Felding, Denmark. Located just a few metres from FREA Solutions’ headquarters, the facility has been operating since 2014, producing over 2,800 tonnes of fish annually across two 4,000 m² buildings.

Sara Rademaker is the founder and CEO of American Unagi, a glass eel recirculating hashtag#aquaculture farm in Waldoboro, Maine. American Unagi is the first and only producer and processor in the U.S. of locally sourced and harvested American glass eel. The large-scale farm was built in 2023 to produce 240 tonnes annually and plans to double its capacity within the year.

Yosuke Kurihara is the co-founder and CEO of ARK Inc. based in London, U.K. and Tokyo, Japan. Established in 2020, the company developed a small-scale, 10-square-metre Closed Recirculating Aquaculture System (CRAS) known as "ARK" that supports off-the-grid aquaculture with solar power generation and a solar hot water supply. There are currently six units installed and in operation in cities across Japan.

]]>Success in RAS can come in all shapes and sizes. At RASTECH 2025 (June 9-10 in San Diego, Calif., USA), our keynote panel explores how their farms forged their own path of profitability, and on their own terms.

Our panelists:

Thorsten Vammen is the general manager of FREA Solutions, based in Denmark. FREA AS is fully recirculated facility raising rainbow trout in Felding, Denmark. Located just a few metres from FREA Solutions’ headquarters, the facility has been operating since 2014, producing over 2,800 tonnes of fish annually across two 4,000 m² buildings.

Sara Rademaker is the founder and CEO of American Unagi, a glass eel recirculating hashtag#aquaculture farm in Waldoboro, Maine. American Unagi is the first and only producer and processor in the U.S. of locally sourced and harvested American glass eel. The large-scale farm was built in 2023 to produce 240 tonnes annually and plans to double its capacity within the year.

Yosuke Kurihara is the co-founder and CEO of ARK Inc. based in London, U.K. and Tokyo, Japan. Established in 2020, the company developed a small-scale, 10-square-metre Closed Recirculating Aquaculture System (CRAS) known as "ARK" that supports off-the-grid aquaculture with solar power generation and a solar hot water supply. There are currently six units installed and in operation in cities across Japan.

]]>2f5910fa-d074-488a-95e7-15ae1f397137Mon, 30 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -040001:12:10falsefull5757Rethinking fish waste in RAS with Trevor Gent of AlumichemRethinking fish waste in RAS with Trevor Gent of AlumichemTrevor Gent, director of Engineered Solutions at Alumichem, delves into the critical role of wastewater treatment in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). As a "fish poop expert," he emphasizes the importance of early planning and integration of waste management systems. He discusses various treatment options, highlighting the need for regulatory compliance and market development.

]]>Trevor Gent, director of Engineered Solutions at Alumichem, delves into the critical role of wastewater treatment in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). As a "fish poop expert," he emphasizes the importance of early planning and integration of waste management systems. He discusses various treatment options, highlighting the need for regulatory compliance and market development.

]]>dd4d98c3-df57-46ae-a073-f85bcca57ec7Wed, 04 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -040001:02:14falsefull5656Growing with smolt RAS with Bendik Fyhn Terjesen at Cermaq GlobalGrowing with smolt RAS with Bendik Fyhn Terjesen at Cermaq GlobalBendik Fyhn Terjesen is the head of Land-Based Innovation and Development at Cermaq Global. He shares how one of the largest traditional salmon net pen companies became a pioneer of recirculating aquaculture technology. He provides insight on how Cermaq has grown its smolt RAS production over the years and where the company's hopes lie for future expansion.

]]>Bendik Fyhn Terjesen is the head of Land-Based Innovation and Development at Cermaq Global. He shares how one of the largest traditional salmon net pen companies became a pioneer of recirculating aquaculture technology. He provides insight on how Cermaq has grown its smolt RAS production over the years and where the company's hopes lie for future expansion.

]]>e5fbf954-e65b-4e92-a2f0-ea8cd23c49b0Wed, 14 May 2025 09:00:00 -040052:52falsefull5555Expect the unexpected in RAS with Kim Hieronymus Lyhne of Danish SalmonExpect the unexpected in RAS with Kim Hieronymus Lyhne of Danish SalmonDanish Salmon, founded in 2009, is one of the oldest RAS companies for Atlantic salmon. The company in Hirtshals, Denmark faced numerous challenges, including system failures and inefficiencies. CEO Kim Hieronymus Lyhne shares lessons from the company's financial turnaround, reporting profits for the first time in 2024 with its annual capacity of 2,300 tons.

]]>Danish Salmon, founded in 2009, is one of the oldest RAS companies for Atlantic salmon. The company in Hirtshals, Denmark faced numerous challenges, including system failures and inefficiencies. CEO Kim Hieronymus Lyhne shares lessons from the company's financial turnaround, reporting profits for the first time in 2024 with its annual capacity of 2,300 tons.

]]>7feeedf1-9d89-4a38-bdc2-347758a9e7e9Mon, 10 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -040049:17falsefull5454Simple and buildable RAS projects with John Hansen at Hansen International Business ConsultingSimple and buildable RAS projects with John Hansen at Hansen International Business ConsultingJohn Hansen, a project director in the RAS industry, discussed his experience and responsibilities, including managing design and construction for land-based fish farms. He emphasized the importance of early involvement in projects to ensure constructability and avoid costly changes. He also stressed the need for simplicity in design to keep costs and timelines manageable.

]]>John Hansen, a project director in the RAS industry, discussed his experience and responsibilities, including managing design and construction for land-based fish farms. He emphasized the importance of early involvement in projects to ensure constructability and avoid costly changes. He also stressed the need for simplicity in design to keep costs and timelines manageable.

]]>18028428-87d0-497b-a1a8-5a9be3a53d5cThu, 16 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -040058:53falsefull5353Icelandic community and collaboration with Chris Malanka and Óskar Jósúason from LaxeyIcelandic community and collaboration with Chris Malanka and Óskar Jósúason from LaxeyLaxey's freshwater manager, Chris Malanka, manages four RAS facilities, focusing on fish health, production planning, and water quality. This RAS project in Iceland's Westman Islands aims to produce four million smolts annually, with a gradual startup plan. Public relations manager, Óskar Jósúason, also tells the story of how a local male choir's visit to the newly built growout tanks represents the company's emphasis on collaboration and community-building. 

]]>Laxey's freshwater manager, Chris Malanka, manages four RAS facilities, focusing on fish health, production planning, and water quality. This RAS project in Iceland's Westman Islands aims to produce four million smolts annually, with a gradual startup plan. Public relations manager, Óskar Jósúason, also tells the story of how a local male choir's visit to the newly built growout tanks represents the company's emphasis on collaboration and community-building. 

]]>e3626950-961c-46e6-b9ce-f4209b986764Mon, 18 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -040051:53falsefull5252Disrupting the sustainable value chain with Tommi Mäkinen of Finnforel TechnologiesDisrupting the sustainable value chain with Tommi Mäkinen of Finnforel TechnologiesTommi Mäkinen, chief technology officer and head of Finnforel Technologies, talks about the company's philosophy of making each process of rainbow trout RAS production sustainable and innovative. He shares a breakdown of their new Varkaus gigafactory and the lessons they learned from its previous pilot systems to make its large-scale facility optimized from egg to packaged filet.

]]>Tommi Mäkinen, chief technology officer and head of Finnforel Technologies, talks about the company's philosophy of making each process of rainbow trout RAS production sustainable and innovative. He shares a breakdown of their new Varkaus gigafactory and the lessons they learned from its previous pilot systems to make its large-scale facility optimized from egg to packaged filet.

]]>29657611-1452-4d25-99bb-4685f28e8e89Wed, 16 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -040056:06falsefull5151Balancing biology and business with Fabian Riedel and Bert Wecker of OceanloopBalancing biology and business with Fabian Riedel and Bert Wecker of OceanloopFabian Rydell and Bert Wecker, the co-CEOs of Oceanloop Group, share about their German-based company raising shrimp and grouper in their unique vertical farming-style, recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). We explore the technical and operational challenges the company has overcome, as well as their ambitious plans for scaling up production across Europe.

]]>Fabian Rydell and Bert Wecker, the co-CEOs of Oceanloop Group, share about their German-based company raising shrimp and grouper in their unique vertical farming-style, recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). We explore the technical and operational challenges the company has overcome, as well as their ambitious plans for scaling up production across Europe.

]]>ff94fdbd-2e31-45a2-955b-81fdaa9fd2d3Mon, 16 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -040001:08:56falsefull5050Natural advantages of flowthrough with Martin Rasmussen of Andfjord SalmonNatural advantages of flowthrough with Martin Rasmussen of Andfjord SalmonReflecting on the company’s first year of production, CEO Martin Rasmussen emphasizes Andfjord Salmon’s concept of combining the natural benefits of the sea with the advantages of being on land, leveraging the company's unique location near the Gulf Stream for optimal water temperature and quality.

]]>Reflecting on the company’s first year of production, CEO Martin Rasmussen emphasizes Andfjord Salmon’s concept of combining the natural benefits of the sea with the advantages of being on land, leveraging the company's unique location near the Gulf Stream for optimal water temperature and quality.

]]>13bf7090-7124-4fe8-9ae9-0b414e04860eWed, 28 Aug 2024 08:00:00 -040056:58falsefull4949RASTECH24: Commissioning to success with James Tuller of Pure Salmon TechnologyRASTECH24: Commissioning to success with James Tuller of Pure Salmon TechnologyJames Peter Henry Tuller is the commissioning manager at Norway-based Pure Salmon Technology. On the second day (June 6) of the RASTECH 2024 Conference and Trade Fair, Tuller took the stage to give attendees a simple breakdown of the commissioning process for a RAS facility. He talks about the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to this final step before system startup.

]]>James Peter Henry Tuller is the commissioning manager at Norway-based Pure Salmon Technology. On the second day (June 6) of the RASTECH 2024 Conference and Trade Fair, Tuller took the stage to give attendees a simple breakdown of the commissioning process for a RAS facility. He talks about the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to this final step before system startup.

]]>79a436cc-abbd-4f8d-9d79-40620c4a2901Fri, 12 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -040054:40falsefull4848RASTECH24: A vision for RAS' future with Ohad Maiman and Thue Holm of Aqua Founders CapitalRASTECH24: A vision for RAS' future with Ohad Maiman and Thue Holm of Aqua Founders CapitalAqua Founders Capital managing directors, Ohad Maiman and Thue Holm, share insights on the challenges they hope to address in the recirculating aquaculture industry. They also offer an update on their latest projects, Farm in a Box and The Black Cod Company. This episode is a live recording of the keynote session at RASTECH 2024 Conference and Trade Fair on June 5, 2024 in Charlotte, N.C., USA.

]]>Aqua Founders Capital managing directors, Ohad Maiman and Thue Holm, share insights on the challenges they hope to address in the recirculating aquaculture industry. They also offer an update on their latest projects, Farm in a Box and The Black Cod Company. This episode is a live recording of the keynote session at RASTECH 2024 Conference and Trade Fair on June 5, 2024 in Charlotte, N.C., USA.

]]>2f459378-410b-4b80-861c-c157f9b111b4Mon, 24 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -040057:04falsefull4747“5 To Watch” at RASTECH 2024: Xylem, Booths 22 & 23“5 To Watch” at RASTECH 2024: Xylem, Booths 22 & 23In RASTECH’s new mini-podcast series, “5 To Watch”, recorded ahead of RASTECH 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina (Jun 5-6), host Mari-Len De Guzman talks with Matthew Smith of Xylem, the event’s Diamond Sponsor, about the company’s various technologies and solutions for RAS operations.

]]>In RASTECH’s new mini-podcast series, “5 To Watch”, recorded ahead of RASTECH 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina (Jun 5-6), host Mari-Len De Guzman talks with Matthew Smith of Xylem, the event’s Diamond Sponsor, about the company’s various technologies and solutions for RAS operations.

]]>2078f3a3-890d-43e9-9422-b5f723f0f33aThu, 16 May 2024 08:00:00 -040009:56falsefull4646“5 To Watch” at RASTECH 2024: Octaform, Booth 9“5 To Watch” at RASTECH 2024: Octaform, Booth 9In our new mini-series, “5 To Watch”, recorded ahead of RASTECH 2024 in Charlotte, N.C., USA (June 5-6, 2024), host Mari-Len De Guzman talks with Callum Graham of Octaform about their tank technology for new RAS projects, fish welfare, and restorative solutions for degraded concrete tanks. Also, who and what to expect at Octaform’s booth at this year’s RASTECH event.

This episode is sponsored by Octaform.

]]>In our new mini-series, “5 To Watch”, recorded ahead of RASTECH 2024 in Charlotte, N.C., USA (June 5-6, 2024), host Mari-Len De Guzman talks with Callum Graham of Octaform about their tank technology for new RAS projects, fish welfare, and restorative solutions for degraded concrete tanks. Also, who and what to expect at Octaform’s booth at this year’s RASTECH event.

This episode is sponsored by Octaform.

]]>53df884d-838c-487b-b8ea-a99959fcee45Tue, 30 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -040012:47falsefull4545“5 To Watch” at RASTECH 2024: Aquatic Equipment & Design, Booth 24“5 To Watch” at RASTECH 2024: Aquatic Equipment & Design, Booth 24In this new mini-series, “5 To Watch”, recorded ahead of RASTECH 2024 in Charlotte, N.C., USA (June 5-6, 2024), host Mari-Len De Guzman talks with Jason Danaher of Aquatic Equipment & Design about their aquaculture technology solutions such as mechanical filtration and new aeration diffusers. Also, what to expect at Aquatic E&D’s booth this year and their team’s contribution in chairing sessions on Water Quality and Waste & Sludge treatment.

This episode is sponsored by Aquatic Equipment & Design.

]]>In this new mini-series, “5 To Watch”, recorded ahead of RASTECH 2024 in Charlotte, N.C., USA (June 5-6, 2024), host Mari-Len De Guzman talks with Jason Danaher of Aquatic Equipment & Design about their aquaculture technology solutions such as mechanical filtration and new aeration diffusers. Also, what to expect at Aquatic E&D’s booth this year and their team’s contribution in chairing sessions on Water Quality and Waste & Sludge treatment.

This episode is sponsored by Aquatic Equipment & Design.

]]>8814eba5-f5c0-485e-910d-c62c54a17cf8Tue, 30 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -040007:24falsefull4444“5 To Watch” at RASTECH 2024: Aquaculture Systems Technologies, Booth 34“5 To Watch” at RASTECH 2024: Aquaculture Systems Technologies, Booth 34In our new mini-series, “5 To Watch”, recorded ahead of RASTECH 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina (June 5-6, 2024), host Mari-Len De Guzman talks with Michael Malone of Aquaculture Systems Technologies about their new incubation system, bead filtration and wastewater treatment technologies. Also, who and what to expect at AST’s booth at this year’s RASTECH event.

This episode is sponsored by Aquaculture Systems Technologies.

]]>In our new mini-series, “5 To Watch”, recorded ahead of RASTECH 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina (June 5-6, 2024), host Mari-Len De Guzman talks with Michael Malone of Aquaculture Systems Technologies about their new incubation system, bead filtration and wastewater treatment technologies. Also, who and what to expect at AST’s booth at this year’s RASTECH event.

This episode is sponsored by Aquaculture Systems Technologies.

]]>fcc000ba-b139-4108-b073-72c881c9b51dTue, 30 Apr 2024 08:00:00 -040009:09falsefull4444“5 To Watch” at RASTECH 2024: ATLANTIUM, Booth 57“5 To Watch” at RASTECH 2024: ATLANTIUM, Booth 57In a new mini-series, “5 To Watch”, recorded ahead of the RASTECH 2024 conference in Charlotte, N.C., USA (June 5-6, 2024), host Mari-Len De Guzman talks with Aran Lavi of Atlantium Technologies Ltd. about the company’s current solutions for water biosecurity based on their medium pressure UV technology. Also, who and what to expect at Atlantium’s booth at this year’s RASTECH event.

This episode is sponsored by Atlantium Technologies Ltd.

]]>In a new mini-series, “5 To Watch”, recorded ahead of the RASTECH 2024 conference in Charlotte, N.C., USA (June 5-6, 2024), host Mari-Len De Guzman talks with Aran Lavi of Atlantium Technologies Ltd. about the company’s current solutions for water biosecurity based on their medium pressure UV technology. Also, who and what to expect at Atlantium’s booth at this year’s RASTECH event.

This episode is sponsored by Atlantium Technologies Ltd.

]]>3d1f5fab-c8d2-4867-942b-b3cf4a46c1d4Tue, 30 Apr 2024 08:00:00 -040012:22falsefull4343The ongoing study of off-flavour with John Davidson of The Freshwater InstituteThe ongoing study of off-flavour with John Davidson of The Freshwater InstituteResearch scientist, John Davidson, and The Freshwater Institute team are conducting some of the leading research around understanding off-flavour in recirculating aquaculture systems. In this episode, he shares his latest findings with co-hosts Jean Ko Din and Justin Henry. They talk about how conversations around off-flavour in the industry have changed over time.

]]>Research scientist, John Davidson, and The Freshwater Institute team are conducting some of the leading research around understanding off-flavour in recirculating aquaculture systems. In this episode, he shares his latest findings with co-hosts Jean Ko Din and Justin Henry. They talk about how conversations around off-flavour in the industry have changed over time.

]]>10be6589-a24c-44d3-894b-0ac2904c5833Wed, 17 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -040051:16falsefull4242Optimizing control in shrimp RAS with John Diener of Vertical OceansOptimizing control in shrimp RAS with John Diener of Vertical OceansVertical Oceans is a unique recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) for shrimp because it touts itself to be modular, has zero discharge and is almost 94 per cent automated by a complex algorithm. Co-founder and chief executive, John Diener, talks about how he's harnessing his team's expertise in data science and bioinformatics to solve traditional shrimp farming's environmental challenges. 

]]>Vertical Oceans is a unique recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) for shrimp because it touts itself to be modular, has zero discharge and is almost 94 per cent automated by a complex algorithm. Co-founder and chief executive, John Diener, talks about how he's harnessing his team's expertise in data science and bioinformatics to solve traditional shrimp farming's environmental challenges. 

]]>f37effa6-addd-46be-a346-6687f9cc11b9Fri, 15 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -040057:28falsefull4141The start of a Florida aquaculture hub with Megan Sorby of Pine Island RedfishThe start of a Florida aquaculture hub with Megan Sorby of Pine Island RedfishFlorida is home to both red drum fish and red mangroves. Megan Sorby, CEO and founder of Pine Island Redfish, has a vision to sustainably farm both in her new 150-acre RAS project. She sits down with Jean Ko Din and Justin Henry about her experience finding an aquaculture community in the state and her hopes to bring more RAS innovation to the industry.

]]>Florida is home to both red drum fish and red mangroves. Megan Sorby, CEO and founder of Pine Island Redfish, has a vision to sustainably farm both in her new 150-acre RAS project. She sits down with Jean Ko Din and Justin Henry about her experience finding an aquaculture community in the state and her hopes to bring more RAS innovation to the industry.

]]>a56a3702-ee7d-4600-bd4e-55389dbe2646Mon, 19 Feb 2024 09:00:00 -040052:31falsefull4040Setting a standard for fish welfare with Borghild Hillestad of Viking AquaSetting a standard for fish welfare with Borghild Hillestad of Viking AquaViking Aqua wants to build the "next generation RAS for Atlantic salmon," planning a 33,000-ton facility in Skipavika, Norway. In this episode, Borghild Hillestad shares how she plays a key role as director of fish welfare in the early design/engineering phase. She also shares the company's plans to establish a Fish Welfare Index that will set parameters for the facility’s artificial intelligence (AI) monitoring system.

]]>Viking Aqua wants to build the "next generation RAS for Atlantic salmon," planning a 33,000-ton facility in Skipavika, Norway. In this episode, Borghild Hillestad shares how she plays a key role as director of fish welfare in the early design/engineering phase. She also shares the company's plans to establish a Fish Welfare Index that will set parameters for the facility’s artificial intelligence (AI) monitoring system.

]]>5e265dda-89d1-4fef-8b21-721809cbab3aFri, 12 Jan 2024 09:00:00 -040045:59falsefull3939Disrupting on a smaller scale with Yosuke Kurihara of ARK Inc.Disrupting on a smaller scale with Yosuke Kurihara of ARK Inc.Although reconstruction in the area is over, Fukushima continues to live with the aftermath of the 2011 nuclear accident and its impact on its reputation. Initial ARK Inc.prototypes became a new way to revitalize the small Japanese town's seafood industry. Co-founder Yosuke Kurihara offers a unique take on recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) technology with a micro-scale unit that he hopes will be a new take on "farm to table."

]]>Although reconstruction in the area is over, Fukushima continues to live with the aftermath of the 2011 nuclear accident and its impact on its reputation. Initial ARK Inc.prototypes became a new way to revitalize the small Japanese town's seafood industry. Co-founder Yosuke Kurihara offers a unique take on recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) technology with a micro-scale unit that he hopes will be a new take on "farm to table."

]]>6889fadb-f6bf-4559-96f9-8d7d3e9ddb5aWed, 20 Dec 2023 09:00:00 -040047:06falsefull3838Eel entrepreneurship with Sara Rademaker of American UnagiEel entrepreneurship with Sara Rademaker of American UnagiSara Rademaker is the founder and CEO of American Unagi, a glass eel recirculating aquaculture farm in Maine. She shares the journey of how she started the company from a small RAS system in the basement of her home, to an incubator startup, to now a commercial-scale farm to grow eel domestically.

]]>Sara Rademaker is the founder and CEO of American Unagi, a glass eel recirculating aquaculture farm in Maine. She shares the journey of how she started the company from a small RAS system in the basement of her home, to an incubator startup, to now a commercial-scale farm to grow eel domestically.

]]>1b82a093-1cc9-45db-a858-1e1b7938ef4dTue, 28 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -040034:47falsefull3737World Trout Culture Summit 2023: RAS technologyWorld Trout Culture Summit 2023: RAS technologyHatchery International hosted its first World Trout Culture Summit on Oct. 18, 2023. The virtual event gathered experts across the aquaculture industry to talk about environmentally sustainable trout culture and production. In this special episode of RAS Talk, we share the live recording from a panel of trout RAS experts to talk about the benefits and challenges of recirculating systems, from restocking rainbow and brown trout to commercial farms growing trending species like Steelhead. What is this technology's future role and potential for trout in both enhancement fisheries and aquaculture?

The panel was moderated by David Kuhn, associate professor at Virginia Tech.

Panelists included:

  • Craig Copeland, fish culture manager at the Alberta Ministry of Environment & Parks
  • John Holder, co-founder & director of technology at Gold River Aquafarms
  • Thorsten N. Vammen, general manager of FREA Solutions

]]>Hatchery International hosted its first World Trout Culture Summit on Oct. 18, 2023. The virtual event gathered experts across the aquaculture industry to talk about environmentally sustainable trout culture and production. In this special episode of RAS Talk, we share the live recording from a panel of trout RAS experts to talk about the benefits and challenges of recirculating systems, from restocking rainbow and brown trout to commercial farms growing trending species like Steelhead. What is this technology's future role and potential for trout in both enhancement fisheries and aquaculture?

The panel was moderated by David Kuhn, associate professor at Virginia Tech.

Panelists included:

  • Craig Copeland, fish culture manager at the Alberta Ministry of Environment & Parks
  • John Holder, co-founder & director of technology at Gold River Aquafarms
  • Thorsten N. Vammen, general manager of FREA Solutions

]]>1732a5bb-bcd0-4c63-a7f2-aac35416d529Thu, 16 Nov 2023 08:00:00 -040059:53falsefull3636Can RAS transform shrimp farming? with George Chamberlain from The Center for Responsible SeafoodCan RAS transform shrimp farming? with George Chamberlain from The Center for Responsible SeafoodThis episode was recorded about a month after The Center for Responsible Seafood (TCRS) hosted its inaugural Shrimp Summit (July 24-26, 2023) at Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. TCRS President George Chamberlain shares his reflections on the global shrimp industry and how recirculating aquaculture technology can play a role in its future.

]]>This episode was recorded about a month after The Center for Responsible Seafood (TCRS) hosted its inaugural Shrimp Summit (July 24-26, 2023) at Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. TCRS President George Chamberlain shares his reflections on the global shrimp industry and how recirculating aquaculture technology can play a role in its future.

]]>4b56dc3a-7199-44e3-be58-b5f282fc34c4Mon, 30 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -040038:38falsefull3535Sustainability is more than a name with David Roberts of Sustainable BlueSustainability is more than a name with David Roberts of Sustainable BlueSustainable Blue has captured Washington State's interest for its zero wastewater discharge system for Atlantic salmon. David Roberts, chief sustainability officer, talks about the origins of its first facility in Nova Scotia, Canada and hints at the company's plans for a new facility in the United States. Roberts says that sustainability must be incorporated into all aspects of a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) and in this episode, he shares how the company is working to fulfill the promise of its name while also being profitable.

]]>Sustainable Blue has captured Washington State's interest for its zero wastewater discharge system for Atlantic salmon. David Roberts, chief sustainability officer, talks about the origins of its first facility in Nova Scotia, Canada and hints at the company's plans for a new facility in the United States. Roberts says that sustainability must be incorporated into all aspects of a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) and in this episode, he shares how the company is working to fulfill the promise of its name while also being profitable.

]]>e6b77f50-4229-47d5-b428-dbb07e153799Tue, 24 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -040053:25falsefull3434Grow sustainable U.S. shrimp with Steve Sutton of TransparentSeaGrow sustainable U.S. shrimp with Steve Sutton of TransparentSeaJust 20 mins. from downtown Los Angeles, Steve Sutton established an indoor shrimp RAS farm with a mission to grow clean shrimp products for the U.S. market. In this episode, Steve tells the story of how shrimp farming in Thailand informed his vision for TransparentSea to become a sustainable and profitable farming operation in California.

]]>Just 20 mins. from downtown Los Angeles, Steve Sutton established an indoor shrimp RAS farm with a mission to grow clean shrimp products for the U.S. market. In this episode, Steve tells the story of how shrimp farming in Thailand informed his vision for TransparentSea to become a sustainable and profitable farming operation in California.

]]>b3a49783-35c8-4d46-98c5-c6f9339060d8Mon, 14 Aug 2023 08:00:00 -040048:14falsefull3333Leading with confidence with Trond Håkon Schaug-Pettersen of Salmon EvolutionLeading with confidence with Trond Håkon Schaug-Pettersen of Salmon EvolutionSalmon Evolution is one of the few success stories that the RAS industry can point to and as it looks ahead to the next phase, CEO Trond Håkon Schaug-Pettersen shared some insights that led to the company’s success so far. He talked about harnessing the simplicity of a partial reuse system, bringing the lessons of Phase One to its next expansions and his confidence in the company’s future.

]]>Salmon Evolution is one of the few success stories that the RAS industry can point to and as it looks ahead to the next phase, CEO Trond Håkon Schaug-Pettersen shared some insights that led to the company’s success so far. He talked about harnessing the simplicity of a partial reuse system, bringing the lessons of Phase One to its next expansions and his confidence in the company’s future.

]]>523b3a1c-2183-4e26-abb5-2fec6f2ca02fFri, 14 Jul 2023 09:00:00 -040046:08falsefull3232RASTECH23: Lessons Learned live keynote recordingRASTECH23: Lessons Learned live keynote recordingThe RAS industry is not for the faint of heart. The purpose of this “Lessons learned” keynote is to identify those challenges we are facing right now and sharing experiences of how to solve these problems. At RASTECH 2023, we wanted to talk about the mistakes and the setbacks, but always in the spirit of learning how to progress and develop from them.

Panelists:

  • Damien Claire, chief sales and marketing officer at Atlantic Sapphire
  • Per Heggelund, founder of AquaSeed, Sweet Spring Salmon and now, Andfjord Salmon
  • Justin Henry, owner of Henry Aquaculture Consult and aquaculture business director at University of British Columbia
  • Sylvia Wulf, president and chief executive of AquaBounty Technologies

]]>The RAS industry is not for the faint of heart. The purpose of this “Lessons learned” keynote is to identify those challenges we are facing right now and sharing experiences of how to solve these problems. At RASTECH 2023, we wanted to talk about the mistakes and the setbacks, but always in the spirit of learning how to progress and develop from them.

Panelists:

  • Damien Claire, chief sales and marketing officer at Atlantic Sapphire
  • Per Heggelund, founder of AquaSeed, Sweet Spring Salmon and now, Andfjord Salmon
  • Justin Henry, owner of Henry Aquaculture Consult and aquaculture business director at University of British Columbia
  • Sylvia Wulf, president and chief executive of AquaBounty Technologies

]]>c0395944-9b70-40b8-a130-0acbca347167Thu, 18 May 2023 09:00:00 -040001:12:00falsefull3131Honing blue crab RAS with Rodrigo Mezerhane of Blue Star FoodsHoning blue crab RAS with Rodrigo Mezerhane of Blue Star FoodsRodrigo Mezerhane is the senior project manager at Blue Star Foods in the United States and his latest project is an interesting venture into a unique species in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). Atlantic blue crabs are cannibalistic which makes juvenile survival rates in captivity very low. This project's solution is to capture Atlantic blue crabs from local fishermen and raise the stock through its late molting stage, instead of raising it in land from its early stages. But this doesn't mean the species still doesn't come with challenges. Rodrigo shares the meticulous challenge of establishing good Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in order for the facility to raise the blue crabs to be ready and harvested for consumers. 

]]>Rodrigo Mezerhane is the senior project manager at Blue Star Foods in the United States and his latest project is an interesting venture into a unique species in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). Atlantic blue crabs are cannibalistic which makes juvenile survival rates in captivity very low. This project's solution is to capture Atlantic blue crabs from local fishermen and raise the stock through its late molting stage, instead of raising it in land from its early stages. But this doesn't mean the species still doesn't come with challenges. Rodrigo shares the meticulous challenge of establishing good Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in order for the facility to raise the blue crabs to be ready and harvested for consumers. 

]]>062391cb-f809-419e-ac27-f61a61f77809Mon, 10 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -040032:31falsefull3030Changing the system in Korea with Woo-Jai Lee of BluGenChanging the system in Korea with Woo-Jai Lee of BluGenAfter cultivating his genomics expertise in the United States and in Norway, Woo-Jai Lee returns to his homeland in South Korea to start an olive flounder RAS project in Goheung. Raising olive flounder, a.k.a. Japanese halibut, in a recirculating aquaculture system has its unique challenges. BlueGen founder & CEO Woo-Jai shares the challenges and innovations of building a 1,700 MT/year facility for this flatfish marine species.

]]>After cultivating his genomics expertise in the United States and in Norway, Woo-Jai Lee returns to his homeland in South Korea to start an olive flounder RAS project in Goheung. Raising olive flounder, a.k.a. Japanese halibut, in a recirculating aquaculture system has its unique challenges. BlueGen founder & CEO Woo-Jai shares the challenges and innovations of building a 1,700 MT/year facility for this flatfish marine species.

]]>b3377545-d243-4d9f-bb29-62a4a114bf33Mon, 27 Mar 2023 09:00:00 -040039:42falsefull2929The rise of Japanese RAS with Dharma Rajeswaran of Proximar SeafoodThe rise of Japanese RAS with Dharma Rajeswaran of Proximar SeafoodMore commercial-size RAS projects are propping up in Japan. In this episode, we get an inside look at one of the largest projects with Dharma Rajeswaran, chief operations officer at Proximar Seafood. He shares about his long history in salmon farming, from traditional net pens in Norway to recirculating aquaculture in Atlantic Sapphire.

]]>More commercial-size RAS projects are propping up in Japan. In this episode, we get an inside look at one of the largest projects with Dharma Rajeswaran, chief operations officer at Proximar Seafood. He shares about his long history in salmon farming, from traditional net pens in Norway to recirculating aquaculture in Atlantic Sapphire.

]]>c58426ae-f504-4f99-a68f-574c5a81c462Mon, 20 Feb 2023 09:00:00 -040033:52falsefull2828Next generation farming with Kevin Hoffman of Onalaska High SchoolNext generation farming with Kevin Hoffman of Onalaska High SchoolIt truly takes a village to raise the next generation of recirculating aquaculture farmers. Kevin Hoffman is the instructor and program manager for Onalaska High School’s aquaculture program in Washington State, United States. Through his hands-on program, students learn many practical skills, including feeding, sampling, fish husbandry, construction and maintenance. In this episode, Kevin shares how he grew this program to what it is today and how others can do the same.

]]>It truly takes a village to raise the next generation of recirculating aquaculture farmers. Kevin Hoffman is the instructor and program manager for Onalaska High School’s aquaculture program in Washington State, United States. Through his hands-on program, students learn many practical skills, including feeding, sampling, fish husbandry, construction and maintenance. In this episode, Kevin shares how he grew this program to what it is today and how others can do the same.

]]>d4460657-4bc4-426b-9486-927aa1bad464Mon, 30 Jan 2023 09:00:00 -040053:14falsefull2727Building community around RAS with Dianna Fletcher of Kingfish MaineBuilding community around RAS with Dianna Fletcher of Kingfish MaineLast July, Kingfish Maine was forced to go head-to-head against an anti-aquaculture group that wanted to put a stop to all aquaculture development in Jonesport, Maine, USA. The aquaculture moratorium was put to a vote and local residents rejected the proposal 201 to 91. Now that the road is clear for the company to begin construction, Dianna Fletcher, communications consultant, shares how the company earned its social license through targeted public relations strategies.

]]>Last July, Kingfish Maine was forced to go head-to-head against an anti-aquaculture group that wanted to put a stop to all aquaculture development in Jonesport, Maine, USA. The aquaculture moratorium was put to a vote and local residents rejected the proposal 201 to 91. Now that the road is clear for the company to begin construction, Dianna Fletcher, communications consultant, shares how the company earned its social license through targeted public relations strategies.

]]>e0ffde6d-a744-42f2-85b5-cae754da481fFri, 25 Nov 2022 09:00:00 -040040:09falsefull2626Ensuring food security with Esben Johnsen of Singapore RASEnsuring food security with Esben Johnsen of Singapore RASWhen the island country of Singapore imports more than 90 per cent of its food supply, this new RAS project hopes to be a local solution. Esben Johnsen is the chief executive officer of Singapore RAS. Coming from Norway’s oil and gas industry, he understands the power and possibilities of land-based aquaculture.

]]>When the island country of Singapore imports more than 90 per cent of its food supply, this new RAS project hopes to be a local solution. Esben Johnsen is the chief executive officer of Singapore RAS. Coming from Norway’s oil and gas industry, he understands the power and possibilities of land-based aquaculture.

]]>061d74e5-5091-4bef-9b82-39a557cb76d1Tue, 20 Sep 2022 09:00:00 -040036:27falsefull2525Circular food with Miguel Portus at Lago SofiaCircular food with Miguel Portus at Lago SofiaLago Sofia’s chief executive and general manager, Miguel Portus O., shares the company’s philosophy in making the most of all its resources, not just its recirculating water at its Atlantic salmon smolt RAS facility in Chile. For example, the company collects plastics from partner companies to use as materials to build palettes for its facility. They also collect wood from its feed pallets to create furniture for local partners. Portus also gives new insight to its first aquaponics project in the United States.

]]>Lago Sofia’s chief executive and general manager, Miguel Portus O., shares the company’s philosophy in making the most of all its resources, not just its recirculating water at its Atlantic salmon smolt RAS facility in Chile. For example, the company collects plastics from partner companies to use as materials to build palettes for its facility. They also collect wood from its feed pallets to create furniture for local partners. Portus also gives new insight to its first aquaponics project in the United States.

]]>663a17c3-ab34-48a2-8182-7b03e0c0258eMon, 08 Aug 2022 09:00:00 -040031:19falsefull2424Hard path to innovation with Johan Andreassen of Atlantic SapphireHard path to innovation with Johan Andreassen of Atlantic SapphireAtlantic Sapphire CEO Johan Andreassen called 2021 the company’s “Annus Horribilis.” From losing the chillers in Miami to the devastating fire in Denmark, Atlantic Sapphire made headlines for mass mortalities caused by a chain of unfortunate events. In this episode, Andreassen talks to our co-hosts, Jean Ko Din and Brian Vinci, about lessons learned from last year and how the company plans to move forward in transforming the industry’s future.

]]>Atlantic Sapphire CEO Johan Andreassen called 2021 the company’s “Annus Horribilis.” From losing the chillers in Miami to the devastating fire in Denmark, Atlantic Sapphire made headlines for mass mortalities caused by a chain of unfortunate events. In this episode, Andreassen talks to our co-hosts, Jean Ko Din and Brian Vinci, about lessons learned from last year and how the company plans to move forward in transforming the industry’s future.

]]>36aec9b3-cc0d-4791-9a64-009d75a1228cThu, 30 Jun 2022 09:00:00 -040040:21falsefull2323Building Ukrainian RAS with Lubomir Haidamaka of Vismar AquaBuilding Ukrainian RAS with Lubomir Haidamaka of Vismar AquaVismar Aqua is a Ukrainian RAS design firm that built the largest RAS shrimp farm in Europe, Merman’s House. When Russia’s invasion forced the farm to close after only four months in operation, the company decided to donate its first batches of shrimp to the Ukrainian army. Founder and chief technology officer, Lubomir Haidamaka, sits down with co-hosts, Jean Ko Din and Brian Vinci, to share his story from his office in Kyiv, Ukraine.

]]>Vismar Aqua is a Ukrainian RAS design firm that built the largest RAS shrimp farm in Europe, Merman’s House. When Russia’s invasion forced the farm to close after only four months in operation, the company decided to donate its first batches of shrimp to the Ukrainian army. Founder and chief technology officer, Lubomir Haidamaka, sits down with co-hosts, Jean Ko Din and Brian Vinci, to share his story from his office in Kyiv, Ukraine.

]]>08250d9a-a006-40f3-b6de-78354d85a95fMon, 06 Jun 2022 09:00:00 -040038:36falsefull2222Talking aquaponics with Tracy Nazzaro of Traders Hill FarmTalking aquaponics with Tracy Nazzaro of Traders Hill FarmAquaponics is often described as the combination of recirculating aquaculture with hydroponics. Many favour it as the ultimate circular food production system, utilizing waste from the production of fish to be used as nutrients for the production of plants like leafy greens and tomatoes. In our world today, the aquaponics model is still appealing and is an example of the circular food systems that we’ll need for a sustainable future. Currently, there are a few moderate to large aquaponics operations running in the U.S.: Superior Fresh in Wisconsin, Springworks Farm in Maine, and Traders Hill Farm in Florida. In this episode of RAS Talk, co-host Brian Vinci, director of the Conservation Fund’s Freshwater Institute, sat down to talk all things aquaponics with Tracy Nazzaro, principal and president for Traders Hill Farm.

]]>Aquaponics is often described as the combination of recirculating aquaculture with hydroponics. Many favour it as the ultimate circular food production system, utilizing waste from the production of fish to be used as nutrients for the production of plants like leafy greens and tomatoes. In our world today, the aquaponics model is still appealing and is an example of the circular food systems that we’ll need for a sustainable future. Currently, there are a few moderate to large aquaponics operations running in the U.S.: Superior Fresh in Wisconsin, Springworks Farm in Maine, and Traders Hill Farm in Florida. In this episode of RAS Talk, co-host Brian Vinci, director of the Conservation Fund’s Freshwater Institute, sat down to talk all things aquaponics with Tracy Nazzaro, principal and president for Traders Hill Farm.

]]>c6208ff2-ad4b-4355-b845-bc63b862f5e5Mon, 07 Feb 2022 09:00:00 -040038:53falsefull2121An inside look at Australia’s aquaculture industryAn inside look at Australia’s aquaculture industryPast RAS Talk episodes have had a particular focus on various salmon and trout species because they’re known to be some of the more ‘established’

aquaculture species in Europe and North America. However, globally, barramundi, also known as Asian sea bass, is an aquaculture-established species. Production is

especially established in Australia, where MainStream Aquaculture, said to have the largest warm water aquaculture farm of its type and is also the largest Barramundi

fingerling supplier in Australia and the world, has its five facilities. In the final RAS Talk episode of 2021, Dr. Paul Harrison, co-founder and chief scientist at MainStream

Aquaculture gives listeners a peak into the aquaculture industry in Australia and MainStream Aquaculture’s operations.

]]>Past RAS Talk episodes have had a particular focus on various salmon and trout species because they’re known to be some of the more ‘established’

aquaculture species in Europe and North America. However, globally, barramundi, also known as Asian sea bass, is an aquaculture-established species. Production is

especially established in Australia, where MainStream Aquaculture, said to have the largest warm water aquaculture farm of its type and is also the largest Barramundi

fingerling supplier in Australia and the world, has its five facilities. In the final RAS Talk episode of 2021, Dr. Paul Harrison, co-founder and chief scientist at MainStream

Aquaculture gives listeners a peak into the aquaculture industry in Australia and MainStream Aquaculture’s operations.

]]>fe1502f1-ced6-47d7-a3a7-9f1cd667b55dThu, 23 Dec 2021 09:00:00 -040040:33falsefull2020The Seafood Nutrition Partnership – Achieving goals through RASThe Seafood Nutrition Partnership – Achieving goals through RASLooking to raise awareness and educate Americans of the benefits of regularly eating seafood to achieve a healthier diet, as well as advocate for the recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) sector and aquaculture industry to achieve an overall more environmentally-friendly and sustainable seafood industry, the Seafood Nutrition Partnership’s (SNP’s) Founder, Linda Cornish, sat down with hosts, Catarina Muia and Brian Vinci for this episode of RAS Talk. Linda discussed the important goals the SNP is looking to achieve, and how the RAS sector and aquaculture industries can help achieve these goals.

]]>Looking to raise awareness and educate Americans of the benefits of regularly eating seafood to achieve a healthier diet, as well as advocate for the recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) sector and aquaculture industry to achieve an overall more environmentally-friendly and sustainable seafood industry, the Seafood Nutrition Partnership’s (SNP’s) Founder, Linda Cornish, sat down with hosts, Catarina Muia and Brian Vinci for this episode of RAS Talk. Linda discussed the important goals the SNP is looking to achieve, and how the RAS sector and aquaculture industries can help achieve these goals.

]]>d5fbed57-77b8-4d70-88c6-fe93fd6f4d1dMon, 25 Oct 2021 09:00:00 -040031:37falsefull1919RAS in public fish hatcheries: What’s taking so long?RAS in public fish hatcheries: What’s taking so long?Public fish hatcheries have a long history in North America, with many culture methods and innovations used in today’s commercial aquaculture industry, first developed at public fish hatcheries. This includes water reuse. While water reuse was initially very basic, as the understanding of fish biology and water quality increased, so did the ways in which water was treated for reuse. Some of the first water reuse systems that included a biofilter and oxygenation, were built at public fish hatcheries. These basic RAS were predecessors to the intensive RAS used in today’s commercial operations. There are a good number of water reuse systems and intensive RAS at public fish hatcheries today, but few public fish hatchery programs have adopted intensive RAS like the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. During this episode of RAS Talk, Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s Jeff Milton, Sport Fish Hatchery program supervisor, and Travis Hyer, Ruth Burnett Sport Fish Hatchery manager, give us some insight on how their public hatcheries have successfully moved toward RAS.

]]>Public fish hatcheries have a long history in North America, with many culture methods and innovations used in today’s commercial aquaculture industry, first developed at public fish hatcheries. This includes water reuse. While water reuse was initially very basic, as the understanding of fish biology and water quality increased, so did the ways in which water was treated for reuse. Some of the first water reuse systems that included a biofilter and oxygenation, were built at public fish hatcheries. These basic RAS were predecessors to the intensive RAS used in today’s commercial operations. There are a good number of water reuse systems and intensive RAS at public fish hatcheries today, but few public fish hatchery programs have adopted intensive RAS like the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. During this episode of RAS Talk, Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s Jeff Milton, Sport Fish Hatchery program supervisor, and Travis Hyer, Ruth Burnett Sport Fish Hatchery manager, give us some insight on how their public hatcheries have successfully moved toward RAS.

]]>9520de38-cde5-431f-ba91-cf7aab4190bfThu, 30 Sep 2021 09:00:00 -040041:18falsefull1818Atlantic salmon genetics: Where are we, and where can we improve?Atlantic salmon genetics: Where are we, and where can we improve?The RAS-produced Atlantic salmon sector has come a long way since its inception in the late 1990s, with the industry has continuously striving for success. However, it took time to get the technology there, with RAS technological components evolving greatly in the past 20-23 years. Today, we continue to improve technology and RAS facilities to produce high-quality Atlantic salmon, but must look at the biology of Atlantic salmon as well, focusing on genetic improvements to the eggs to create quality stock, as well as avoid diseases, mass mortalities, and early maturation. In this episode of RAS Talk, co-hosts Catarina Muia and Brian Vinci speak with Dr. Jónas Jónasson, Production Director at BMK Genetics & CEO at Benchmark Genetics Iceland, and Christopher Good, Director of Research at the Conservation Fund Freshwater Institute, to see how the industry is prioritizing and moving forward with the improvements of Atlantic salmon genetics.

]]>The RAS-produced Atlantic salmon sector has come a long way since its inception in the late 1990s, with the industry has continuously striving for success. However, it took time to get the technology there, with RAS technological components evolving greatly in the past 20-23 years. Today, we continue to improve technology and RAS facilities to produce high-quality Atlantic salmon, but must look at the biology of Atlantic salmon as well, focusing on genetic improvements to the eggs to create quality stock, as well as avoid diseases, mass mortalities, and early maturation. In this episode of RAS Talk, co-hosts Catarina Muia and Brian Vinci speak with Dr. Jónas Jónasson, Production Director at BMK Genetics & CEO at Benchmark Genetics Iceland, and Christopher Good, Director of Research at the Conservation Fund Freshwater Institute, to see how the industry is prioritizing and moving forward with the improvements of Atlantic salmon genetics.

]]>4a9478cc-da3d-40a4-b49d-fc6417a11bd7Mon, 30 Aug 2021 09:00:00 -040033:32falsefull1717What’s the deal with shrimp RAS?What’s the deal with shrimp RAS?With much talk, research and new projects circulating the land-based shrimp production sector, RAS Talk was curious to gain perspective from a shrimp recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) professional. Patrick Wood, global consultant and expert on shrimp production technology and innovation, sat down with RAS Talk hosts Catarina Muia and Brian Vinci, to discuss the current technologies being utilized in the land-based shrimp production sector including RAS technologies, the necessary areas of improvement in RAS for shrimp production, where the land-based shrimp production industry is headed, and more.

]]>With much talk, research and new projects circulating the land-based shrimp production sector, RAS Talk was curious to gain perspective from a shrimp recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) professional. Patrick Wood, global consultant and expert on shrimp production technology and innovation, sat down with RAS Talk hosts Catarina Muia and Brian Vinci, to discuss the current technologies being utilized in the land-based shrimp production sector including RAS technologies, the necessary areas of improvement in RAS for shrimp production, where the land-based shrimp production industry is headed, and more.

]]>84fab384-4df0-4df6-b050-c0fe9e07fbe6Wed, 28 Jul 2021 09:00:00 -040047:32falsefull1616RAS Talk: Exploring technology development with Professor Yonathan ZoharRAS Talk: Exploring technology development with Professor Yonathan ZoharThis week, RAS Talk host Brian Vinci had the opportunity to speak with Yonathan Zohar, Professor and Chair of the Department of Marine Biotechnology at the Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology (IMET), University of Maryland, Baltimore County and Director, Aquaculture Research Center at IMET, as well as Program Leader of Recirculating Aquaculture Salmon Network (RAS-N). With more than 40 years in the marine biology industry, Yonathan discusses the use and combination of biotechnology with RAStech, the importance of project RAS-N and its potential outcomes, as well as the projects he and his team have had the opportunity to work on, at IMET.

]]>This week, RAS Talk host Brian Vinci had the opportunity to speak with Yonathan Zohar, Professor and Chair of the Department of Marine Biotechnology at the Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology (IMET), University of Maryland, Baltimore County and Director, Aquaculture Research Center at IMET, as well as Program Leader of Recirculating Aquaculture Salmon Network (RAS-N). With more than 40 years in the marine biology industry, Yonathan discusses the use and combination of biotechnology with RAStech, the importance of project RAS-N and its potential outcomes, as well as the projects he and his team have had the opportunity to work on, at IMET.

]]>475f8755-cc40-439f-bc69-dd5505ceece0Fri, 18 Jun 2021 09:00:00 -040052:02falsefull1515RAS Talk: Profile on MatorkaRAS Talk: Profile on MatorkaIn this episode, hosts Mari-Len De Guzman and Brian Vinci talk with Árni Páll Einarsson, CEO of Matorka, a pioneer in land-based production of arctic char based in Grindavik, Iceland. Einarsson talks about his company’s journey through its RAS production and the opportunities for sustainable seafood production in Iceland.

Guest: Árni Páll Einarsson, CEO, Matorka

]]>In this episode, hosts Mari-Len De Guzman and Brian Vinci talk with Árni Páll Einarsson, CEO of Matorka, a pioneer in land-based production of arctic char based in Grindavik, Iceland. Einarsson talks about his company’s journey through its RAS production and the opportunities for sustainable seafood production in Iceland.

Guest: Árni Páll Einarsson, CEO, Matorka

]]>3bab159d-2950-4093-b64e-64887967a584Fri, 14 May 2021 09:00:00 -040038:10falsefull1414RAS Talk: Promoting sustainable seafoodRAS Talk: Promoting sustainable seafoodBridging the gap between seafood producers and consumers is key to pushing the agenda of sustainability in the aquaculture industry. In this episode, hosts Brian Vinci and Mari-Len De Guzman speak with sustainable seafood advocate Jennifer Bushman about some of the practical and meaningful ways seafood producers can engage their consumers.

]]>Bridging the gap between seafood producers and consumers is key to pushing the agenda of sustainability in the aquaculture industry. In this episode, hosts Brian Vinci and Mari-Len De Guzman speak with sustainable seafood advocate Jennifer Bushman about some of the practical and meaningful ways seafood producers can engage their consumers.

]]>3f69c530-a492-4225-a9fb-b36cc7ea5b36Thu, 15 Apr 2021 09:00:00 -040036:47falsefull1313RAS Talk: Hunger gamesRAS Talk: Hunger gamesFeeds are a critical component of any RAS production environment – it can make or break the health of both fish and systems. This episode provides a variety of perspectives when it comes to fish feeds in closed, containment, land-based aquaculture. Co-hosts Mari-Len De Guzman and Brian Vinci hash out the details of diets made for RAS.

Guests:

Kim Schøn Ekmann, senior product developer, BioMar

George Nardi, VP of aquaculture services, Innovasea

John Ng, president, Hudson Valley Fish Farm

]]>Feeds are a critical component of any RAS production environment – it can make or break the health of both fish and systems. This episode provides a variety of perspectives when it comes to fish feeds in closed, containment, land-based aquaculture. Co-hosts Mari-Len De Guzman and Brian Vinci hash out the details of diets made for RAS.

Guests:

Kim Schøn Ekmann, senior product developer, BioMar

George Nardi, VP of aquaculture services, Innovasea

John Ng, president, Hudson Valley Fish Farm

]]>622706ba-e8ea-444f-820c-7f1f5f9769ceThu, 11 Mar 2021 09:00:00 -040044:21falsefull1212RAS Talk: Precision aquacultureRAS Talk: Precision aquacultureFeaturing the tech brains behind the innovative startup ReelData, this episode discusses the various applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning to aquaculture, particularly in land-based farming. ReelDate CEO Mathew Zimola and CTO Hossein Salimian are the guests for this high-tech conversation.

]]>Featuring the tech brains behind the innovative startup ReelData, this episode discusses the various applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning to aquaculture, particularly in land-based farming. ReelDate CEO Mathew Zimola and CTO Hossein Salimian are the guests for this high-tech conversation.

]]>fa654069-fd21-4e4c-8c25-8fc73f592424Thu, 11 Feb 2021 09:00:00 -040033:22falsefull1111RAS Talk: Outlook 2021RAS Talk: Outlook 2021RAS Talk hosts Mari-Len De Guzman and Brian Vinci talk about the year that was and the year ahead. From COVID-19 and RAS milestones to trends in sustainable food production systems and technologies, this podcast episode provides a rundown on the most important developments in 2020 and what to look forward to in 2021.

]]>RAS Talk hosts Mari-Len De Guzman and Brian Vinci talk about the year that was and the year ahead. From COVID-19 and RAS milestones to trends in sustainable food production systems and technologies, this podcast episode provides a rundown on the most important developments in 2020 and what to look forward to in 2021.

]]>19b97a85-84f0-4753-bdce-56df9b134c52Wed, 06 Jan 2021 09:00:00 -040036:09falsefull1010RAS Talk: Show me the moneyRAS Talk: Show me the moneyIn this RAS Talk episode hosts Mari-Len De Guzman and Brian Vinci talk about the various aspects of investing in RAS. It’s an engaging discussion about investors’ perspectives in RAS technology and land-based aquaculture, the risks and the opportunities as well as their outlook on the sector.

Guests:

Maggie Fried, Head of the Oceans and Aquaculture Investor Consortium, CREO Syndicate

Frank van Roest, Investment Director, Aqua Spark

]]>In this RAS Talk episode hosts Mari-Len De Guzman and Brian Vinci talk about the various aspects of investing in RAS. It’s an engaging discussion about investors’ perspectives in RAS technology and land-based aquaculture, the risks and the opportunities as well as their outlook on the sector.

Guests:

Maggie Fried, Head of the Oceans and Aquaculture Investor Consortium, CREO Syndicate

Frank van Roest, Investment Director, Aqua Spark

]]>2163a47d-8553-4660-af72-e7a09efdbcb0Thu, 17 Dec 2020 09:00:00 -040041:50falsefull99RAS Talk: Let’s get technicalRAS Talk: Let’s get technicalRAS engineering and design specialist Marc Sorensen takes us through the history and evolution of RAS in aquaculture. Co-host Brian Vinci also provides his insights on the beginnings of RAS technology. In this episode, we get into the technical details of the why, the how, as well as the current and emerging challenges involved in designing and operating a recirculating aquaculture system.

Guest: Marc Sorensen, president, Sorensen Engineering Ltd.

]]>RAS engineering and design specialist Marc Sorensen takes us through the history and evolution of RAS in aquaculture. Co-host Brian Vinci also provides his insights on the beginnings of RAS technology. In this episode, we get into the technical details of the why, the how, as well as the current and emerging challenges involved in designing and operating a recirculating aquaculture system.

Guest: Marc Sorensen, president, Sorensen Engineering Ltd.

]]>e9a74295-3ac3-4f6b-99c5-e49b21a92610Thu, 12 Nov 2020 09:00:00 -040043:44falsefull88RAS Talk: Ideal FishRAS Talk: Ideal FishIt started out as a small RAS operation in his home basement, today founder Eric Pedersen’s Ideal Fish is successfully producing Branzino for the domestic market. We talk to Pedersen and Ideal Fish’s sales and marketing director James MacKnight about the company’s journey, its innovative strategies to reach the market, and its quest to educate the consumers about RAS-grown fish.

Guests: Eric Pedersen, president and CEO, Ideal Fish, and James MacKnight, sales and marketing director, Ideal Fish

]]>It started out as a small RAS operation in his home basement, today founder Eric Pedersen’s Ideal Fish is successfully producing Branzino for the domestic market. We talk to Pedersen and Ideal Fish’s sales and marketing director James MacKnight about the company’s journey, its innovative strategies to reach the market, and its quest to educate the consumers about RAS-grown fish.

Guests: Eric Pedersen, president and CEO, Ideal Fish, and James MacKnight, sales and marketing director, Ideal Fish

]]>cb6e8943-d30f-4679-89b5-169510fe5b79Thu, 15 Oct 2020 09:00:00 -040037:56falsefull77RAS Talk: Women in RASRAS Talk: Women in RASWomen account for 70 percent of the world’s seafood workers. However, many of them work in entry level, low-paying jobs and very few are leadership roles. Is the industry paying enough attention to diversity in the aquaculture industry? Is gender diversity playing a factor into the design of RAS facilities? What resources exist for women in aquaculture for skills development and training that will allow them to move into leadership roles? These questions are more are discussed in this episode of RAS Talk.

Co-host: Anna DiCocco, fish culture technician, Freshwater Institute

Guests: Astrid Buran Holan, head of innovation, land-based, ScaleAQ and Christi Dimon, farm operator, Bluehouse Miami, Atlantic Sapphire

]]>Women account for 70 percent of the world’s seafood workers. However, many of them work in entry level, low-paying jobs and very few are leadership roles. Is the industry paying enough attention to diversity in the aquaculture industry? Is gender diversity playing a factor into the design of RAS facilities? What resources exist for women in aquaculture for skills development and training that will allow them to move into leadership roles? These questions are more are discussed in this episode of RAS Talk.

Co-host: Anna DiCocco, fish culture technician, Freshwater Institute

Guests: Astrid Buran Holan, head of innovation, land-based, ScaleAQ and Christi Dimon, farm operator, Bluehouse Miami, Atlantic Sapphire

]]>6bb6b0ea-69dc-4cb1-8b18-b4283cce2b04Fri, 25 Sep 2020 09:00:00 -040024:27falsefull66RAS Talk: Covid 19 and the ‘new normal’RAS Talk: Covid 19 and the ‘new normal’The aquaculture industry continues to face challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic. From social distancing protocols to mandatory work-from-home policies, how are RAS producers managing the day-to-day farm operations in this new norm? This episode is a discussion on Covid-19 and the impact it's having on RAS operations, with hosts Mari-Len De Guzman and Brian Vinci, and guests from New York-based Hudson Valley Fish Farms: John Ng, CEO, and Brittany Peachey, aquaculture operations manager.

]]>The aquaculture industry continues to face challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic. From social distancing protocols to mandatory work-from-home policies, how are RAS producers managing the day-to-day farm operations in this new norm? This episode is a discussion on Covid-19 and the impact it's having on RAS operations, with hosts Mari-Len De Guzman and Brian Vinci, and guests from New York-based Hudson Valley Fish Farms: John Ng, CEO, and Brittany Peachey, aquaculture operations manager.

]]>2b4b8423-7bba-4234-8807-327b1b51c14bThu, 17 Sep 2020 09:00:00 -040030:26falsefull55RAS Talk: Keys to mitigating off-flavour in RAS-raised fishRAS Talk: Keys to mitigating off-flavour in RAS-raised fishAs RAS operations across the world ramp up, it is increasingly important to effectively address off-flavour issues in RAS-grown fish. The research is available for effective mitigation measures and many RAS producers are successfully implementing these recommendations. Justin Henry, director of aquaculture at Habitat Life, and John Davidson, research scientist at the Freshwater Institute, discuss some best practice in mitigating off-flavours.

]]>As RAS operations across the world ramp up, it is increasingly important to effectively address off-flavour issues in RAS-grown fish. The research is available for effective mitigation measures and many RAS producers are successfully implementing these recommendations. Justin Henry, director of aquaculture at Habitat Life, and John Davidson, research scientist at the Freshwater Institute, discuss some best practice in mitigating off-flavours.

]]>e6826897-d34d-4889-abe4-84f3d3599a70Thu, 20 Aug 2020 09:00:00 -040045:11falsefull44RAS Talk Bonus Episode: Investor ProfileRAS Talk Bonus Episode: Investor ProfileThe potential of RAS for sustainability and financial gains is making it an appealing proposition for investors. At the recent Aquaculture America conference in Honolulu, host Mari-Len De Guzman sat down with Kimberley Player, director of research at Portland, Oregon-based Equilibrium Capital, discussing the opportunities and challenges for investments within the RAS value chain.

]]>The potential of RAS for sustainability and financial gains is making it an appealing proposition for investors. At the recent Aquaculture America conference in Honolulu, host Mari-Len De Guzman sat down with Kimberley Player, director of research at Portland, Oregon-based Equilibrium Capital, discussing the opportunities and challenges for investments within the RAS value chain.

]]>21c3fd4f-e622-4d46-81f7-45f3f82124e9Thu, 16 Jul 2020 09:00:00 -040018:32falsefull33RAS Talk: Made in MaineRAS Talk: Made in MaineAll eyes are on Maine as an emerging destination for RAS development projects. In this episode, Erik Heim, president of Nordic Aquafarms, takes us through the strategies and factors that led his company to choose Maine as the site for its proposed US$500-million Atlantic salmon RAS farm, as well as the challenges and lessons learned through the process.

]]>All eyes are on Maine as an emerging destination for RAS development projects. In this episode, Erik Heim, president of Nordic Aquafarms, takes us through the strategies and factors that led his company to choose Maine as the site for its proposed US$500-million Atlantic salmon RAS farm, as well as the challenges and lessons learned through the process.

]]>a8571ca2-e1ab-4ff7-a387-214d85281566Sun, 21 Jun 2020 09:00:00 -040033:11falsefull11RAS Talk: Talent ManagementRAS Talk: Talent ManagementDo you have what it takes to work in a RAS operation? This episode of RAS Talk tackles the current challenges as well as strategies for hiring the right people. Hosts Mari-Len De Guzman and Brian Vinci talk with Cristina Espejo, head of HR at Atlantic Sapphire in Miami, Florida, and Kirk Havercroft, CEO of Sustainable Blue in Nova Scotia, Canada. These two companies are not just investing in the technology, but more importantly, they are investing in their people to develop a highly-skilled and competent RAS workforce.

]]>Do you have what it takes to work in a RAS operation? This episode of RAS Talk tackles the current challenges as well as strategies for hiring the right people. Hosts Mari-Len De Guzman and Brian Vinci talk with Cristina Espejo, head of HR at Atlantic Sapphire in Miami, Florida, and Kirk Havercroft, CEO of Sustainable Blue in Nova Scotia, Canada. These two companies are not just investing in the technology, but more importantly, they are investing in their people to develop a highly-skilled and competent RAS workforce.

]]>1d769956-09bf-46db-b56a-1a720482978cFri, 19 Jun 2020 09:00:00 -040046:28falsefull22