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

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

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

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

In this inspiring Career Pathways episode, we sit down with Francisco Aldon, CEO of MarinTrust, to hear about his global journey from animal-loving surfer in Peru to leader in sustainable marine ingredients. Francisco shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career, from founding a university baseball team to learning English in three months, and discusses the evolving landscape of certification, traceability, and circularity in the seafood industry.

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

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

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

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

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

Did you know sound can be used as a deterrent in seafood production? In this episode of Aquademia, hosts Maddie and Justin are joined by Kylie Dacunha (Director of Special Projects at GenusWave) and Thomas Götz (Research Scientist at The University of St Andrews) to discuss GenusWave’s groundbreaking sound deterrent technology, which earned the Responsible Fisheries Innovation Award at this year’s Responsible Seafood Summit in St Andrews, Scotland. Dive into an engaging conversation about the inspiration behind their innovation, the challenges they faced during development, and their vision for the future. Don’t miss this insightful and relaxed discussion that highlights how cutting-edge technology is helping safeguard global fisheries and beyond.

In this episode of the Aquademia Podcast, hosts Justin Grant and Maddie Cassidy sit down with Teresa Garzon, co-founder of Tiny Fish and winner of the Responsible Seafood Innovation Award in the aquaculture category. Teresa shares her journey in the salmon farming industry, the inspiration behind Tiny Fish, and the innovative solutions her company is bringing to reduce waste and maximize the use of every fish. Learn how Tiny Fish is tackling production challenges, collaborating with Scottish salmon producers, and creating new markets for underutilized fish. Teresa also discusses the significance of winning the prestigious innovation award, its impact on her company, and her vision for expanding Tiny Fish's solutions globally. Whether you're passionate about sustainability, aquaculture, or entrepreneurial innovation, this conversation is packed with insights and inspiration. Don't miss this episode to hear how simple ideas can lead to big impacts.

In this episode of Aquademia, we sit down with David Naftzger, the Executive Director of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers, to explore the innovative project (100% Great Lakes Fish) of utilizing the whole fish in the Great Lakes region. David shares insights on how this initiative is not only minimizing waste but also creating economic opportunities for local communities. Tune in to learn about the environmental and economic benefits of this approach and how it's contributing to the sustainable growth of the Great Lakes fisheries.

In this episode of the Aquademia Podcast, we're joined by Jeni Adamson, Industry Engagement Manager, and Donna Fordyce, Chief Executive of Seafood Scotland, as they share an inside look at this year's Responsible Seafood Summit. From immersive industry field trips to a thrilling golf tournament, Jeni and Donna highlight the exciting features that make this event a must-attend for seafood professionals. With attendees ranging from industry leaders to influencers, the summit offers unparalleled networking opportunities. We also dive into the meticulous planning that started over two years ago, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all. Don't miss this behind-the-scenes conversation about one of the seafood industry's most anticipated events!

In this episode of the Aquademia podcast, hosts Justin Grant and Maddie Cassidy chat with Melanie Siggs from GSA and Travis Heneveld from Geeks Without Frontiers about their collaborative vessel Wi-Fi connectivity project. The discussion dives into the motivations behind GSA's research on Wi-Fi provision for fishing crews and highlights the importance of crew welfare and connectivity at sea. Melanie and Travis share insights on the challenges of implementing Wi-Fi on vessels, including cost, quality, and data management, and emphasize the role of connectivity in enhancing crew welfare and operational efficiency. They also discuss the significance of establishing minimum best practice standards for Wi-Fi access to ensure safety and well-being for fishing crew members. Tune in to learn about the innovative solutions being explored to bring connectivity to the high seas and improve the lives of those working on fishing vessels.

Join hosts Justin Grant and Maddie Cassidy in this episode of the Aquademia Podcast as they dive into the world of customer engagement with James Arthur Smith, co-founder of Seatopia. Seatopia is revolutionizing the seafood market by delivering high-quality, responsibly sourced seafood directly to consumers' doors. James Arthur shares his journey in building Seatopia and reveals the tactics they've employed to engage and retain their customer base. From personalized customer experiences to leveraging social media and sustainability storytelling, James Arthur provides insights for anyone looking to boost their customer engagement strategies. Tune in for a deep dive into the future of seafood and the art of connecting with consumers.

In this episode of the Aquademai Podcast, we're joined by Kota Shibai, the Market Development Coordinator for GSA in Japan, for an insightful discussion on the state of Japan's seafood industry. Kota takes us on a journey through the industry's past, present, and future, sharing success stories and highlighting newer regulations aimed at revitalizing a once-thriving fisheries sector. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities shaping Japan's seafood landscape and the innovative strategies driving sustainable growth.

In this insightful episode, we sat down with Chip Terry, the CEO of BlueTrace, to delve into the critical aspects of FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) section 204 compliance. Chip provides a clear breakdown of the "need to know" topics, offering essential guidance for individuals and businesses looking to navigate this mandatory law effectively. Whether you're in the seafood industry or simply want to stay informed about regulatory requirements, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to gain valuable insights and prepare yourself or your business for FSMA 204 compliance.

Welcome to another exciting episode of Aquademia! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of seafood and nutrition with our special guest, Sherri Clerk. Sherri is not only a registered dietitian but also a brand strategist at the Global Seafood Alliance, bringing a unique blend of expertise to our discussion. During this insightful episode, we take a closer look at the results from our recent listener survey, focusing on a wide range of seafood-related questions. With Sherri's guidance, we analyze the survey findings to uncover valuable insights about our audience's preferences, concerns, and perceptions when it comes to seafood consumption. Don't miss out - join us for an unforgettable episode packed with insights, tips, and a newfound appreciation for the wonders of seafood!

Thanks for tuning in to another fantastic episode of the Aquademia podcast. In this episode Maddie and Justin learn all there is to know about the fish species barramundi. Matthew Mangan, the co-founder of MainStream Aquaculture and President of MainStream USA, also takes us on an educational journey through MainStreams barramundi farm located in the desert of Arizona. Put on those headphones, and let’s go!