In this episode of The Business of Aquaculture, we dive into the ABCs of Artificial Intelligence—Artificial Intelligence, Business, and Connections—with the dynamic Jennifer Huffnagel, AI Enthusiast and Trainer. From our first encounter at Innovation Island in British Columbia to recently sharing the stage at WeDo Canada’s Women in Tech event, Jennifer has continuously inspired with her insights and passion for tech empowerment.

Join us as we explore:

• How businesses can harness AI to improve systems and boost operational efficiency
• The biggest challenges companies face when integrating AI—and practical ways to overcome them
• Simple steps for getting started with AI, especially if it all feels overwhelming

Whether you're a tech-savvy founder or just starting to explore how AI fits into your operations, this episode will offer practical wisdom and inspiring takeaways. Let’s get this show started!

Support the show

From NASA to Your Neighborhood: The Future of Food is Here

We had this episode special as the original interview had a glitch recording. However, we were able to get the AI transcript so we ended up having another AI, do the audio. I hope you enjoy this episode :) Our biggest takeaways are:

1) NASA origins inspire Earth farming;

2. Hybrid greenhouses maximize economic viability;

3. Plug-and-play democratizes food production;

4. Hydroponics helping aquaculture.

Discover the unexpected journey of Federico Marques, CEO of Moonflower Farms, as he revolutionizes urban agriculture through cutting-edge hydroponics technology. In this fascinating conversation, Marques reveals how his work at NASA's Space Center sparked innovations that are now transforming how cities grow food.

This episode takes you behind the scenes of a true agricultural evolution, where space technology meets sustainable farming. Learn how Moonflower Farms pivoted from being Texas's first indoor vertical farm to pioneering hybrid greenhouse solutions that dramatically cut energy costs while maximizing production. Marques shares his bold prediction that by 2030, every major city worldwide will be growing food hydroponically – and explains exactly why this shift is both inevitable and essential.

Most compelling is Moonflower's mission to democratize food production through "plug-and-play" hydroponic systems so intuitive that teenagers can master them in a week. Drawing parallels to the personal computer revolution of the 1980s, Marques envisions a future where anyone can grow nutrient-dense food locally, breaking dependence on lengthy supply chains that diminish food quality.

Whether you're interested in sustainable business models, innovative agriculture, or simply concerned about the nutritional value of your food, this conversation offers profound insights into how hyper-local hydroponics is poised to transform our relationship with food production. Join us for a thought-provoking exploration of how technology originally designed for space travel might soon be growing food in your neighborhood.

Support the show

In this powerful conversation, Lourdes Gant—Managing Director of Manatee Holdings Ltd. and sustainability strategist—introduces her groundbreaking new book The Sustainability Code: AI for Sustainable Farming.

This interview goes beyond the pages of the book to explore why she wrote it and what it means for the future of agriculture and aquaculture. Lourdes brings listeners back to the basics of sustainable farming, breaking down the environmental and economic challenges facing the sector and laying out a vision for integrating AI and emerging technologies to create high-impact, low-footprint food systems.

She shares practical insights on the cost spectrum of AI solutions—from enterprise-grade tech to tools accessible for smallholders—and speaks directly to farmers, investors, and innovators alike. Lourdes also offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at navigating complex regulatory waters, working with NGOs and governments, and the strategic value of intellectual property in a future driven by digital and biological convergence.

Whether you’re a policy maker, impact investor, or a sustainability-curious entrepreneur, this conversation will leave you with bold ideas and actionable strategies for building resilient, tech-powered food systems in the decades ahead.

Support the show

In this episode of The Business of Aquaculture podcast, we dive deep into the currents of global seafood investment with none other than Philipp Hammerli, Chief Investment Officer at Bonafide Ltd. With his unmatched expertise in financial analysis and fund custodianship—especially in the fish and seafood sector—Philipp offers a rare insider's look at how asset management is shaping the future of aquaculture.

We explore:

• How U.S. tariffs are transforming the seafood industry both domestically and internationally
• Why investors are turning their attention to the fish and seafood value chain
• Where Bonafide sees the greatest growth potential and investment opportunities

If you're looking to understand how capital is flowing into seafood—and what it means for producers, investors, and the planet—this is the episode you can't afford to miss.

🎧 Tune in and discover how smart money is making waves in the seafood space.

Support the show

In this compelling conversation, AquaAI’s CEO Liane Thompson interviews Lourdes Gant, Managing Director of Manatee Holdings Ltd., diving into the dynamic journey of running a family-owned aquaculture firm. Lourdes shares candid insights on the triumphs and trials of managing generational legacy, the gritty reality behind fundraising efforts—from investor wins to cautionary tales—and the evolving landscape of sustainable farming. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, aquaculture advocates, and anyone interested in the intersection of innovation, tradition, and tenacity in the blue economy.

Support the show

In this episode of The Business of Aquaculture, we’re honoured to welcome Emily Power, Founder of Ocean-made.com and one of the bold voices reshaping the blue economy.

Emily is more than an entrepreneur—she’s a board member, ocean conservationist, collaborator, hobby painter, seaweed-lover, and self-proclaimed pickle enthusiast 🌿🫙. Her work bridges creativity and sustainability, all with a mission to make the planet a little greener by supporting our blue world.

We dive into:

• The challenges and triumphs of being a female founder in the sustainable products space
• The incredible potential of kelp as a planet-friendly innovation—from ocean to garden
• How kelp farming connects to climate action, food security, and ocean restoration
• Simple, meaningful ways you can be part of the solution

Emily’s story is a blueprint for purpose-driven leadership, showing how nature-based innovation can drive global change while empowering the next generation of women in sustainability.

💡 Listen in and get inspired to think bigger, act bolder, and grow bluer 🌊

Support the show

In this episode of The Business of Aquaculture, we’re diving into the intersection of education assets, strategic partnerships, and the innovations shaping the future of sustainable food systems. 🌊🌍

We’re joined by Nathan Davidson, Conference Producer of the Blue Food Innovation Summit by Rethink Events—a leading force connecting global stakeholders across the sustainable seafood and aquaculture ecosystem.

🎧 Tune in as we explore:

✅ The top tech trends and transformative innovations redefining the blue food space
✅ How the Summit creates impactful partnerships between startups, investors, and industry veterans
✅ Real-world lessons from past events—including failures that led to breakthrough success
✅ Why the Blue Food Innovation Summit is the platform for entrepreneurs, visionaries, and change-makers

Whether you're an aquaculture leader, tech innovator, or sustainability advocate—this episode offers actionable insights and a compelling vision for the future of ocean-based food systems.

👉 Listen now and find out how you can plug into the movement that's reshaping global food production—one partnership at a time.

Support the show

What does it take to create real impact in the blue economy? This week on The Business of Aquaculture, I’m joined by Aacini Huerta, a powerful force in sustainable seafood branding and strategic growth.

With over 15 years of experience across aquaculture, fisheries, and international business, Aacini doesn’t just build brands—he positions them for transformation. He’s helped clients double performance in 12 months and generated over $50M in strategic partnership value by turning seafood into a premium, high-impact product.

In our conversation, we dive into:
✅ Why brand strategy is non-negotiable for aquaculture success
✅ How to create value through sustainability storytelling
✅ The mindset shifts needed to scale and thrive in today’s evolving market

This episode is a must-listen for business leaders, changemakers, and anyone passionate about creating meaningful results in aquaculture. 🌊

Let’s continue building a more sustainable future—one brand, one story, one strategic step at a time.

🔗 Listen now and share with someone shaping the future of food.

Support the show