Gene Editing: CRISPR, GMOs, and the Quest for Disease Resistant Salmon

What does it take to innovate in an industry steeped in tradition while staying true to its roots? This week we had the pleasure of interviewing Sondre Eide, the CEO of Eide Fjordbruk, and widely recognized as the “Elon Musk of Salmon Farming.” Sondre shares his journey from growing up on the family farm to the company developing their Michelin-starred seafood venture, unpacking how the core values of folk, fish, fjord, and future guide his work and inspire the next generation of aquaculture leaders. Tune in for a conversation that blends legacy, innovation, and an unshakable passion for sustainability. For more aquaculture insights, head to our Fish n’ Bits blog.

What’s driving the ups and downs in the salmon industry this quarter? This week we dive into the Q3 2024 earnings reports from salmon companies across six countries, uncovering the biological challenges, strategic shifts, and market dynamics shaping the sector. From Norway's battle with record-breaking sea lice outbreaks to Scotland’s impressive profitability turnaround, and insights into global pricing trends, listeners will gain a clear picture of the industry's financial health and future opportunities. Plus, we explore major moves in aquaculture investments, including Novo Holdings’ entrance into the space.  Download Manolin’s full Q3 2024 report here. For more aquaculture insights, head to our Fish n’ Bits blog.

What if the key to solving aquaculture's biggest challenges lay hidden in a strand of DNA? This week’s episode discusses deep into the science and controversy surrounding gene editing, exploring how tools like CRISPR are transforming the possibilities for seafood and agriculture. From the basics of genomics and the pivotal discoveries behind CRISPR technology to the stark regulatory differences between the U.S. and EU, we unpack how these advancements could revolutionize salmon farming. Learn how genetic research could solve industry challenges like sea lice resistance and why the path to adoption depends as much on policy as it does on science.  For more aquaculture insights, head to our Fish n’ Bits blog.

What’s the next frontier for AI, and how might it transform seafood and aquaculture? This week’s episode we discuss the emerging shift from model-centric to data-centric AI, unpacking why the industry’s future depends on improving data quality over simply refining algorithms. You’ll hear how OpenAI’s recent developments signal a broader pivot in the tech world, what data-centric AI really means, and why it’s uniquely relevant for industries like aquaculture where data collection is slow and resource-intensive. Plus, we’ll explore how this approach could drive personalized growth models and smarter seafood solutions.  For more aquaculture insights, head to our Fish n’ Bits blog.

Where in the world is aquaculture set for the next big growth spurt? While many countries face regulatory barriers, Turkey has managed to consistently scale its industry, positioning itself as a key player in European aquaculture. This week, we look into Turkey's rise in the aquaculture world, exploring their impressive growth in sea bass, sea bream, and even Turkish Salmon. Despite the challenges faced by other nations, Turkey has found a way to double its output in just six years. What does this mean for the future of aquaculture? Tune in to find out.  For more aquaculture insights, head to our Fish n’ Bits blog.

What does the future hold for Scottish salmon farming, and what recent events could shape its course? This week, we explore the controversy surrounding a viral video that has sparked national debate and led to a deeper examination of fish welfare in Scotland. With industry experts and government officials weighing in on salmon farming practices and the challenges they face, we’ll break down the key moments and lessons from the recent Rural Affairs and Islands Committee meeting. Join us for a detailed timeline of events and insights into what’s next for the sector.  For more aquaculture insights, head to our Fish n’ Bits blog.

What does it take to move from fascination to practical use with AI in aquaculture? In this week’s episode, Tony Chen dives deep into how the conversation around AI has evolved in the seafood industry, shifting from wide-eyed amazement to actionable implementation. Tony breaks down the four key methods enterprises are using to integrate AI with their own data—prompt engineering, RAG databases, fine-tuning models, and pre-training models—and how these technologies are already transforming aquaculture. Listeners will gain a clear understanding of the real-world applications, challenges, and first-mover advantages AI can offer today.  For more aquaculture insights, head to our Fish n’ Bits blog.

How bad is the current sea lice outbreak in Northern Norway, and could it have been prevented? In this week’s episode, we dive into unprecedented sea lice levels caused by extreme sea temperatures, impacting multiple regions. We’ll analyze data showing how far the situation has escalated compared to previous years, explore industry responses, and discuss potential long-term implications. Plus, we’ll answer the pressing question: was there an opportunity to foresee this outbreak and take action sooner?  For more aquaculture insights head to our Fish n’ Bits blog.

This week, we’re excited to welcome Dag Sletmo, Senior Vice President of DNB’s seafood division. Dag offers his unique perspective on the evolving relationship between industry, government, and academia in shaping aquaculture’s future. We explore key challenges, including the rising focus on animal welfare, shifts in public perception, and how digital innovation could transform fish farming. With decades of experience in both finance and salmon farming, Dag provides valuable insights into how long-term thinking is essential for driving sustainable growth in the industry. For more aquaculture insights, head to our Fish n' Bits blog.

How is the global salmon farming industry faring in 2024? This week we dive into Q2 reports from seven major publicly traded salmon companies across six countries. You'll hear about Scotland's remarkable turnaround, the continued rise of Salmon Evolution's innovative approach, and the challenges facing Grieg as they struggle to maintain profitability. We'll also discuss the ongoing hurdles in Iceland and Canada, where regulatory and environmental factors keep these regions on the edge.  View for Q2 2024 report here. For more aquaculture insights, head to our Fish n’ Bits blog.