Aleks Engel: Novo Holdings

Fresh off this past week's presentation at the NFI global seafood market conference, we’re expanding on the narrative surrounding AI—viewed by some as humanity's greatest threat and by others as its most remarkable invention. Join us as we tackle the recent upheaval caused by DeepSeek's new AI model, which not only disrupted global tech valuations but also showcased breakthrough capabilities that challenge established AI constraints. This episode offers a detailed exploration of how such innovations could profoundly impact aquaculture, from cost and data challenges to the potential in protein folding for sustainable seafood practices. For more aquaculture insights head to our Fish n’ Bits blog.

How are Chile’s salmon farms grappling with the rising use of antibiotics, and how does this compare on a global scale? This week we look into the nuanced issue of antibiotic usage in Chile's aquaculture, highlighted by a 22% increase in the first half of 2024. We contrast these figures with global antibiotic usage trends to provide a comprehensive view. Despite the alarming headlines, initiatives like CSARP+ and the Yelcho project are in place, aiming for a 50% reduction by 2025. Explore the real stories behind these numbers, evaluate the effectiveness of these efforts, and discuss the broader implications for managing antibiotic resistance in aquaculture worldwide. Join us as we unravel the data, dissect industry strategies, and ponder the global efforts needed to tackle this pressing issue. For more aquaculture insights head to our Fish n’ Bits blog.

What role have Norwegian development licenses played in reshaping their salmon farming landscape? This week we explore the retrospective business case of these transformative licenses introduced in 2015. As instrumental as they've been, the actual outcomes and impacts might surprise you. We unpack the original intent behind these licenses, the ambitious projects they've spawned, and the tangible and strategic shifts they've brought to the industry. From floating fish farms to the global ripple effects in regulatory landscapes, this episode breaks down the intricate dance between innovation and regulation.  For more aquaculture insights, head to our Fish n' Bits blog.

What drives a global investment giant to dive deep into the aquaculture sector? We had the pleasure of talking with Aleks Engel, Partner at Novo Holdings. Novo Holdings has made headlines with significant acquisitions, including the salmon genetics powerhouse, Benchmark Genetics, and the innovative sea lice laser company, Stingray. Aleks shares insights on his intriguing career, the hurdles in developing new medications, and Novo's visionary approach to fostering long-term innovation worldwide. Join us as we explore how aquaculture is becoming a pivotal part of their global strategy. For more aquaculture insights head to our Fish n’ Bits blog.

We’re kicking off 2025 diving deep into Norway's recently updated white paper on animal welfare—the first such update in over two decades. This comprehensive 200-page document sets ambitious goals for the entire aquaculture industry, including a striking target to reduce fish mortality in farming to 5%. We’ll explore the implications of this directive, the specific measures proposed such as banning triploid salmon, and the realistic paths towards achieving these mortality rates. With insights drawn from Manolin's data and industry-wide benchmarks, this episode promises to unpack how governmental aspirations translate into actionable strategies on the ground.  For more aquaculture insights, head to our Fish n' Bits blog.

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.