Agenda: Thought Leadership & Interactive Debate

• How are decision-makers in the public and private sectors of aquaculture and fisheries collaborating to issue a call to action to secure a pathway to a sustainable ocean economy?
• What legislative measures, policies, investments, and commitments are advancing the recognition of blue food and oceans as pivotal resources and climate solutions?
• How are stakeholders fostering collaboration and driving action in ocean management to fuel growth in the blue economy amidst the challenges of rising temperatures?

Speaker: 
Rt. Hon. Lord Benyon, Minister of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs , DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS, UK

• As global populations rise and governments manage approaches to address food security and protein gaps, how are aquatic food sources rising in profile globally as a solution to hunger?
• How do policymakers and leaders perceive aquatic food systems as a crucial resource and climate solution, and how are governing bodies addressing the climate impact in aquaculture and fisheries? What policies and systems are in place to enhance food security from the ocean and foster socio-economic opportunities?
• What strategic actions and combined financial support from both public and private organizations are needed to improve resilience and sustainability in the blue economy and what role do tech-based solutions and data play a role in addressing food security challenges?

Moderator:
Michael Doane, Global Managing Director – Freshwater and Food Systems, THE NATURE CONSERVANCY, USA

Speakers:
Michael Rubino, Senior Advisor for Seafood Strategy, NOAA, USA
Catarina Martins, Chief Technology and Sustainability Officer, MOWI, NORWAY
Lorella De La Cruz Iglesias, Deputy Head of Unit- Blue Economy Sectors, Aquaculture and Maritime Spatial Planning, Directorate General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, EUROPEAN COMMISSION, BELGIUM
Paddy Campbell, Vice President Salmon Division, BIOMAR, UK

• How are producers innovating to optimise yields, meet science-based targets, and contribute to the restoration of the ocean environment?
• What key roadblocks are producers facing while creating strategies for biodiverse aquatic production and what milestones has the industry achieved in implementing more sustainable farming practices?
• What technologies are being adopted to drive emissions reduction and monitor impact across the blue food chain? How are producers accurately measuring progress towards a sustainable blue food system?
• As producers and organisations measure their impact against SDGs and science-based targets, where are the gaps in technology, data, and policy? What frameworks and collaborations are being implemented for achieving resilient growth of the blue economy?
• How are stakeholders, from producers to end-of-supply-chain retailers, advocating aquatic food as a climate-friendly solution for their consumers?

Moderator:
Wenche Grønbrekk, Director of Strategy & Partnerships, SEABOS, SWEDEN

Speakers:
Chris Shearlock, Sustainability Director, Europe, THAI UNION, UK
Lars Galtung, Chief Sustainability and Communications Officer, CERMAQ GLOBAL, NORWAY
Dave Robb, SeaFurther Sustainability Program Lead, CARGILL, UK

• How is AI transforming data utilisation in aquaculture, and what potential does it hold for ecosystem protection and sustainable food production for a growing population?
• How are digital tools transforming the landscape for data utilisation to compile information for more intelligent outcomes, and how are farmers integrating and making use of this valuable information? What is the potential impact of these evolving technologies to improve health, welfare, and ecosystem monitoring? What are the challenges that are being encountered in deploying and establishing AI and precision tools within aquatic systems and the blue food chain?
• Where are the greatest opportunities for integrating automated tools for the blue food industry, and what lessons can we learn from the agri-food sector in applying data decision-making in production?

Moderator:
Kendra MacDonald, CEO, CANADA’S OCEAN SUPERCLUSTER, CANADA

Speakers:
Christian Lim, Managing Director, SWEN CAPITAL PARTNERS: BLUE OCEAN, FRANCE
Rajamanohar Somasundaram, Founder & CEO, AQUACONNECT, INDIA
Mathew Zimola, CEO, REELDATA AI, USA
Kira Smiley, Program Director, TIDAL/ X THE MOONSHOT FACTORY, USA

• How is the impact of rising inflation and the global cost of living crisis influencing consumer demand for seafood?
• To what extent are consumers aware of the role that aquaculture has as one of the most sustainable sources of protein? How are stakeholders effectively communicating this message to position blue food as the sustainable and preferred protein choice for consumers?
• What are the emerging consumer trends within aquatic foods, and where are food brands and retailers strategically innovating and messaging to capture and influence consumer perspectives?
• How are retailers and CPG brands partnering with innovators and start-ups to transform processing and create novel consumer products within the aquatic food sector?
• Where are the opportunities for market expansion to drive growth and diversify the products on consumers’ plates?

Moderator:
Jennifer Bushman, BLUE FOODS ADVOCATE AND SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD EXPERT, USA

Speakers:
Lloyd Mann, VP Culinary, Global Executive Chef, SODEXO, UK
Briana Warner, President & CEO, ATLANTIC SEA FARMS, USA
Carly Arnold, Portfolio Director, NOMAD FOODS,UK

Small-group breakouts focused on specific topics from the summit agenda.

• Data, AI & Blue Food: Solutions Optimise Farm Production
  Host: Stian Rognlid, CEO, AQUATICODE
• Scaling Seaweed: Cultivating Supply Chains for Market Expansion and Growth
  Host: Briana Warner, President & CEO, ATLANTIC SEA FARMS
• The Future of Farmed Seafood Certification: Expanding Uptake and Value to Scale Impact
  Host: Chris Ninnes, CEO, ASC
• Regenerative Aquaculture: Charting Growth, Potential and Success Strategies
  Host: René Benguerel, Founder & Managing Director, BLUEYOU GROUP
• Sustainable Low Carbon Production: Fostering Community-Driven Blue Food Chains
  Host: Tavish Scott, Chief Executive, SALMON SCOTLAND
• Harnessing Seaweed: Strategies for Resilience and Nutritional Security Worldwide
  Host: Harrison Karisa, Senior Fisheries Specialist (Aquaculture), THE WORLD BANK
• Aquatic Welfare: Using the Salmon Scorecard for Mapping Policy, Solutions and Health Indicators
  Host: Louise Valducci, Head of Food Business, COMPASSION IN WORLD FARMING
• Freshwater Aquaculture: The Global Opportunity to Feed the Masses?
  Host: Anton Immink, CEO, THINK AQUA
• Unlocking Blue Capital: Evaluating Economic Climate and Opportunities
  Host: James Caffyn, Partner, LEVER VC
• The Future for RAS: Strengthening Success in Land-based Production
  Host: Matt Craze, Partner, SPHERIC RESEARCH
• Innovating the Start-up Ecosystem: Investing in Ocean’s Next Leaders
  Host: Brandon Levy, Chief Program Officer, SUSTAINABLE OCEAN ALLIANCE
• Financing Ocean Innovation: Unlocking Blue Economy Potential
  Host:Larsen Mettler, Managing Director, S2G VENTURES
• Digital Innovation: Scaling Tech for Sustainable Aquaculture and Ocean Health
  Host: Christian Lim, Investment Director, SWEN CAPITAL PARTNERS: BLUE OCEAN
• Krill Innovation: Expanding Marine Ingredients for Sustainable Aquaculture
  Host: Valentina Tapia, VP Salmon Group, AKER BIOMARINE
• AI Outlook: AI-Driven Welfare, Production, & Ocean Monitoring
  Host: Kira Smiley, Program Director, TIDAL/ X THE MOONSHOT FACTORY
• Fast Tracking the Commercialism of Novel and Circular Feed Ingredients
  Host: Katherine Bryar, CMO, BIOMAR

• With increased media focus on the health aspects of aquaculture and growing consumer awareness on welfare standards in aquatic production, how are stakeholders innovating throughout the value chain to raise standards and rebuild consumer trust in seafood?
• What strategies are producers and health companies adopting in AI, decision making tools, vaccinations, feed additives, and genetics to enhance the well-being of aquatic species throughout their lifecycle and provide insurance against ocean related risk?
• How are health and welfare solutions being incorporated into smallholder production systems globally to equip against disease and antibiotic overuse? Where do gaps exist in smallholder practices that require investment to ensure economic viability and food security?
• Amid challenges of algal blooms, invasive species, and increased health pressure, how are stakeholders creating strategies for prioritising and maintaining the welfare and health of aquatic species throughout their lives?

Moderator:
Tanja Knabenschuh Hoel, Director, HATCH BLUE, NORWAY

Speakers:
Pamela Nath, Director, SSP, ECUADOR
Ross Houston, Director of Genetics and Innovation, BENCHMARK GENETICS, UK
Sven Kolstø, CEO, OPTOSCALE, NORWAY
Ben North, Director, Aquaculture Health, ZOETIS, UK

• What opportunities have emerged for alternative feedstock and raw materials? Which key ingredients are gaining momentum in development and investment?
• What strategies are aquafeed producers employing to integrate alternative ingredients and how are aquaculture producers introducing alternative feed and protein sources into their products?
• How are producers utilizing raw materials in an expanded feed basket to mitigate emissions impact? What are the key challenges in incorporating and scaling new ingredients?
• How has inflation and access to raw materials changed the practice of smallholders and producers globally, and what opportunity and challenge is this creating for certification of feed mills?
• What policy and legislation changes are we seeing around the development and use of genetically modified feed ingredients? What are current consumer opinions on these products, and what is the future outlooks for their sustainable integration into our food systems, starting at the feed stage?

Moderator:
Jane Byrne, Senior Editor, FEEDNAVIGATOR, FRANCE

Speakers:
Chris Ninnes, CEO, AQUACULTURE STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL, UK
Laurent Develle, EVP Group General Counsel and Head of Corporate Affairs, REGAL SPRINGS, SWITZERLAND
Louise Buttle, Sustell Lead for Aqua & Global Key Account Manager, DSM-FIRMENICH, UK
Douglas Martin, Founder & Managing Director, MIALGAE, UK
Clément Ray, Co-Founder & CEO, INNOVAFEED, FRANCE

• Globally, how is the seaweed aquaculture space evolving and what impact has food brand and CPG interest had on demand from producers? How can Europe and the West learn from practices and challenges in seaweed production in Asia & the Global South?
• How can attention to seaweed and algal ingredient usage be leveraged to drive new, more reliable sources of income for smallholder producers? How are challenges in social licencing limiting smallholder growth?
• What challenges, from developing new genetic strains to scaling up processing facilities and reducing end-chain costs, demand attention and innovative solutions in the seaweed sector? Where are the bottlenecks and what collaborations are we seeing to drive innovation?
• What is the scale of the role that seaweed and algae can play in restorative aquaculture and carbon capture? How can smallholder’s profit from restorative ventures?
• How are governments and policymakers engaging with seaweed production, and how can blended funding and focused investment into primary production bridge the funding gap in seaweed aquaculture?

Moderator:
Harry Wright, CEO & Founder, BRIGHT TIDE, UK

Speakers: 
Ólavur Gregersen, CEO, OCEAN RAINFOREST, FAROE ISLANDS
Jang K. Kim, Professor, INCHEON NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, SOUTH KOREA
Alice Millest, Investment Director, FINANCE EARTH, UK
Sowmya Balendiran, Co-Founder, SEA6 ENERGY, INDIA

Bringing the global spotlight to Mexico, Iceland, and Ireland; these case studies will explore international locations and models leading the way in the blue food industry.

Moderator:
Anton Immink, CEO, THINKAQUA, UK

Speakers:
Alan Espinoza, Founder, BENDITO MAR, MEXICO
Jens Thordarson, CEO, GEOSALMO, ICELAND
Juli-Anne Russo, CEO, CARIBBEAN AQUACULTURE EDUCATION AND INNOVATION HUB, JAMAICA

• How is the innovation ecosystem in aquatic food and the blue economy maturing? What level of activity are we seeing and how does this compare to other industries? How do we drive more awareness around the opportunities that exist?
• What are the challenges that startup companies are facing in the economic slowdown? Where are the current funding gaps, and what new funding models are needed to ensure long-term viability and growth? What new forms of finance are needed?
• What role do governments play in de-risking early-stage investment and fostering greater collaboration between industry and investors to support startups?
• What does impact investing look like to investors through the lens of precision aquaculture and sustainable aquatic food? How do we measure and create a currency of impact?

Moderator:
Ying Qin, Director, CITI GLOBAL INSIGHTS, UK

Speakers:
Amy Novogratz, Co-Founder, AQUA-SPARK, THE NETHERLANDS
Chris Gorell Barnes, Founding Partner, OCEAN 14 CAPITAL, UK
Larsen Mettler, Managing Director, S2G VENTURES, USA
Ross Brooks, Investment Director, KATAPULT OCEAN, NORWAY
Lucy Holmes, Senior Director, Blue Finance, WWF, UK

• Over the last year, significant global commitments have been established for ocean governance and management. What impact is the High Seas Treaty anticipated to have on the industry and the livelihoods of producers?
• How are stakeholders responding to the demands of the treaty to establish evidence-based traceability? What new guidelines are needed to ensure that the industry develops are robust and reliable set of metrics to support a comprehensive traceability across the entire food sector?
• What data is needed and where are the gaps? How can satellite imagery, AI, and platforms that have access to proprietary and public data be leveraged to support a comprehensive data platform being used to secure the data that is needed?
• What role can certifications play in setting standards for climate action, biodiversity, and labour rights, to create a sustainable and resilient food system and what development and collaboration is needed?
• How can we establish climate-smart and resilient practices for both smallholder fisheries and aquaculture? How are policy and government incentives enabling producers to transition to more sustainable practices?

Moderator:
Jim Cannon, Founder & CEO, SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES PARTNERSHIP, USA

Speakers:
Mark Kaplan, Partner, WHOLECHAIN, USA
Liz Karan, Director, Ocean Governance, THE PEW CHARITABLE TRUSTS, USA
Ben Conniff, Co-Founder & CIO, LUKE’S LOBSTER, USA
Erin Priddle, North Europe Regional Director, MSC, UK

Shining a spotlight on ocean restoration solutions, join us for a case study and focused discussion spotlighting collaborative partnerships and strategic investments fuelling the restoration of biodiversity and the revival of ocean ecosystems.

Moderator:
Hilary Roberts, Chief Product and Technology Officer, THE EARTHSHOT PRIZE, UK

Speakers:
Kerstin Schmeiduch, Director Corporate Communications & Sustainability, NESTLE PURINA, SWITZERLAND
Wietse Van Der Werf, Founder & CEO, SEA RANGER SERVICE, THE NETHERLANDS
Ari Greenberg, CCO, SEAFORESTER, PORTUGAL

• How is biodiversity defined in aquaculture, and how will these definitions be integrated into business activities within the aquatic food industry under the new Global Biodiversity Framework and Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD)?
• How are producers implementing sustainable and nature-based practices? Where are the conflicts between traditional aquatic production and regenerative, biodiverse production systems?
• What actions have producers taken in developing practices to align aquatic farming with biodiverse ecosystems? How is the sector exploring marine multicultures in aquatic farming, and how are fisheries transitioning to more regenerative systems?
• What metrics and tools are utilized to monitor the efficiency of biodiverse production? How will the new frameworks impact small-scale producers and fisheries, and what support and investment are being explored to empower farmers to adopt and trial new practices?

Moderator: 
Annick Paradis, Executive Director, POLLINATION, UK

Speakers:
Jan Erik Saugestad, CEO, STOREBRAND ASSET MANAGEMENT, NORWAY
Kat Bruce, Founder, NATUREMETRICS, UK
François Mosnier, Head of Ocean, PLANET TRACKER, UK
René Benguerel, Founder & Managing Director, BLUEYOU GROUP, SWITZERLAND

Early to mid-stage entrepreneurs present quick fire snapshots of their solutions.

Hosts: 
Maarten-Yan Wierenga, Head of Venturing, NUTRECO, THE NETHERLANDS
Magali Rousselot, Investment Director, MIROVA, FRANCE

Start-ups:
George Birch, Founder, OYSTER HEAVEN, THE NETHERLANDS
Megan Sorby, CEO, PINE ISLAND REDFISH, USA
Joyeeta Das, CEO & Co-Founder, SAMUDRA OCEANS, UK
Paulina Zanela, Chief Operating Officer, THALASSO, MEXICO

• Where do investable opportunities lie in the seaweed sector, from cultivation to consumption? How has the trajectory of the seaweed sector progressed and how are investors tapping into these opportunities?
• How are governments and policy-makers engaging with seaweed production? What potential exists to spur growth in the seaweed industry and where can policies be updated and improved to open up new avenues for development?
• How are corporates and food brands approaching the seaweed sector and to what extent are they addressing gaps in investment and innovation in production, processing, and distribution within the seaweed supply chain?
• What are the expectations of buyers and consumers regarding seaweed products? What new products and ingredients are emerging and how are these being received in global markets?

Moderator: 
Eugene Klerk, Head of Research ESG, STANDARD CHARTERED BANK, UK

Speakers:
Vincent Doumeizel, Director – Food Programme/Senior Advisor – Ocean & Food, LLOYD’S REGISTER FOUNDATION/UN GLOBAL COMPACT, FRANCE
Pierre-Yves Paslier, Co-Founder, NOTPLA, UK
Benjamin Armenjon, Managing Director, OCEANIUM, UK
Patricia Estridge, CEO, SEAWEED GENERATION, UK

• How are smallholders and fisheries utilising technological advances in fintech, data platforms, farming models, and monitoring devices to enhance yields, mitigate climate impact, and build economic stability?
• What measures are being implemented to enhance digital visibility and connectivity throughout the value chain, and how is this innovation supporting smallholders in addressing challenges like temperature instability and limited access to raw materials?
• How are the next generation of digital platforms and models providing farmers with access to finance and insurance products, and what long-term impact will this accessibility have on the commercial viability of smallholder operations?
• How can these successful models be adapted globally and where are the current gaps in the smallholder landscape that require further investment?

Moderator:
Dan Collison, Chief Executive, FARM AFRICA, UK

Speakers:
Jackie Alder, Senior Fisheries Specialist, THE WORLD BANK, USA
Kamran Ahmad, Co-Founder, VICTORY GROUP, KENYA
Liris Maduningtyas, CEO, JALA, INDONESIA

• With the increasing urgency to restore land and ocean ecosystems, how are diverse production methods being employed to achieve higher yields, whilst minimising the environmental impact?
• What are the merits and challenges of solutions from offshore, land based, and flowthrough systems and what learnings can be drawn from each practice?
• How are advancements in AI technologies, feed formulations, and operational automation driving greater efficiency and enabling more sustainable aquatic production?
• What is the impact of policy on both land-based and offshore production, and what barriers remain to be overcome for the use of a diverse array of production systems, on land and water?

Moderator:
Ohad Maiman, Managing Partner, AQUAFOUNDERS CAPITAL, THE NETHERLANDS

Speakers:
Vincent Erenst, CEO, THE KINGFISH COMPANY, THE NETHERLANDS
Trond Håkon Schaug-Pettersen, CEO, SALMON EVOLUTION, NORWAY
Ståle Økland, Group Director of Communications and ESG, AKVA GROUP, NORWAY

• Reflecting on the discussions from the last couple of days, what breakthrough innovations hold the potential to transform the sector, and where are the key areas of interest for investors?
• To what extent will the growing momentum around blue ventures and restoration of the ocean and environmental ecosystem agenda drive investment into the aquatic food value chain? What new players are entering the investment space and where are they prioritising funding?
• What ocean and environmental challenges should innovators be focusing on now and how can the sector ensure sustainable solutions scale? What will be necessary to make sure that start-ups have the best chance to scale?
• How can investors and corporates support forward-looking innovation? What partnership and collaboration models are seeing the greatest success?

Moderator:
Claire Pribula, Managing Director, THE YIELD LAB ASIA PACIFIC, SINGAPORE

Speakers:
Caroline Bocquel, CEO, BIM-IRELAND’S SEAFOOD DEVELOPMENT AGENCY, IRELAND
Blaine Grimes, President, GULF OF MAINE VENTURES, USA
Brandon Levy, Chief Program Officer, SUSTAINABLE OCEAN ALLIANCE, USA
Luke Sawitsky, Principal, SEA AHEAD,USA