The Conch podcast

Imagine a thriving, climate-resilient fishing industry that’s fueled by renewable energy and led by people in boots—not suits. 

That’s the vision and reality that Sarah Schumann, Campaign Director of the Fishery Friendly Climate Action Campaign, is working so hard to create.

As a fisher and climate activist, Sarah knows firsthand how climate change affects fisheries and the livelihoods of the people behind them, along with the feasible, scalable solutions needed.

On Season 5, Episode 4 of The Conch podcast, we chat with her about everything from the multifaceted challenges of offshore wind development to solarizing the seafood industry. 

Audio Production and Sound Design by Crystal Sanders-Alvarado for Seaworthy Experiences.

Episode Transcript

Episode Guide

• :00 Intro
• 01:36 Sarah Schumann, Campaign Director of the Fishery Friendly Climate Action Campaign shares insights into the climate effects currently faced by fishermen across the U.S.
• 05:47 The Fishery Friendly Climate Action Campaign has four workstreams:
  • Fishery Friendly Climate Action Planning
  • Accelerating a Transition to a Low Carbon Fishing Fleet
  • Solarizing the Seafood Industry
  • Fishery-sensitive Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal
• 12:16 What is needed to put the fishing industry in the driver's seat of its own energy transition
• 17:26 Conversations are key to understanding the gaps in education surrounding decarbonizing fishing fleets  
• 19:13 Supporting climate action led by people in boots, not people in suits (you can get this slogan on a t-shirt to support the campaign!)
• 22:45 The multifaceted challenges to offshore wind development and the need to co-optimize multiple federal 30X30 goals that are seemingly contradictory
• 27:41 How to join the Fishery Friendly Climate Action Campaign
• 29:11 Sarah’s journey from environmentalist to fisher to climate activist
• 36:58 Maintaining hope in the face of the climate crisis
• 37:47 Sarah shouts out a Texan HERO and An Unreasonable Woman: A True Story of Shrimpers, Politicos, Polluters, and the Fight for Seadrift, Texas
  

Resources: 

1. Check out FisheryFriendlyClimateAction.org for more on the campaign that  provides members of the U.S. commercial fishing community with tools, networking, knowledge, and opportunities to advance robust climate solutions that work for U.S. fisheries and not at their expense.
2. Grab some swag to support this effort! 
3. Recommend this episode to one person who is curious about how fishers are leading the way towards a climate resilient future.

Lost and entangled fishing gear is a big problem for BOTH people in the fishing industry and ocean ecosystems.

Thankfully, Kortney Opshaug and her team at Blue Ocean Gear are creating high-tech buoys that can track gear in the marine environment! 

Join us on Season 5, Episode 3 of The Conch podcast to hear all about Kortney’s amazing startup journey and how she’s making commercial fishing and aquaculture farms more sustainable with these exciting innovations in tech. 

Audio production and sound design by Crystal Sanders-Alvarado for Seaworthy Experiences.

Transcript

Episode Guide

• :00 Intro
• 01:37 Introducing Kortney Opshaug, the CEO and founder of Blue Ocean Gear, a startup company that provides technology solutions for IOT tracking on the ocean, creating high-tech buoys that can detect and locate gear in the marine environment, including lost or entangled fishing gear
• 04:41 What exactly are these high-tech buoys and how and where can they be deployed?
• 08:58 Consulting with fishers and researchers to build the best buoy based on their needs
• 10:47  The link between Blue Ocean Gear’s buoys and sustainability
• 13:53 These buoys also help detect gear theft, an increasingly common occurrence
• 17:13 The challenges of designing technology for use on the open ocean and why creating strong partnerships is critical
• 21:08 Kortney shares her impressions of COP28, the international climate conference which she recently attended in the United Arab Emirates
• 24:00 Leaping from aerospace engineering to creating tech solutions for commercial fishermen, Kortney is using technology to bridge the gap between conservation and the fishing industry
• 25:35 The challenges of finding venture capital for a woman-led startup
• 29:38 Kortney’s advice to those in the tech sector thinking about a career in ocean tech
• 31:45 Kortney uplifts her colleagues at Blue Ocean Gear!
• 32:31 These buoys also are a solution to improving animal welfare! Kortney explains how

Resources: 

1. Check out Blue Ocean Gear for more info on these intelligent, connected buoys and supporting hardware that monitor the location and movement of any type of gear along with local conditions.
2. Interested in learning more about the results of COP28? Find five takeaways here.
3. Recommend this episode to one person who is curious about the intersection of ocean and tech.

Imagine working on behalf of the ENTIRE fishing industry across America—from Alaska to Maine, from Hawaii to Florida. 

As the Executive Director of The Seafood Harvesters of America, that’s exactly what Leigh Habegger does! 

On Season 5, Episode 2 of The Conch podcast, Leigh shares all about her critical work, including how the climate crisis is currently affecting fisheries and harvesters in REAL time, along with ways we can support them in the face of these challenges.

Audio Production and Sound Design by Crystal Sanders-Alvarado for Seaworthy Experiences.

Transcript

Episode Guide

• :00 Intro

• 01:03 Introducing Leigh Habegger, the Executive Director of Seafood Harvesters of America, a first-of-its kind national commercial fishing association with members ranging from Alaska to Maine, Hawaii to Florida

• 03:39  Leigh shares some of the challenges facing members of the Association

• 05:43 A big challenge is convincing Congress and the federal government to invest in our fisheries now in order to be prepared for what’s coming (HINT: the effects of climate change are happening NOW and will continue to exacerbate until we start to address them.)

• 07:39  What are the effects of climate change that the Association’s members are experiencing in real time?

• 19:45 A big part of Leigh’s job is working the halls of Congress and supporting legislation to benefit fisheries and their future. The Magnuson-Stevens Act is an important piece of legislation—Leigh explains what it is and why it’s so important

• 25:43 As the new U.S. Commercial Industry Commissioner for ICCAT, the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas, Leigh recounts her experience representing the U.S. at her first multilateral meeting where countries vie for a fair share of quota to fish the several species of Atlantic tuna

• 35:03 In order to lessen inequalities in the sector, we need more awareness.

• 38:24 The importance of a strong network in your career cannot be overstated! The Bloom, SAGE’s networking community, is a great source to find like-minded people with similar challenges. 

• 41:02 Leigh’s advice to young people thinking about a career in the seafood sector

• 44:20 Leigh uplifts Hannah Heimbuch - fisher, advocate, and teacher to the one and only Martha Stewart on how to fillet a salmon!

Resources

1. 1. Check out Seafood Harvesters of America, where fishermen unite for the future.

   2. Interested in learning more about how quotas for Atlantic Tunas are allocated? Read more about ICCAT here.

   3. Recommend this episode to one person who is curious about who is advocating for the U.S. commercial fisheries sector happens in the halls of Congress.

How do MICROPLASTICS wind up in marine life? 

What’s their effect on ocean ecosystems and our seafood? And most importantly, what can we do to prevent this from happening? 

Thankfully, Taja Sims-Harper is here to tell us! 

A doctoral student in the marine biology department at the University of New Hampshire, Taja’s research focuses on microplastics in oysters and other marine life. She also recently became an oyster farmer and is a proud member of Minorities in Aquaculture.

Catch all of her insights and hear about her amazing journey on Season 5, Episode 1 of The Conch podcast!

Transcript

Episode Guide

• :00 Intro
• 01:20 Introducing Taja Sims-Harper, a doctoral student in the marine biology department at the University of New Hampshire studying microplastics in marine life AND seafood!
• 03:39 Taja shares her lab work and research with oysters and microplastics (BTW, it’s stinky!)
• 13:30 Taja’s journey - from Oakland to Maine; from Oregon to New Hampshire 
• 18:20 How Taja became a fan, member, and intern of Minorities in Aquaculture and what this incredible organization means to her
• 24:30 Not only a doctoral student, but also an oyster farmer! Taja walks us through what it takes to farm oysters
• 28:41 How climate change factors into Taja’s research on microplastics and as an oyster farmer
• 31:51 Favorite seafood memories usually involve oysters and Taja’s favorite is no different
• 33:39 Taja shares some hurdles she’s faced as a woman and as a Black woman throughout her career in academia and aquaculture, along with how she overcame them!

Resources: 

1. Check out this report on microplastics in seafood and the implications for human health
2. Recommend this episode to one person who is curious about how microplastics are affecting our seafood.

You’ve likely heard of “calling out” someone—or letting them know that their behavior is harmful and unacceptable. 

But a tool that can drive real change is “calling someone IN” or engaging them in a deeper discussion where there’s room for questions and introspection.

So join us on Season 4, Episode 10 of The Conch podcast to hear Cameron Moore, SAGE’s Program Assistant, share on how we can call people IN to create an inclusive, diverse seafood sector built for everyone! 

And if you’re curious about… 

• How do you petition a National Park to make ranger outfits more equitable for people of all genders? 

• What’s it like being vegan while working in the seafood industry?

• How do factors like gender and race play into getting social license to farm seaweed or oysters? 

…You’ll LOVE this episode!

Episode Transcript 

Episode Guide

• :00 Intro
• 01:00 Introducing Cameron Moore, SAGE’s Program Assistant!
• 03:11 There was more than just vibes that interested Cameron in the position at SAGE. 
• 06:07 Why would a vegan promote the consumption of seafood?
• 10:04 Cameron shares their efforts to build a more inclusive national parks system (Hint: ranger uniforms are problematic.)
• 17:04 Climate change is not gender neutral: the intricate connections between gender and climate change
• 22;29 Cameron shares an important “what the heck” moment they’ve experienced since entering the workforce.
• 29:10 Have you joined The Bloom? Here’s what to expect!
• 33:59 What do dismantling the patriarchy and fighting white supremacy have to do with the seafood industry?
• 38:46 Two pieces of advice for industry newcomers.
• 41:50 Not one, but two shoutouts!
• 43:37 Cameron’s favorite seafood memory involves a seafood that brings people together.

Resources: 

1. Explore SAGE’s programs!

2. Recommend this episode to one person who is curious about why Gen Z is our future!

Show Notes 

Seafood can change hands many times before it reaches your plate, which is why we need to know about all of the hard-working people who helped get it there. 

Were they treated fairly? Are their rights being respected and upheld? 

Here to help answer those questions and ensure human rights due diligence across seafood supply chains is Dr. Katrina Nakamura, CEO of Sustainability Incubator! 

Tune into Season 4, Episode 9 to catch Katrina’s insights into what’s happening with forced labor in seafood, how women influence FIPs (aka: Fishery Improvement Projects), and how her diverse career path led her to the current impactful work she does today. 

Audio production and sound design by Crystal Sanders-Alvarado for Seaworthy.

Episode Transcript

Episode Guide

• :00 Intro
• 01:34 Dr. Katrina Nakamura walks us through human rights due diligence in seafood: what it is and why it’s critical.
• 04:42 There are two types of human rights abuses in seafood supply chains—Katrina breaks it down.
• 10:13  Labor is the first place the seafood industry squeezes to cut costs of production. Why are low labor costs becoming less of an asset and quickly becoming a liability?
• 15:50: Katrina shares the two things that are driving improvements in labor conditions in the sector. 
• 18:26 As one of the biggest investments a company has, labor means a lot. The Labor Safe Screen is a human rights due diligence service that shows the value the company places on the relationships with their labor force.
• 24:09  You’ve uncovered abuses in your supply chains, how do you respond?  
• 29:42 The time for forced labor in seafood supply chains is up as human rights due diligence is becoming mandatory globally.
• 33:25 The victim, the villain, and the hero: Is there a correlation between environmental sustainability and forced labor?
• 37:50  Fishery Improvement Projects: what are they and how are women influencing fisheries progress in innovative, yet invisible, ways?
• 46:22 Sidelining women and upholding barriers to leadership have very real consequences that hold back progress.
• 49:32 Katrina uplifts an angel!

Resources: 

1. Explore Katrina’s work on human rights due diligence at Sustainability Incubator.
2. Read more from the International Labor Organization (ILO) about forced labor and human trafficking in fisheries.
3. Recommend this episode to one person who is concerned about forced labor in seafood production.

It’s crystal clear — seaweed aquaculture is a big part of our future! Seafood harvesters are looking for ways to diversify in the age of climate change, and farming seaweed is the path for many of them. 

But it certainly has its challenges, as any crop does, and MUST be done sustainably, safely, and ethically. That’s where Anoushka Concepcion is helping pave the way. 

As an associate extension educator with Connecticut Sea Grant, a faculty member at UConn’s Department of Cooperative Extension, and a Board Member of Minorities in Aquaculture, Anoushka works intensively with aquaculture communities, sparking conversations so everyone can work together to have seaweed benefit ALL—including growers, regulators, consumers, and kids! 

Hear all about why aquaculture as an essential path to feeding people high quality proteins with low costs so people of all ages and income levels can access health and wellness on Season 4, Episode 8 of The Conch podcast!

Audio Production and Sound Design by Crystal Sanders-Alvarado for Seaworthy.

Episode Transcript

Episode Guide

• :00 Intro
• 01:18 Anoushka Concepcion of Connecticut Sea Grant explains why 34 Sea Grant programs are the boots on the ground for the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
• 05:00 What does the term “extension” mean and why is it important in aquaculture?
• 07:13 Seaweed aquaculture: the challenges are universal but not unique to Connecticut.
• 11:15 The National Seaweed Hub - what it is and why it's needed
• 16:09 How are public health concerns and food safety with seaweed aquaculture addressed?
• 19:51 How a fascination with marine science and a trip to visit family in India launched Anoushka’s career supporting seaweed farming and aquaculture production.
• 22:04 A personal experience with the dangers of kelp farming.
• 24:35 How climate change affects shellfish and seaweed farms in Connecticut. 
• 29:36 Representation is everything. Why Anoushka joined the board of Minorities in Aquaculture (MIA).
• 34:07 What the seafood industry must do to support women in the sector.
• 37:28 Anouska’s advice to address inequality in the sector - keep talking about the issues until you find people with the solutions. They’re out there!
• 43:07 Shout out to the absolute bedrock of civilization!

Resources: 

1. Read more about Anouska’s work at Connecticut Sea Grant and the National Seaweed Hub.
2. Recommend this episode to one person who is curious about the multiple benefits of seaweed aquaculture!

From serving in the Peace Corps in Madagascar to serving oysters in Maine, Libby Davis is changing the industry paradigm with her mobile raw-bar and event catering company.

She and her team source world-class Maine oysters directly from a network of WOMEN-owned sea farms, delivering a best-in-class raw-bar experience while increasing visibility for underrepresented groups on the working waterfront.

To hear Libby’s story and how she’s amplifying diverse voices in aquaculture, tune into Season 4, Episode 7 of The Conch podcast.

Episode Transcript

Episode Guide

• :00 Intro

• 00:52 Introducing Lady Shuckers, Libby Davis’ mobile raw bar and event catering company on a mission to support women in aquaculture and increase representation and visibility of underrepresented groups on the waterfront.

• 02:42 Why oysters?

• 10:52 Lady Shuckers was born from a "desire to shuck oysters and change the industry paradigm"—with their support, women are making big strides in Maine’s oyster farming sector.

• 14:56 What are the barriers to women’s participation in aquaculture?

• 18:40 Libby served three years in the Peace Corps in Madagascar in 2015. She recently returned for another exchange and paints a picture of development work in one of the poorest countries in the world. 

• 30:31 Inequality is everywhere. How can we address inequality in the seafood sector? (Hint, think about how you spend your dollars!)

• 36:49 Libby gave a LOT of shoutouts in this episode:

• Amanda Moeser of Lanes Island Oysters

• Emily Selinger of Emily’s Oysters

• John Herrigel of Maine Island Oyster Company

• Jaclyn Robidoux

• Alicia Gaiero of Nauti Sisters Sea Farm

• The Briny Babe

• Andy Rogers of Jolie Rogers Traveling Raw Bar

• Sister Island Oysters

1. Resources: 

   1. Read more about Lady Shuckers mobile raw bar and catering company, the farms they source from, and grab some merch at ladyshuckers.com

   2. Recommend this episode to one person who is curious about why women are drawn to the close-knit oyster farming community in Maine.

Ever wondered…

• Why do algal blooms harm fisheries? 
• How can we get a ​​farmer in Iowa to care about a shellfish farmer in the Gulf of Mexico? 
• What it takes to design aquaponics for SPACE? 
  

InspectorPlanet—aka Dr. Tracy Fanara—is here to answer all of these questions and more!

Besides her very cool role at NOAA where she dives into earth systems and investigates what’s needed to protect human lives and livelihoods from environmental threats, Dr. Tracy has appeared on everything from the Science Channel’s Mythbusters to Nat Geo’s SharkFest. 

Hear all about this real life superhero on Season 4, Episode 6 of The Conch podcast! 

Episode Transcript

Episode Guide:

• :00 Intro
• 01:11 Dr. Tracy Fanara combined sustainability and innovation to invent her alter ego, Inspector Planet, and to give young girls a role model in STEM.
• 02:12 At the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Tracy works with academia, industry, other government agencies, and scientists to protect lives and livelihoods.
• 03:11 A primer on coastal and ocean modeling and why it’s important.
• 07:44 There are no local problems.
• 10:01 Tracy, once called the “Face of Red Tide,” earned that moniker because of her holistic approach to understanding it and communicating important information to people affected by it.
• 12:39 What is the difference between toxic red tide algae and popular sea vegetables, like kelp and seaweeds, that we are starting to see on store shelves?
• 15:58 Recognizing that everything we do affects everyone else, how do we get a farmer in Iowa to care about a shellfish farmer in the Gulf of Mexico?
• 19:48 Tracy was THIS close to going to space on the SpaceX journey to the moon. What happened?
• 20:20 Why space, when Earth? The answer might surprise you.
• 25:13 If you’re not ok with failing, you’re not ok with winning. Why failure excites Tracy.
• 29:29 Change is coming—more women are advancing into careers in STEM. 
• 32:59 Tracy is a climate optimist and everyone can play a role in addressing the climate crisis.
• 36:06 Shoutouts!

Resources: 

1. Read more about Dr. Tracy and why everything is connected at Inspector Planet.
2. Recommend this episode to one person who is curious about the incredible potential of aquaponics in space!

If 10 years ago somebody had told Tia Clark she’d be a professional crabber, she’d have told that person to jump back into their spaceship.

Today, Tia leads people of all ages on crabbing expeditions through her booming Charleston business, Casual Crabbing With Tia, which is recognized as one of AirBnb’s TOP Experiences in the world! 

On Season 4, Episode 5 of The Conch podcast, she shares what it means to “casually” crab, why growing up in a big Gullah Geechee family shaped her connection to the water, and how she deals with imposter syndrome in moments when she can’t quite believe she’s teaching people the art of crabbing.

Episode Transcript:

Episode Guide:

• :00 Intro
• 01:08 Tia Clark went to the pier to throw a crab net to regain her health, a simple act that changed her entire soul and life’s trajectory.
• 02:49 Through Casual Crabbing, Tia shares her experience of building a relationship with the water. Here’s how it looks.
• 05:55 Casual Crabbing is also Tia’s love letter to her hometown of Charleston, as people buy licenses to crab, which are reinvested to put life back into the water.
• 08:12 How do we cultivate organic stewards of an important resource when they don’t have access to that resource? 
• 12:56 It’s never too late to change your life’s path. How Tia went from 20 years in the food and beverage sector to an experience that figuratively “cracked her head open.”
• 15:29 Casual Crabbing with Tia started as an AirBnb Experience and is recognized as one of AirBnb’s best in the world.
• 24:10 While a huge challenge, COVID spurred the next evolution of the Casual Crabbing experience. 
• 28:17  Tia grew up in a big Gullah Geechee family, which meant eating a lot of seafood, especially blue crabs. However, somewhere along the line, she lost her love of cooking food for her culture and heritage. The act of crabbing brought it all back.
• 30:58 Why did Tia never go crabbing when she was a child?
• 33:02 Tia’s experience as a woman on the water and why only men get pinched by the crabs.
• 37:53 Three tips to fight your inner imposter.
• 41:04 Career advice: work for joy, not money, and (echoing past podcast guest Stephanie Harris-Uyidi!) do it scared.
• 46:06 Tia gives an inspirational shoutout to a mentor and friend.

Resources: 

1. Learn more about how to join Tia on a Casual Crabbing experience.
2. Visit Charleston Water Keepers and the South Carolina Oyster Recycling and Enhancement (SCORE) Program to learn more about how, along with Tia, these organizations educate, empower, and engage the communities around Charleston, creating organic stewards who care about their watersheds.
3. Recommend this episode to one person who is curious about how fishing and crabbing can not only bring food to your table, but health and happiness to your life.

How do we normalize “sustainable seafood” so that it becomes the DEFAULT way of sourcing and buying?

Why should we bring diverse (and even opposing) viewpoints TOGETHER to solve the global challenges facing our oceans?

And what makes us fall in love with seafood in the first place—what are the moments that make working in this industry SO exciting and fulfilling? 

We dive into ALL of that, covering everything from crab boils to eating fish with “Cheeto raspberry yogurt sauce” on the newest episode of The Conch podcast, which features not one, but FOUR innovators from various organizations reimagining the future of fish and seafood! 

Episode Transcript 

Episode Guide:

• :00 Intro
• 00:54 Meet Laura Miller of the Conservation Alliance for Seafood Solutions (CASS), Christina Callegari of the Ecology Action Centre, Corbett Nash of the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program, and Jenny Barker of FishWise
• 10:11 Our guests share their favorite seafood memory
• 19:05 What should the sustainable seafood community and seafood industry pay more attention to? Our guests share what they think

Resources: 

1. Click the links to learn more about the Conservation Alliance for Seafood Solutions, Ecology Action Centre, FishWise, and Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch.
2. Recommend this episode to one person who is curious about ensuring the survival and wellbeing of the seafood sector for years to come.

“Sustainable seafood.” The phrase typically brings to mind seafood that is harvested or raised in a way that prioritizes the health of oceans and waterways. 

And that’s true, but holistic, long-term sustainability is so much more! 

The sustainability mindset we all need requires the understanding that our oceans and people are intertwined—successful conservation policies MUST consider how they affect people and vice versa. 

That’s where the work of organizations like Ocean Outcomes, Sustainable Fisheries Partnership, and Future of Fish (along with SAGE!) intersect—we’re all looking to create a seafood industry that has social justice at its center so that both people and the planet can thrive. 

Tune into this unique episode of The Conch podcast where we hear from Charlotte Maiden, Perry Broderick, and Stephanie Stinson—thought leaders from these three impactful organizations!

Episode Transcript

Episode Guide:

• :00 Intro
• Meet Perry Broderick of Ocean Outcomes (O2), Stephanie Stinson of Future of Fish, and Charlotte Maiden of Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP)
• 09:09 Our guests share their favorite seafood memory
• 13:30 What should the sustainable seafood community and seafood industry pay more attention to? Our guests share what they think

Resources:

1. Click the links to learn more about Sustainable Fisheries Partnership, Future of Fish, and Ocean Outcomes.
2. Recommend this episode to one person who is curious about ensuring the survival and wellbeing of the seafood sector for years to come.

When it comes to building a seafood industry that embraces and serves everyone, how can we move away from the good/bad binary to truly create room for discussion, accountability, and change? 

Here to help us answer that very complex question in this episode of The Conch podcast, we chat with Becca Williams, SAGE’s very own Program Manager for the Gender Equality Dialogues! 

Becca is brand new to the seafood industry, but comes equipped with an expansive career in gender and international development. From supporting social justice activists to working in antiracism education, she’s developing a bright and inclusive future for the seafood sector—and we hope you’ll join her if you’re a leader in the field!

Episode Transcript 

Episode Guide

• :00 Intro
• 00:54 Becca gives us a rundown of her new role at SAGE leading the Gender Equality Dialogues (GED)
• 05:18 In addition to a bright and welcoming logo, the opportunity to join a small and nimble organization working on gender equality is one of the many things that inspired Becca to join SAGE
• 09:01 As a newbie to the seafood sector, Becca shares observations of her first Boston Seafood Show and the response to SAGE’s Boston Bingo.
• 14:36 Growing up in Santa Barbara and houseboat vacations on Lake Shasta create wonderful seafood memories
• 17:49 Becca’s career path to SAGE was, you guessed it, not circuitous!
• 23:45 Setting boundaries is key to avoiding burnout
• 25:41 Three things about the absolute importance of this work to build gender equality in the seafood sector and why it’s so challenging
• 34:57 Breaking it down: what seafood companies can expect if they participate in the GED
• 38:12 When uplifting and amplifying diverse voices in the seafood industry, we must pay attention to how origin stories of the industry are told and whose stories and voices get
• erased in that process
• 41:32 To quote past guest of The Conch, Julie Qiu, “The industry is ripe for disruption.” Becca shares why this phrase resonates.
• 43:03 Becca’s shoutout is a SAGE lovefest and someone CRITICAL to advancing our mission! 

Resources

1. Learn more about SAGE’s Gender Equality Dialogues, the journey, and FAQs.

2. Recommend this episode to one person who is curious about ensuring the survival and wellbeing of the seafood sector for years to come.

If Mother Teresa and Albert Einstein had a baby, they might have named it “Effective Altruism” —a beautiful combination of compassion and intellect that can also be applied to how we raise and catch seafood!

In this episode of The Conch podcast, we chat with Sophika Kostyniuk, the Managing Director of the Aquatic Life Institute, who, guided by the principles of effective altruism, works to reduce the suffering of aquatic animals in the global food system. In both fisheries and aquaculture, there’s a lot of work to be done to improve animal welfare and create an ethical, humane industry built on kindness and care.

CW: This episode contains descriptions of aquatic animal death.

Episode Transcript

Episode Guide

• :00 Intro
• 01:21 Started by a hedge fund trader, the Aquatic Life Institute (ALI) seeks to reduce the
• suffering of aquatic animals in the global food system, previously missing from broader animal rights discussions, by focusing on the highest-impact welfare interventions.
• 08:19 The ALI operates according to the principles of effective altruism, a philosophical approach using evidence and careful reasoning to prioritize efforts to do the most good with limited resources.
• 11:55 The ALI is a solutions broker dedicated to improving the lives of aquatic animals.
• 15:02 The ALI created five key welfare pillars for aquaculture based on the Five Freedoms approach.
• 20:44 Aquaculture standards can improve their animal welfare practices and here’s how.
• 25:29 Insect farming for aquaculture feed is a no for the ALI.
• 29:21 Animal welfare in wild capture fisheries is a newer, yet critically important, discussion.
• 34:11 Is the ALI advocating that we stop eating fish? (The short answer is no, but we must do better in terms of their welfare in life and ultimate dispatch.)
• 36:14 The octopus is the poster child for sentience. Five key reasons why we shouldn’t farm them.
• 41:05 Sophika describes her career path that led her to the ALI and, surprise, it wasn't linear!
• 45:03 Sophika’s advice to people thinking about joining the seafood industry: Be bold! 
• 47:12 Sophika uplifts someone we all know!

Resources

1. Read more about the Aquatic Life Institute’s mission and impact at ALI.org.
2. Explore the report mentioned in the podcast about best practices for aquatic animal welfare in marine capture fisheries and resources about banning octopus farming.
3. Recommend this episode to one person who is curious about the aquatic animal welfare movement.

How do you bring craveworthy, responsible seafood 🐟 to people who live NOWHERE near the ocean? 

We asked Dawn Polizzotti, the Senior Vice President of Digital for Long John Silver’s—the largest service seafood chain in the United States! Over her 25-year career, she’s done everything from develop fish sandwiches at Burger King to hire a social media influencer to rap about Long John Silver’s.

Tune into Season 3, Episode 10 of The Conch podcast to hear how Dawn is leading the digital transformation of this 50-year-old quick service seafood restaurant

Episode Transcript 

Episode Guide

• :00 Intro
• 01:21 Before joining Long John Silver’s, Dawn worked at some of the most iconic restaurant brands throughout her 25-year career.
• 3:02 What is a digital strategy to grow off-premise sales for a quick service restaurant (QSR)?
• 6:07 There is no typical day for a seafood marketer.
• 8:23 Harnessing the power of social media: what it’s like to work with social media influencers.
• 11:08 Long John Silver’s is a franchise business—Dawn breaks down what that means.
• 17:02 What are the challenges of taking a seafood QSR international?
• 20:32 Menu innovation: a brief detour into a discussion about Burger King’s chicken fries, one of Dawn’s past projects.
• 25:00 Have you heard of “crumblies”? Now you have!  
• 26:58 Why Lent is the “Super Bowl” for Long John Silver’s.
• 28:35 Long John Silver’s commitment to sustainable seafood.
• 32:56 How Long John Silver’s tells the story of seafood.
• 34:06 Dawn shares her family’s special seafood memories.
• 36:14 As the SVP of Digital Transformation, Dawn shares her tips to ascend the ladder of leadership, emphasizing the importance of networking and mentorship.
• 42:49 Dawn shouts out anyone who is listening to the podcast!

Resources: 

1. Learn more about Long John Silver’s and their mission to bring great-tasting, sustainably-caught seafood to everyone—including those who are far from the sea!  
2. Recommend this episode to one person who loves grabbing a quick fish meal and doesn’t forget to ask for crumblies!

Like the “Johnny Appleseed of the coast,” one woman is replanting oyster reefs across New York City’s 520 miles of shoreline along New York Harbor, engaging communities and kids in restoration of their beloved waterways and ecosystems.

In this episode of The Conch podcast, we chat with Tanasia Swift, marine educator and field station program manager for the Billion Oyster Project. Tanasia shares her journey— from fishing in Brooklyn as a young woman with her father to bridging the gap between urban communities and marine spaces through oyster restoration and connecting women to the water.

Episode Transcript

Episode Guide 

• :00 Intro
• 00:58 Tanasia’s journey—from a little girl in Brooklyn to attending the New York Harbor School to leading the Billion Oyster Project’s oyster reef restoration in the New York Harbor
• 06:16 A recap of the historical and cultural importance of oysters in New York City, starting with the Lenape, the Indigenous people of the region
• 11:42 The process of restoration: Like a “mother of millions,” Tanasia recruits and trains an army of students and teachers in the classroom and in the field to help establish reefs and monitor and collect data on the growth of these incredible mollusks
• 16:52 Becoming part of the weaved community of the waterfront: How Tanasia engages stakeholders across the five boroughs of NYC
• 22:00 Bridging the gap between urban communities and the marine world
• 25:42 Introducing Water Women NYC - a community group aimed at getting women connected with water through mentorship
• 30:03 Who uses waterfronts and who has the most access to them? How do we ensure more diversity in these traditionally male-dominated spaces?
• 34:07 Tanasia passes on a piece of advice that once was shared with her for people who are breaking barriers
• 37:05 Uplifting fellow Water Women NYC founders and a young lady who doesn’t see herself in marine spaces (Keep going and create the community you hope to see!)

Resources:

1. Support Tanasia’s efforts to restore New York Harbor’s oyster reefs at the Billion Oyster Project and her mission to connect women to the water with Water Women NYC.
2. Recommend this episode to one person who is curious how to bridge the gap between urban communities and marine spaces!

Credits:

The Conch podcast is a program of Seafood and Gender Equality (SAGE).

Audio production, engineering, editing, mixing, and sound design by Crystal Sanders-Alvarado and team at Seaworthy.

Theme music: “Dilation” by Satan's Pilgrims

Funding generously provided by: David and Lucile Packard Foundation and Builders Initiative

Immigrating from Russia, Harry Brownstein started delivering smoked fish in a horse-drawn wagon from smokers to shops around Brooklyn in 1906. Four generations later, Emily Caslow, Harry’s great granddaughter, is an owner of Acme Smoked Fish and the President of the Acme Smoked Fish Foundation—every day, she gets to align her passion for the family business with philanthropy. 

On Season 3, Episode 8 of The Conch, Emily shares everything from how to start a sustainability journey in a company that’s over a century old to fantastic tips on reintegrating into the workforce after having kids.

Episode Transcript

Episode Guide

• :00 Intro
• 01:18 Immigrating from Russia, Emily’s great grandfather, Harry Brownstein, starts delivering smoked fish in a horse-drawn wagon from smokers to shops around Brooklyn, New York in 1906!
• 3:51 Out of school, Emily realized that she could work both in the family business and in philanthropy—the best of both worlds!
• 6:16 Be ready for anything: How Acme fared as essential workers in the food industry during the global pandemic and managed to continue their beloved Fish Friday program.
• 11:06  How do you start a sustainability journey in a company that’s over a century old? By focusing on four key pillars of sustainability, Acme plans to leave the world a better place. 
• 15:28 Acme launched the Acme Smoked Fish Foundation to honor Emily’s late uncle, Eric Caslow.
• 17:38 In 2022, the foundation launched the Seafood Industry Climate Awards (SICA) to support innovations focused on lowering the carbon footprint within the seafood industry and/or increasing the leadership role of underrepresented groups in the industry. Get to know the winners!
• 21:41 Emily took time off from the family business to raise her children. She shares her tips for reintegrating into the workforce.  
• 23:59 We need to keep up the momentum and continue having conversations to support each other in this industry.
• 26:25 Pass the passion: Emily’s advice for people wanting to enter the seafood business. 
• 28:02 A pandemic silver lining? Work/life balance!
• 30:07 From the source: what living in New York was like during the early stages of the global pandemic.
• 33:43 Emily uplifts the inaugural winners of the SICA awards: Cara O'Donnell at Mi'kmaq Nation, Linda Behnken, Alaska Longline Fishermen's Association, and Ben Conniff, Luke's Lobster.

Resources:

1. Learn more about Acme Smoked Fish at www.acmesmokedfish.com and read about the Seafood Industry Climate Awards and the winners here. 
2. Recommend this episode to one person who is curious about how a century-old company is leading the way in seafood sustainability and climate awareness.

Credits:

The Conch podcast is a program of Seafood and Gender Equality (SAGE).

Audio production, engineering, editing, mixing, and sound design by Crystal Sanders-Alvarado and team at Seaworthy.

Theme music: “Dilation” by Satan's Pilgrims

Funding generously provided by: David and Lucile Packard Foundation and Builders Initiative

According to recent research, women make up only 4% of the CEOs of the world’s largest seafood companies. That’s why we’re especially excited to bring you Kim Gorton’s story and insights—Kim is the CEO and President of Slade Gorton, a third-generation, family-owned seafood importer, processor, and distributor in Boston that got its start way back in 1849.  

Tune into Season 3, Episode 7 of The Conch podcast to hear how Kim carries on her family’s legacy and pushes for continuous improvement in reducing waste, regenerating resources, and providing sustainable seafood with a low carbon footprint.

Episode Transcript

Episode Guide:

• :00 Intro
• 01:10 As the President and CEO of Slade Gorton, Kim is carrying forth her family's incredible legacy in the seafood business that began in 1849!
• 3:58 How Slade Gorton is realizing their commitments to reducing waste, regenerating resources, and reshaping the consumer's experience with seafood.
• 12:18  Climate change: the 800 lb gorilla in the seafood industry. *Read more about the complexities and nuances of the carbon footprint of seafood and other protein sources.
• 18:10 The seafood industry showed great resilience and collaboration during the pandemic, however challenges still linger.
• 22:44 Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good—advice on how nonprofits and the seafood industry must work together to achieve common goals.
• 26:24 A career in the family seafood business wasn’t always a given. 
• 33:40 The seafood industry—once highly dangerous, unpredictable, and rigorous—is evolving into an exciting career choice for more women and youth.
• 37:40 Advice to SAGE: highlight accomplishments of women in the sector who merit recognition.
• 39:03 Kim uplifts the dynamic Sylvia Wulf!

Resources: 

1. Learn more about Slade Gorton and their mission to bring wholesome, nutritious and sustainable seafood from around the world to America’s table.
2. Recommend this episode to one person who is curious about America’s original seafood family!

Credits:

The Conch podcast is a program of Seafood and Gender Equality (SAGE).

Audio production, engineering, editing, mixing, and sound design by Crystal Sanders-Alvarado and team at Seaworthy.

Theme music: “Dilation” by Satan's Pilgrims

Funding generously provided by: David and Lucile Packard Foundation and Builders Initiative

More than 85 percent of the top U.S., Canadian, and European retailers have commitments to sustainable seafood. Sourcing seafood for a retail grocer is especially difficult in terms of balancing the myriad of considerations about a seafood product, but it’s also an extremely rewarding career if you have a thirst for knowledge.

In this episode of The Conch podcast, we chat with Daisy Berg, the Program & Category Manager for Seafood at New Seasons Market. Daisy gives us the full scoop on what it’s like to be a seafood buyer for a market, why opting for local seafood is a fantastic choice, and how important it is to try lesser-known species of fish.

Episode Transcript

Episode Guide:

• :00 Intro
• 01:23 Daisy’s father started the family seafood business to support his cousin who recently returned from the war in Vietnam. 
• 7:00 Sourcing seafood: A day in the life of a seafood retailer.
• 17:07 How a farmed salmon made Daisy “eat her words.”
• 22:24 Why “trash fish,” aka underappreciated species, deserve our attention.
• 25:36 How seafood sustainability nonprofit advisors work with retailers.
• 29:38 Because “seafood doesn’t sell itself,” the best thing to do is educate your staff to guide them on a customer’s seafood journey.
• 32:47 The uphill road of a woman in the seafood industry, but change is on the horizon.
• 38:30 Women are paid less than men in our industry. We need transparency in salaries.
• 40:54 Do you have an unending thirst for knowledge? The seafood industry might be right for you!
• 41:59 Daisy uplifts colleague Sarah Baker!
• 43:34 Putting the “new” in New Seasons—two of the hottest seafood items are hitting the shelves AND the produce section???

Resources: 

1. Learn more about New Seasons Market’s journey to become the sustainability leader in one of the most climate-friendly communities in the U.S.
2. Recommend this episode to one person who is curious about how retailers are driving responsible seafood through their commitments to sustainability.

Credits:

The Conch podcast is a program of Seafood and Gender Equality (SAGE).

Audio production, engineering, editing, mixing, and sound design by Crystal Sanders-Alvarado and team at Seaworthy.

Theme music: “Dilation” by Satan's Pilgrims

Funding generously provided by: Davide and Lucile Packard Foundation and Builders Initiative

Seafood is critical in terms of feeding the world, providing valuable jobs, and addressing the climate crisis, but many don’t know what to buy or how to prepare it. How do we build seafood literacy so that people are empowered with the knowledge and confidence they need to face the seafood counter? 

In this episode of The Conch podcast, we chat with Trish Whetstone, a Canadian-based food literacy educator, writer, and fishmonger on a mission to simplify the seafood experience. Trish translates the complexities of the seafood industry into real talk for fish curious folk through engaging hands-on workshops, events, and experiences.

Episode Transcript

Episode Guide

• :00 Intro
• 01:25 Trish’s obsession with seafood led her down a winding career path to fish through the arts, music, folklore, and storytelling.
• 10:48 Living in a coastal community that feels disconnected from its local food sources, including seafood, sparked a new career.
• 12:17 First podcast shout out to the Fisher Poets Gathering, where people share art, poetry, and music to share their deep and intrinsic connection to fishing.
• 14:45 Filleting a fish is an empowering skill, and even YOU can do it!
• 19:11 Eliminating the mystery behind fish and seafood: what is seafood literacy and why is it important?
• 24:22 Ever heard of Newfoundland Screech? Trish shares one of her FAVORITE fish facts.
• 26:53 Why is tinned seafood a “rabbit hole?” Let’s dive in!
• 31:14 The importance and value of collaborations and partnerships.
• 37:18 Trish uplifts Bretton Hills, an oyster and kelp farmer!
• 38:44 What’s next for Trish and how to find her online.

Resources: 

1. Head over to trishtalksfish.com to find more exciting fish knowledge and check out her upcoming events, workshops, and experiences.
2. Explore the fascinating history of women’s contributions to the fisheries of Newfoundland in this article.
3. https://www.heritage.nf.ca/articles/economy/women-fishery.php
4. Recommend this episode to one person who wants to become seafood literate!

The Conch podcast is a program of Seafood and Gender Equality (SAGE). 

Audio production, engineering, editing, mixing, and sound design by Crystal Sanders-Alvarado and team at Seaworthy.  Theme music:  “Dilation” by Satan's Pilgrims