The Conch Podcast

Episode Guide 00:04 Julie and Cameron from SAGE and Crystal from Seaworthy continue the recap of  five seasons of The Conch podcast! Here's your season four recap 03:16 SAGE's own Cameron and Becca are in the hot seat this season! 03:41 In this season, we touch on aquatic animal welfare - not a totally new topic in seafood 07:09  Where do we draw the line at sentience? 07:27 In season four, we heard from amazing women in seafood, like Tia Clark, Libby Davis, and Anoushka Conception, who introduced seaweed farming to our podcast 12:27 With the release of two papers, guest Katrina Nakamura offers a critical look at the Marine Stewardship Council's eco-labeling of tuna and shrimp farming in India  20:19 Final message: EAT SEAFOOD!  Transcript Resources:  Check out In Hot Water, a Climate and Seafood podcast to hear more from Julie, Cameron, and Crystal as we hit the road to explore key seafood producing regions across the U.S. and hear from people working at the intersections of fisheries, aquaculture, seafood, and conservation while grappling with the effects of the global climate crisis. Recommend this episode to one person who is curious about seafood and the ocean.  

This week in Season 6, Episode 3 of The Conch podcast, we're revisiting Season 3 in our ongoing recap series with Julie, Cameron, and Crystal from Seaworthy! From the rise of tinned fish queens to the grit of seafood entrepreneurs, we reflect on the stories and themes that made our third season unforgettable.  What stood out? Women leading the tinned fish trend The power (and challenge) of family-founded businesses Why people stay committed to seafood despite the obstacles  Plus, catch up on where some of our guests are now! Episode Transcript Episode Guide 00:05 Julie and Cameron from SAGE and Crystal from Seaworthy continue the recap of  five seasons of The Conch podcast! Here's your season three recap 01:22 Women are leading the tinned fish craze 07:57 Another trend from this season - entrepreneurship! 09:59  Why our guests stay in the seafood sector 13:06  A missed opportunity? We didn't interview one person working on traceability in the seafood sector 15:04 Another interesting trend - a good portion of seafood businesses are  family-founded, bringing its own set of challenges when trying to foster change in the industry 21:06 Updates on some of our fantastic guests from season three! Resources:  Check out In Hot Water, a Climate and Seafood podcast to hear more from Julie, Cameron, and Crystal as we hit the road to explore key seafood producing regions across the U.S. and hear from people working at the intersections of fisheries, aquaculture, seafood, and conservation while grappling with the effects of the global climate crisis. Recommend this episode to one person who is curious about seafood and the ocean.  

In Season 6, Episode 2 of The Conch podcast, Julie, Cameron, and Crystal from Seaworthy keep the retrospective rolling, this time diving into the highlights of Season 2.  From oyster deep-dives to the balance between wild and farmed seafood, this season was packed with big conversations. Tune in for reflections on seafood as a nutritious food source (not just a commodity), updates on favorite past guests, and plenty of oyster love along the way!  Episode Transcript Episode Guide 00:05 SAGE's Julie and Cameron and Crystal from Seaworthy continue the recap of five seasons of The Conch podcast! This episode features season two 02:47 Finding the balance between farmed and wild seafood 06:38 This season featured several experts in oysters. If you love oysters, this season is for you! 08:05 The nutritional benefits of seafood and sea veggies - an often neglected benefit of seafood when it is viewed solely as a commodity, as opposed to a nutritious food source 13:43  Updates on some of our fantastic guests from season two! Resources:  Check out In Hot Water, a Climate and Seafood podcast to hear more from Julie, Cameron, and Crystal as we hit the road to explore key seafood producing regions across the U.S. and hear from people working at the intersections of fisheries, aquaculture, seafood, and conservation while grappling with the effects of the global climate crisis. Recommend this episode to one person who is curious about seafood and the ocean.  

We're kicking things off with a special retrospective series—each episode will look back at a different season of the podcast, starting with the one that launched it all back in late 2021. In this first episode, Julie and Cameron from SAGE join Crystal from Seaworthy Experiences to revisit Season 1 and the big themes that shaped it, including:  How racism fuels forced labor in seafood What's changed since the pandemic  Gen Z's influence on the industry Plus, learn where some of our very first guests are now & hear more about

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Have you heard of the GREEN CRAB, which is commonly known as the “world's worst invasive species?” Harming ecosystems and other species, the green crab is bad news—which makes it a great species to eat!  But how do you go about building a culinary market for an invasive species, especially given that many Americans don't stray too far from seafoods like salmon, tuna, and shrimp?  Here to tell us on Season 5, Episode 9 of The Conch podcast is Mary Parks, the amazing Executive Director of Greencrab.org. On a mission to spread awareness of its invasive impact, Mary's taking the green crab from “problem to plate”! Transcript Episode Guide :04 Introducing Mary Parks, Executive Director of Greencrab.org. 01:00  Mary introduces us to the invasive green crab, commonly referred to as the world's “worst invasive species” and shares how they ended up in U.S. waters 04:08 The havoc that green crabs cause to both ecosystems and other animals 06:55  Green crabs are new(ish) to the West Coast 08:37 Mary's journey to start Greencrab.org, a nonprofit that builds and supports culinary markets for European green crab, and also spreads awareness of their invasive impact 12:17 Venetians traditionally eat green crab roe. It's a delicacy! 15:03 Mary shares the fascinating process of molting a green crab 20;00 How to build a market for an invasive species 25:39 Let's say you're a seafood harvester finding a lot of green crab—what do you do? Mary walks us through some critical steps and how Greencrab.org can help 31:23 A lot of communities, like the Khmer, cook green crabs in a variety of exciting ways and it's important to acknowledge these communities in terms of their seafood buying power 35:17 Greencrab.org launched a harvester survey to understand who is participating in the fishery 36:43 Mary gives a shout-out to Isaura Buasier, an incredible chef who is redefining New England's seafood cuisine Resources:  Check out Greencrab.org to learn about the invasive green crab and even which restaurants serve them on their menus! Recommend this episode to one person who is curious about stopping the spread of the world's worst invasive species, the green crab  

How can we use AI and Machine Learning to support Arctic fishing, shipping, and kelp mariculture—all of which are increasingly impacted by the climate crisis?  Leslie Canavera, a Yup'ik Alaska Native and the CEO of PolArctic, is here to tell us on the latest episode of The Conch podcast!  The PolArctic team developed the “first AI model of its kind to treat Indigenous Knowledge and Western science as equals, training with and validating both knowledge systems.” If you're curious to hear how merging these two knowledge bases has helped strengthen the seafood industry in the face of climate change, you won't want to miss Season 5, Episode 8.  You'll learn more about their impactful work and Leslie's journey from getting her Master's in Business Administration to serving in the Air Force to launching PolArctic!  Episode Transcript Episode Guide :00 Intro 01:20 Introducing Leslie Canavera, founder of PolArctic, a company focusing on the Arctic and the ocean, creating custom, cutting-edge artificial intelligence models for forecasting future environmental change 04:19 Artificial Intelligence (AI) is challenging established paradigms in the Arctic environment. Leslie tells us how 05:59 The Arctic is experiencing incredible challenges due to climate change 10:12  Ice patterns in the Arctic are changing due to climate change. Leslie walks us through the impacts on fisheries and communities 13:40 PolArctic recently successfully developed the first AI model to integrate Indigenous knowledge, scientific data, and remote sensing techniques to assess potential inshore fishery locations for an Arctic community 16:15  The Arctic is a data desert 19:00 Parachute science: when we're collecting data sets and asking people for their knowledge, it's important to use CARE and FAIR principles 20:54 Leslie's career journey from growing up in Anchorage, to becoming an AirForce officer, to launching a tech startup 26:25 Leslie's advice to eliminate inequality in the tech sector 30:45 Reshma Saujani said, "We're raising our girls to be perfect, and we're raising our boys to be brave." The challenges of VC funding and the importance of networking and sponsors 39:05 Leslie uplifts Jennifer Brown from Foraged and Found! Resources: Check out PolArctic's website to learn more about solutions to business and policy questions about the Arctic through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques. Interested in understanding why women-founded companies generate outsized social and financial returns? Read this article. Recommend this episode to one person who is curious about the importance of Indigenous knowledge in developing solutions to the greatest challenges facing our planet.    

When does a rising tide NOT lift all boats?  How does U.S. militarization affect the people of Palau and their seafood?  And, in what ways do economic, racial, gender, and environmental justice issues intersect in the seafood sector? We've got some mighty BIG questions on the latest episode of The Conch, and THE person to answer them.  On Season 5, Episode 7, Dr. Caroline Ferguson Irlanda shares her eye-opening insights and solutions to pressing challenges. A postdoctoral researcher at Stanford University and the host of Surf and Turf Podcast, Dr. Caroline and her podcast guests are FOUNTAINS of knowledge.  Audio production and sound design by Crystal Sanders-Alvarado for Seaworthy Experiences. Episode Transcript Episode Guide :00 Intro 01:15 Why Dr. Caroline Ferguson Irlanda, postdoctoral researcher, started a podcast called Surf and Turf, a seafood justice podcast 02:18 Caroline shares her conversation with Amal Bouhabib of Southern Migrant Legal Services, who represented local Black workers in the Mississippi catfish sector in a legal case where white South African workers were paid more than the local workers 05:50 Season Two of Surf and Turf focused on the privatization of fisheries through consolidation of catch shares, private equity ownership of fisheries, and illegal privatization of waterfronts 10:04  Racial challenges and how they manifest in the U.S. seafood system 14:01 The question that motivates Caroline in her research: how are the harms and benefits of the seafood trade distributed in fishing communities? She explains a case study of the sea cucumber fishery in Palau 19:38 Caroline supports opposition to the U.S. militarization of Palau through her privilege and nonprofit, Allies for Micronesia Project 23:55  Caroline and coauthors prepared Practical Ways to Implement Gender Sensitive Fisheries and Aquaculture Research in the Pacific to provide researchers training on how to account for gender in research design 27:57  How to lessen inequalities in the seafood sector? Recognize that this is a very gender-diverse sector and women are EVERYWHERE! 29:54 The driving questions behind Caroline's decision to earn her PhD 33:02 Caroline's advice for anyone considering a PhD 35:19 Caroline shouts out some of her incredible podcast guests: feini yin, Queen Quet, Nico Gomez Andujar, Kirby Page and Radhika Sharma Resources:  Check out the incredible Surf and Turf podcast to learn more about the complex and often overlooked issues of access, equity, and justice in the U.S. seafood system Recommend this episode to one person who is curious about the extraordinary people working to create a more just seafood system that nourishes us all.      

In what ways do food and social justice intersect? How can we help formerly incarcerated youth develop culinary careers? And why is it so important to support independent Black farmers?  Chef Mavis-Jay Sanders digs into all of this with us on Season 5, Episode 6 of The Conch podcast!  A James Beard Award-Winning chef, culinarian, and storyteller, Chef Mavis-Jay has supported so many wonderful organizations and initiatives, from the Coalition for Sustainable Aquaculture to the Queer Food Foundation (which she helped found!).  So join us for this episode where she shares her insights on how to help communities celebrate the joys of life and humanity through food. Episode Transcript Episode Guide :00 Intro 01:03 Chasing childhood food memories: Mavis-Jay's journey to becoming an award-winning chef 07:48  Letting go of the ego of food: what accolades meant and now mean to Chef Mavis-Jay 12:50 The importance of investing in formerly incarcerated youth 17:06  How to celebrate Black American heritage through food 20:41 Reclaiming Black food sovereignty: what does success look like? 24:01 Supporting Black farmers: where food comes from is as much of an issue of justice and equity as food access is 27:47 Why Chef Mavis-Jay supports the Coalition for Sustainable Aquaculture 31:05 The Queer Food Foundation whose mission is to be a nationwide resource and platform for LGBTQIA+ individuals in food and promote, protect, and fund queer food spaces 35:02 What the restaurant industry can do to lessen inequalities 38:15 Chef shouts out Katherine Miller, whose book At the Table: The Chef's Guide to Advocacy, will positively support generations of chefs Resources:  Find @chefmavisjay on Instagram and give a follow! Check the links for more information about the Queer Food Foundation, the Coalition for Sustainable Aquaculture, and Black Farmer Fund. Explore Katherine Miller's book, At the Table: The Chef's Guide to Advocacy  

Whether you're brand new to OYSTERS or have been obsessed for years, you'll want to get to know Kamille Harris and Jasmine Hardy, the amazing gals behind @BlackGirlsNOysters!  The Atlanta-based duo joins us on Season 5, Episode 5 of The Conch podcast to talk about the power of social media in spreading seafood positivity with the world, why representation matters, and their oyster eating tips. Episode Transcript Episode Guide :00 Intro 01:46 The first taste of an oyster leads to an obsession. Introducing Jasmine Hardy and Kamille Harris, aka @blackgirlsnoysters on Instagram!   04:27  There's an interesting theory as to what type of oyster you might prefer… 06:23 An impulsive decision leads to the birth of a new oyster appreciation Instagram account and exciting opportunities 09:09  Hot tip: Jasmine and Kamille share their favorite oyster festival in the U.S. 11:07 Social media: mixed feelings about this powerful tool that can be good and not-so-good  14:58 Tips for ordering oysters 18:40 The inside scoop: Future plans for @blackgirlsnoysters 21:13 Breaking down stereotypes: The importance of representation in the oyster community  24:02 Jasmine and Kamille have exciting careers outside of their robust social media presence 27:47 Patriarchy in aquaculture is pervasive. Let's teach young women that this is a viable career choice! 33:20 Jasmine shouts out Maurice and Sapelo Solo, whose mission is to preserve the culture, heritage, and traditions of the Saltwater Geechee people on Sapelo Island Resources:  Check out @blackgirlsnoysters on Instagram and give them a follow! Find out more information about Oyster South and Landlocked, the favorite oyster festival of Jasmine and Kamille. Recommend this episode to one person who loves oysters!  

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:  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. Grab some swag to support this effort!  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:  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. Interested in learning more about the results of COP28? Find five takeaways here. 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 Check out Seafood Harvesters of America, where fishermen unite for the future. Interested in learning more about how quotas for Atlantic Tunas are allocated? Read more about ICCAT here. 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:  Check out this report on microplastics in seafood and the implications for human health 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:  Explore SAGE's programs! 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:  Explore Katrina's work on human rights due diligence at Sustainability Incubator. Read more from the International Labor Organization (ILO) about forced labor and human trafficking in fisheries. 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:  Read more about Anouska's work at Connecticut Sea Grant and the National Seaweed Hub. 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 Resources:  Read more about Lady Shuckers mobile raw bar and catering company, the farms they source from, and grab some merch at ladyshuckers.com 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:  Read more about Dr. Tracy and why everything is connected at Inspector Planet. 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:  Learn more about how to join Tia on a Casual Crabbing experience. 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. 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:  Click the links to learn more about the Conservation Alliance for Seafood Solutions, Ecology Action Centre, FishWise, and Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch. 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: Click the links to learn more about Sustainable Fisheries Partnership, Future of Fish, and Ocean Outcomes. 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 Learn more about SAGE's Gender Equality Dialogues, the journey, and FAQs. 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 Read more about the Aquatic Life Institute's mission and impact at ALI.org. Explore the report mentioned in the podcast about best practices for aquatic animal welfare in marine capture fisheries and resources about banning octopus farming. Recommend this episode to one person who is curious about the aquatic animal welfare movement.

How do you bring craveworthy, responsible seafood

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: 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. 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: Learn more about Acme Smoked Fish at www.acmesmokedfish.com and read about the Seafood Industry Climate Awards and the winners here.  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:  Learn more about Slade Gorton and their mission to bring wholesome, nutritious and sustainable seafood from around the world to America's table. 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:  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. 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:  Head over to trishtalksfish.com to find more exciting fish knowledge and check out her upcoming events, workshops, and experiences. Explore the fascinating history of women's contributions to the fisheries of Newfoundland in this article. https://www.heritage.nf.ca/articles/economy/women-fishery.php 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

The cost of protein has increased by over 30% in the past five years, further exacerbating the unseen challenge of hunger—and seafood is often missing from the plates of underserved communities. By building relationships across the fishing industry, an organization called SeaShare works hard to get nutrient dense seafood to food-insecure people, families, and communities. Over the past 20 years, they have provided more than 200 million seafood servings to food banks across the country. In this episode of The Conch podcast, we chat with Fiona Robinson, the Development Director of SeaShare. From her early start as a journalist covering the seafood beat to owning a retail fish store in Maine, Fiona has devoted a lifetime to the seafood industry and helping those in need.

Did you know fish skin can be transformed into incredibly strong, eco-friendly leather boots?  On episode 3 of The Conch podcast, Julie is joined by Tasha Nathanson, founder of Seven Leagues, a circular economy fish leather tannery and fish boot social enterprise based in the Pacific Northwest. They explore the process of tanning fish skin for leather, the challenges of launching a socially conscious startup, whole fish utilization, and operating at the intersection of three industries dominated by men: fishery, forestry, and leather.

When you're not what people expect you to be, how do you pave your own path in seafood? The advice of chef, TV show host, cookbook author, and sustainable seafood advocate Stephanie Harris-Uyidi, a.k.a., @ThePoshPescatarian is to, “Do it yourself, and do it scared.”  On episode 2 of The Conch podcast, Julie and Stephanie dive into her unique and innovative journey to produce her own globally successful tv show, her roots in harvesting her own seafood, nose-to-tail eating, and more! Episode Transcript Episode Guide :00 Intro 01:14 When the universe is calling, sometimes you have to follow your passion and “do it scared.” 3:32 Appetite for Adventure: Stephanie, aka The Posh Pescatarian, brings her passion for seafood and travel to the small screen. 4:57 Introducing Going Coastal: A pandemic-era labor of love, THE cookbook featuring recipes representing every coastal city on the planet! 8:47 Nose-to-tail cooking seafood-style (an important way to minimize food waste and so much more!) 12:55  The dreadful thought of eating the last red snapper from the ocean sends Stephanie down the path of seafood sustainability. 14:30 Fish fraud: a cautionary tale.  16:24 Stephanie doesn't conform to the expectations of a black woman in the seafood, culinary, and entertainment industries.  19:37 Diving deeper into the ethos of “doing it scared.” 22:27 Key tips to launching a career in seafood. 24:23 Stephanie uplifts Clarice Owens of Pescavore Seafood. Resources:  Read all about the The Posh Pescatarian and order Going Coastal, the most extensive cookbook on seafood, at poshpescatarian.com Stream season three of Stephanie's tv show, Appetite for Adventure, which will debut soon here, so make sure to keep your eyes open for its release. Recommend this episode to one person who is curious about nose-to-tail eating and minimizing food waste! The Conch Podcast series is a program of Seafood and Gender Equality (SAGE) and made possible by generous funding from The David and Lucile Packard Foundation and Builders Initiative. Audio production, engineering, editing, mixing, and sound design by Crystal Sanders-Alvarado for Seaworthy. Original music provided by Satan's Pilgrims.  

Leading with compelling storytelling, clever brand marketing, innovative partnerships, and delicious seafood, Fishwife is one of the most exciting seafood brands on the market today. To kick off season 3 of The Conch podcast, we learn how one woman is leading the tinned fish category out of the dark ages and taking the sector by storm with tasty, sustainable seafood and a mantra that recognizes that “hot girls eat tinned fish.” Julie welcomes to The Conch podcast Becca Millstein, the co-founder and CEO of Fishwife, a woman founded and led food company aiming to make ethically sourced, premium, and delicious tinned seafood a staple in every cupboard. Episode Transcript Episode Guide :00 Intro 01:18 Time in quarantine, a hike in nature, and delicious memories of a college study abroad led Becca to a lightning bolt moment. 4:38 The genesis of Fishwife: Taking an idea from trail to shelf.  10:10 Just what is a “fishwife”? 11:54 Becca's favorite part of the tinned fish business.  14:09 Why women are leading the tinned fish category. 17:42 The value of brand partnerships. (Have you tasted the Fly By Jing x Fishwife collaboration?) 21:12 Navigating the complex nuances of sourcing sustainable seafood.  26:30 Sustainable and delicious: every seafood product in a Fishwife tin has to hit four key marks.  28:04 Hot girls eat tinned fish—-what does being a “hot girl” mean to Fishwife? 33:18 Tips from an industry newcomer: how the seafood industry can address inequality. 40:45 What the seafood industry really needs to do to support women leaders. 43:00 Becca uplifts Sachi Singh, founder and CEO of Rootless. 43:53 A teaser of an exciting new Fishwife release and how to find them online. Resources:  Find Fishwife's selection of tinned seafood at eatfishwife.com  Use promo code “tryfishwife15” to get 15% off Fishwife products Link to article by Ebony Perro, “Thee Megan Movement: Defining and Exploring Hot Girl Rhetoric.” Recommend this episode to one person who is curious about conservas

Did you know that partners of commercial fishermen are an unseen, yet critical part of the seafood industry? They play invaluable roles in supporting their fishermen partners, and thereby the industry itself, yet are generally unrecognized and unpaid for this labor. In this episode of The Conch podcast, we learn how one woman created a community of support for Partners of Commercial Fishermen to share experiences, valuable advice, and overall information about seafood, all while uniting life partners of those engaged in one of the planet's most dangerous professions - fishing. Julie welcomes to The Conch podcast Megan Waldrep - writer, columnist, and partner of a commercial fisherman. Episode Transcript Episode Guide :00 Intro 02:19 When Megan started dating a commercial fisherman, she felt alone and isolated. To make sense of the fishing way of life and find others in her situation, she threw a Hail Mary. 5:30 That Hail Mary? A blog post about dating a commercial fisherman, which led her to create and foster a supportive community: Partners of Commercial Fishermen (POCF)  8:15 How to maximize your serendipity potential: Easing into the return of your fisherman partner from an extended absence 13:57 Whether you're a fish farmer or a fisherman, Megan is here to support fishing families and their communities 17:31 A recap of challenges facing commercial fishermen 20:28 Megan's coincidental link to a former guest on The Conch, Monique Coombs 22:43 POCF are the invisible backbone of the seafood sector, providing generally unpaid labor to support the industry 27:26 Megan shares three critical life tips for a POCF 30:36 Uplifting and amplifying the efforts of some of The Conch podcast's former guests, Emily De Sousa and Monique Coombs! 33:02 Partners of commercial fishermen have needs, specifically sexual needs 34:52 Another way to empower yourself: get to know your own body 37:05 How to find Megan and the POCF community online Resources:  Learn more about Megan and the community of Partners of Commercial Fishermen on Instagram her website https://meganwaldrep.com/ Use promo code “POCF” to get 20% off the @CloneAWillyKit at https://cloneawilly.com/collections/clone-a-willy  Make sure to recommend this episode to anyone you think might care about the future of our ocean and women working in the sector. 

Precompetitive collaborations—when companies unite to address a shared problem or pain point that doesn't impact direct business competition—are becoming more and more popular in the seafood sector as companies begin to realize the power of the collective. In the newest episode of the Conch Podcast, we hear how one man is leading a group of seafood companies, united to amplify their impact and together transform the sector. Julie is joined by Sam Grimley, Executive Director of Sea Pact, a group of leading North American seafood companies dedicated to driving stewardship and continuous improvement of social, economic, and environmental responsibility throughout the global seafood supply chain. Episode Transcript Episode Guide :00 Intro 02:45 For every problem, there's a solution. For Sam, this belief led to a career working with, not against, the seafood industry. 6:51 A brief history of Sea Pact, its goals, and its vision. 11:40 How do you measure collective impact? 14:29 Why are precompetitive collaborations so popular in the seafood sector and is a meta-collaboration on the horizon? 20:20 Thinking about partnering with a seafood company? Here are Sam's five tips for success. 23:59 Eating with the Ecosystem: celebrating New England's underutilized fish. 30:43 Examples of transformational change that the seafood sector must advance. 32:46 Other sectors hold solutions to the seafood industry's biggest challenges.  36:15  It's been said before, but mentorship and relationships are key to navigating this fast-paced industry.  39:37 Shout out! Sam continues to be inspired by some incredible women in the seafood sector. 41:12 Looking for funding? Here's how you can apply for a grant from Sea Pact! Resources:  Learn more about Sam's work at Sea Pact and their collective efforts to drive change throughout the global seafood supply chain at http://www.seapact.org/  Check out some of the other organizations that Sea Pact has funded, like FishWise and the Global Tuna Alliance. Be sure to recommend this episode to anyone you think might care about the future of our ocean and women working in the sector.

Although considered one of the deadliest occupations, it's also been said that fishing saves lives*. In the newest episode of The Conch, we learn how one woman's grief led her to find solace on the ocean as a deep sea angler and galley cook. She shares the myriad of challenges for women in the sportfishing industry as she pursues her ultimate goal of someday becoming captain of her own boat. Julie is joined by Roni Hanke, school teacher, galley cook, sports angler, and aspiring boat captain.  *Content Warning: This episode features mentions of suicide and self-harm between minutes 7:17 - 9:42 and again from 12:05 - 13:08. Episode Transcript Episode Guide :00 Content Warning: This episode features mentions of suicide and self-harm  00:25 Intro 1:50 Known as the @TikiFishGal on Instagram, Roni explains her affinity for the popular, yet controversial, Tiki subculture  5:08 Deep sea saltwater fishing is the ultimate escapism 7:17 - 9:42 Content Warning: This passage contains mentions of self-harm and suicide.  Consumed by the death of her father and the isolation of the pandemic, Roni ultimately finds solace and a new passion on the water 9:42 Deep sea sportfishing: a primer 12:05 - 13:08 Content Warning: This passage contains mentions of self-harm and suicide. 13:08 A pirate's life: insight into the dark evolution of people working on sports fishing boats 18:34 What will it take for Roni to attain her goal of becoming a boat captain? 24:35 Navigating unspoken boat rules and maintaining personal safety as a woman leads to conflict 30:06 What it's like being a woman, often the only one, on a boat (There are A LOT of stereotypes and assumptions about women on boats…) 35:43 With no previous experience, Roni took the only job she could get on a boat as a woman—galley cook 37:26 Why do we idolize big fish, but not big women? 41:31 Roni uplifts fellow angler Megan Long, @LargeMouth_Sass on Instagram  42:57 The final word on what to call a woman who fishes: fisher or fisherman? Resources:  Follow Roni and her sports fishing life on Instagram @TikiFishGal  Make sure to recommend this episode to anyone you know who loves and cares about the future of our oceans. 

Women in leadership roles in the seafood industry can be counted on one hand. In the newest episode of The Conch podcast, we hear how one woman has dedicated 40 years of her life to the industry, its people, and its communities. Lisa started fileting salmon on the “slime line” in college and is now supporting environmentally and socially responsible farmed and wild seafood through partnerships with industry and nonprofit initiatives. Julie is joined by Lisa Goché, Vice President of Grobest Seafood Global and board member of both the Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative (GSSI) and the Seafood Task Force. *Note: In the episode, Julie says the Seafood Task Force is a nonprofit, however it is a for profit corporation registered in the state of Delaware. Episode Guide :00 Intro 02:23 Controlled chaos: a timeline of Lisa's 40 year career in the seafood industry 10:11 The salmon processing sector in Anchorage, Alaska is surprisingly diverse 13:08 A day in the life of a seafood industry executive, plus some survival tips 17:07 A perfect storm: a picture of supply chain chaos caused by the global pandemic  26:35 Five reasons why the seafood industry partners with nonprofits  30:01 Nonprofits listen up! What you need to understand when working with the seafood industry  39:54 Lisa's hard-earned advice for women in the seafood industry 46:10 Gratitude for life in the seafood industry 48:30 Final tip: Advocate for yourself and be the squeaky wheel!   Resources:  Learn more about Lisa's work and Grobest's global group of companies at www.grobest.com, http://www.grobestseafood.com/en and http://www.grobestusa.com/  Be sure to recommend this episode to anyone you think might care about the future of our ocean and women working in the sector.

For fisheries, the path to sustainability isn't easy. In the latest episode of The Conch podcast, we learn how one woman is working to support fisheries in their journey to sustainability, helping them capture value and ensure sustainable seafood for generations to come. Julie welcomes Erika Feller, Americas Regional Director at the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)—an international nonprofit on a mission to end overfishing and ensure that seafood is caught sustainably. Episode Transcript Episode Guide :00 Intro 01:59 Having started her career on Capitol Hill, Erika has a few ideas why marine conservation organizations might be hesitant to engage with policymakers and government. 8:20 We can all agree that seafood is good for your health. *We walk through the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee's recommendation on how to develop a national seafood marketing campaign. 12:08 Want to better understand the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) ecolabel certification and its standards? Here you go! 16:05 Challenges that the MSC faces in supporting global fisheries and their pathways to environmental sustainability. 20:59  Climate change and fisheries: Policy and regulation are important, but engaging with people and communities is what keeps fisheries sustainable and leads to homegrown solutions to address the challenges arising due to climate change. 25:53 The MSC recognizes the critical importance of mitigating the risk of forced or child labor and social inequities in global fisheries. 35:32 Advice to women joining the seafood industry: “Maximize the serendipity potential” and take advantage of opportunities that arise. 39:34 Uplifting and amplifying Lisa Damrosch and Sandy Nguyen–two incredible women working in seafood on opposite coasts of the U.S. *Erika is the former Chair of the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee (MFAC), which developed the report recommending the development of a national seafood marketing campaign, which Linda Cornish and Seafood Nutrition Partnership are bringing to life. Hear more about this effort on Season 2, Episode 5 of The Conch podcast featuring a conversation with Linda Cornish. Resources:  Learn more about the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) on their website and on their Instagram.   Learn more about the women Erika uplifts: Lisa Damrosch and Sandy Nguyen Make sure to recommend this episode to anyone you think might care about the future of our ocean and women working in the sector.  The Conch Podcast is a program of Seafood and Gender Equality (SAGE). Audio production, engineering, editing, mixing, and sound design by Crystal Sanders-Alvarado & team at Seaworthy.  Theme music: “Dilation” by Satan's Pilgrims. Funding generously provided by The David & Lucile Packard Foundation.

Did you know that seafood is chock-full of nutrients that are critical to brain, heart, and overall health? While seafood is one of the most researched food sources in terms of nutritional benefits, much of this information wasn't communicated to consumers—until Seafood Nutrition Partnership came along. In the latest episode of The Conch podcast, we learn how one woman has made it her mission to make sure Americans eat seafood twice a week to support their health, the health of the seafood industry, and the health of fishers and coastal communities around the world. Julie welcomes Linda Cornish, President of the Seafood Nutrition Partnership, a non-profit organization inspiring a healthier America through a balanced diet that includes seafood. Episode Transcript Episode Guide :00 Intro 01:54 Linda took a “gamble” and ended up in the seafood sector, launching the Seafood Nutrition Partnership, an organization that focuses on the nutritional benefits of seafood. 6:43 Seafood is one of the most studied nutrients by scientists, but you would never know it.  9:41 Do you know your omega-3 index (the measure of DHA and EPA levels in your blood)? It's easier to find out than you think.  12:22 The challenge of connecting science to consumers, when they really only want to know what's for dinner.  14:42 Fish sticks: yea or nay? The final word. 16:22 Got seafood? Developing a National Seafood Council and nationwide marketing campaign. 30:35 Linda shares tips to provide more opportunities for women and diverse people in the seafood industry. 35:50  Seafood industry take note: gender equality and empowering women is good for the bottom line. 43:49 Uplifting and amplifying the efforts of some of the Conch Podcast's former guests! Resources:  Learn more about Seafood Nutrition Partnership (SNP) on Instagram @seafood4health and on their website https://www.seafoodnutrition.org/.  Visit https://www.seafoodcampaign.org/  to join SNP's effort to fund a national seafood campaign and to learn more about the national seafood council. Make sure to recommend this episode to anyone you think might care about the future of our ocean and women working in the sector.  The Conch Podcast series is a program of Seafood and Gender Equality (SAGE) and made possible by generous funding from The David and Lucile Packard Foundation. Audio production, engineering, editing, mixing, and sound design by Crystal Sanders-Alvarado & team at Seaworthy. Original music provided by Satan's Pilgrims.

Career paths can be diverse and winding. In the newest episode of the Conch Podcast, we hear how one woman's path led her to become a driving force for positive change in fisheries and fish farms through efforts to educate the sector about challenges and rallying a collaborative effort to address them. Julie is joined by Stacy Schultz, Director of Marketing and Ssustainability Coordinator at Fortune Fish and Gourmet, and member and former chair of the Advisory Council of Sea Pact, a group of leading North American seafood companies dedicated to driving stewardship and continuous improvement of social, economic, and environmental responsibility throughout the global seafood supply chain. Episode Transcript Episode Guide :00 Intro 01:25 Animal necropsies at Disney World? Stacy's winding and diverse career path. 9:53 For a time, Stacy led a double life. 13:21 Fortune Fish and Gourmet offers a unique training program about seafood. 16:10 A big hurdle in the life of a seafood marketer. 21:33 Five things seafood buyers have to balance when sourcing seafood. 27:00 Sea Pact: a collaboration of ten seafood distributors collectively making a difference in global seafood production. 30:00 A case to support women in fisheries. 34:22 Tips for the seafood industry on how to build an inclusive and equitable sector. 39:25 Advice to women in the industry (It might involve traveling with Julie to Spain!!) 41:16 Stepping out of the seafood industry to uplift an incredible woman, Chloe Cho!  Resources:  Learn more about Stacy's work at Fortune Fish and Gourmet at https://www.fortunefishco.net/ and on their Instagram @fortunefishgourmet  More information about Sea Pact and their collective efforts to drive change throughout the global seafood supply chain at http://www.seapact.org/  Be sure to recommend this episode to anyone you think might care about the future of our ocean and women working in the sector.  The Conch Podcast series is a program of Seafood and Gender Equality (SAGE) and made possible by generous funding from The David and Lucile Packard Foundation. Audio production, engineering, editing, mixing, and sound design by Crystal Sanders-Alvarado for Seaworthy. Original music provided by Satan's Pilgrims.

The aquaculture industry lacks diversity in leadership. Starting in the summer of 2020, the industry made sweeping commitments to DEI in response to the reckoning created by Black Lives Matter in the U.S. and abroad. However, many of these commitments are exercises in box-checking, as we have yet to see action and tangible change. In the newest episode of the Conch Podcast, we learn how one woman is contributing to a future for this important industry by supporting women of color in aquaculture to get what they need to thrive on their own terms. Julie is joined by Imani Black, founder and CEO of Minorities in Aquaculture (MIA), student, and oyster farmer, representing a long legacy of watermen in her family, dating back to the 1800s. Episode Transcript   :00 Intro 01:47 Where are the people of color in leadership in aquaculture? This question led Imani to start Minorities in Aquaculture, or MIA for short. 5:07  Advice for starting a nonprofit: Passion for a cause is key, but ultimately not sustainable. (Another piece of advice: Google is your friend!) 10:17 Tips to stay organized (Hint: Prioritize the things that make you you!) 14:45 Aquaculture is the future. 17:03 MIA supports women of color in aquaculture to give them what they need—on their own terms. 19:02 Aquaculture is facing a labor shortage. With Imani's support, MIA members will be prepared to step into these roles and positively impact the industry. 21:24 The universe has big plans for Imani and MIA, and racism, ageism, and misogyny have no place here. 24:23 Ask yourself, are your spaces promoting diversity and inclusion and not just checking a box? 31:51 MIA is building a future to benefit us all. 34:43  How can you support Imani, MIA, and aquaculture's bright future for women of color? Learn more about Imani and how to support Minorities in Aquaculture (MIA) on Instagram and on her website Minorities in Aquaculture.  Several great people and efforts got a shoutout on this episode. Here's where to find them: Black in Marine Science, Gardner Douglas - the Oyster Ninja, and the Aquademia Podcast. Make sure to recommend this episode to anyone you think might care about the future of our ocean and women working in the sector.

How will we sustainably and equitably feed a growing planet? Coastal land grabs, climate change, and a lack of access to decision making about communal ocean resources are key challenges to answering this question. In the newest episode of the Conch Podcast, we learn how one woman is driving the charge to educate about these issues, bring everyone to the decision making table, and ensure that everyone understands that “hope is in the water.” Julie is joined by Jennifer Bushman, award-winning chef, Chief Marketing Officer at Kvarøy Arctic (a third-generation family-owned salmon farm in Norway), aquaculture expert, and founder of Fed by Blue–a new effort to provide visionaries, thought leaders, ocean lovers, activists, early-adopters, foodies, and consumers with the knowledge and materials to protect and participate in a responsible blue food system. Episode Transcript Episode Guide :00 Intro 02:29 Jennifer's career path started with a love for two fish: a gorgeous rainbow trout caught in a creek in Colorado as a child and a salmon that she knew could be raised in a sustainable and responsible way. 4:15 18,000 tiny tastes: Jennifer goes from cookbook author and host of her own cooking show to driving interest in a new salmon brand through grocery store demos and live television appearances. 9:38 Reconciling ocean protection with ocean production is critical to ensure that access to the ocean—a communal resource—remains for everyone. 14:58 Policy and regulatory frameworks must reflect that coastal land ownership is a responsibility and a privilege. 20:34 Through communication and collaboration with fishers and fish farmers, we can create a chain of well-being and ensure that everyone has a seat at the table of the future of food. 26:55 Three things the U.S. can learn from the controversial experience of developing off-shore aquaculture in Canada. 33:47 Get yourself a sea pantry and you'll help save the planet.  41:11 Hope is in the water: Fed by Blue—Jennifer's new initiative to communicate and counteract harmful narratives about blue foods (Did you catch the shade about farmed salmon in the Leonardo DiCaprio movie, Don't Look Up?). 52:55 Note to the seafood industry: to be more inclusive, hire the person, not the resume. 58:56 Uplifting and amplifying a past winner of Kvarøy Arctic's Women in Aquaculture Scholarship!

A career path in the seafood industry is often circuitous. In the newest episode of the Conch Podcast, we learn how one woman's passion and appreciation for oysters led her to an enduring career with a fish farm, where her lack of experience in the seafood industry has been one of her biggest strengths. Julie is joined by Julie Qiu, an international oyster expert, educator, and founder of In a Half Shell, an oyster appreciation website. She is also the Marketing Director of Australis Aquaculture, a leading producer of ocean farmed barramundi that is marketed as The Better Fish brand. Episode Transcript Episode Guide :00 Intro 01:36 The glamorous life of an international oyster sommelier  4:00 Shanghai → Indiana → NYC: Julie's circuitous route to oyster stardom 10:13 A hurdle Julie encountered on her journey to document oyster culture 14:57  Ready to get bivalve curious? Three key things we should know when ordering oysters  20:14 Julie's side hustle as an oyster sommelier leads to an exciting career as the Marketing Director of a fish farm (ocean raised barramundi - a delicious white fish!)   28:16 Career challenge: How do you stand out as a white fish where the entire white fish category is seen as a commodity? 35:07 Marketing advice for the aquaculture industry (current messaging isn't cutting it) 41:37 Keeping us in the dark: Are seafood companies actually doing anything to increase diversity and inclusion? 43:37 Memo to the seafood industry: Prioritizing the sustainability of the workforce and diversifying leadership correlates to better financial outperformance 47:40 Why you might want to listen to your mother 49:53 Who inspires Julie Qiu? Resources:  Learn more about Julie and global oyster culture on Instagram @inahalfshellblog and on her website In a Half Shell.  Make sure to recommend this episode to anyone you know who loves oysters and cares about the future of our oceans.  The Conch Podcast series is a program of Seafood and Gender Equality (SAGE) and made possible by generous funding from The David and Lucile Packard Foundation. Audio production, engineering, editing, mixing, and sound design by Crystal Sanders-Alvarado for Seaworthy. Original music provided by Satan's Pilgrims.

How does the seafood industry benefit from injustices happening in the sector? How can we address these injustices so that everyone can benefit? In this double episode of the Conch Podcast, we learn how one person is challenging their privilege through self reflection and illuminating the roots of injustice—racism, classism, and colonialism—in the sector. Julie is joined by Crystal Sanders-Alvarado, a fisheries scientist, the audio engineer for the Conch Podcast, and the Founder and Captain of Seaworthy, a socio-environmental equity building organization rooted in radical scholarship. Episode Transcript Episode Guide :00 Intro to Part One of our conversation 03:00 Wearing a lot of hats, Crystal has worked for years in both the seafood and the music industries. 5:02 Crystal's love of fishing and the ocean stems from time with her grandfather in a small, coastal fishing town in Texas. 8:06 Academia isn't just about reading and tests; it can also be about learning skills like how to camp and drive a boat. 9:52 A day in the life of a fisheries scientist in the Gulf of Mexico. 11:08 Crystal is obsessed with otoliths (ear bones in fish). 12:23 Add “attending the Shrimporee in Aransas Pass, Texas” to your bucket list! 13:38 As a fisheries scientist working for the government, Crystal had to earn the trust of fishermen. To do that, she put down her scale and went fishing. 18:12 A desire to better help struggling fishing communities and a love for music leads Crystal to pack her bags and move to the Bay Area.  21:21 Crystal's company, Seaworthy, melds her love of the ocean, fish, and music, designing immersive experiences using the creative mediums of sound and food. 26:46 None of us are free until we're all free, just as Black women have been saying for centuries. Resources:  1. Part Two (Episode 10) of our conversation with Crystal 2. Learn more about Crystal's company, Seaworthy, on their website: Seaworthyexperiences.com 3.Make sure to recommend this episode to anyone that needs to care about the future of our ocean and women working in the sector. The Conch Podcast series is a program of Seafood and Gender Equality (SAGE) and made possible by generous funding from The David and Lucile Packard Foundation. Audio production, engineering, editing, mixing, and sound design by Crystal Sanders-Alvarado for Seaworthy. Original music provided by Satan's Pilgrims.

How does the seafood industry benefit from injustices happening in the sector? How can we address these injustices so that everyone can benefit? In this double episode of the Conch Podcast, we learn how one person is challenging their privilege through self reflection and illuminating the roots of injustice—racism, classism, and colonialism—in the sector. Julie is joined by Crystal Sanders-Alvarado, a fisheries scientist, the audio engineer for the Conch Podcast, and the Founder and Captain of Seaworthy, a socio-environmental equity building organization rooted in radical scholarship.  Episode Transcript Episode Guide :00 Intro to Part 2 of our conversation :35 What's next for Seaworthy? 02:42 Crystal shares the top challenges facing the seafood industry today (and, no, they can't be solved in isolation).  7:34  Equity, equality, and justice are terms that are often conflated. Crystal walks us through the nuances of these words and their definitions. 9:34 The root cause of forced labor in seafood production is racism, yet very little effort* goes into addressing racism in seafood (*if any) 13:43 Wanting to improve the industry by dismantling oppressive systems comes from a place of love and the hope of more for everyone. 16:54 Asking “What is water:” A call to action for the seafood industry to improve equality, equity, and justice. 24:34 Does a rising tide lift all boats? 25:54 Ask yourself: how are you creating inclusive spaces to welcome leaders who do not look like you into your companies? 26:37 It's time to amplify some voices! 29:09  Why Crystal stays in the seafood industry and a final word about otoliths. Resources:  Part One (Episode 9) of our conversation with Crystal  Learn more about Crystal's company, Seaworthy, on their website: Seaworthyexperiences.com Make sure to recommend this episode to anyone who you think might care about the future of our ocean and women working in the sector.  The Conch Podcast series is a program of Seafood and Gender Equality (SAGE) and made possible by generous funding from The David and Lucile Packard Foundation. Audio production, engineering, editing, mixing, and sound design by Crystal Sanders-Alvarado for Seaworthy. Original music provided by Satan's Pilgrims.

The seafood industry has a communications problem. Communications and marketing are seen as afterthoughts and sometimes outright dismissed. This dismissal perpetuates gender inequality as women hold the majority of communications and marketing roles in the seafood industry. In the newest episode of the Conch Podcast, we learn how one woman is pushing seafood communication to the forefront and ushering in a new era where women communicators are valued and recognized.  Julie is joined by Emily De Sousa, a fisheries scientist, science communicator, and founder of Seaside with Emily, an online education platform that teaches the world about healthy oceans, sustainable seafood, and culinary adventures focused on the rise of pescatourism.  Episode Transcript Episode Guide :00 Intro 02:58 Seafood has always been part of Emily's personal and family identity, playing a fundamental role in her life as a Portuguese-Canadian and her career communicating the science behind sustainable seafood 11:36 Emily's entrepreneurial journey is influenced by her parents, her fear of a 9-5 desk job, and a necessity to be independent  19:27 The seafood industry has a communications problem  26:04 What resonates with the seafood consumer? 28:52 Emily represents a new generation of seafood consumers and communicators. How has her age contributed to her success? (P.S. it's not all about dancing on TikTok!) 34:54 Entrepreneurship can be a lonely effort made less so with the support of mentors 39:02 The seafood industry needs fresh perspectives and the Conch Podcast showcases the breadth and depth of career opportunities in the industry 41:44 The lack of support for marketing and communications in the seafood industry perpetuates gender inequality in the sector 45:28 Emily's sage advice for women considering a career in seafood 49:33 Uplifting and amplifying a fresh voice in STEM communications! Resources:  Learn more about Emily and sustainable seafood on Instagram @seasidewithemily and on her website Seaside with Emily. Find McKenzie, another great voice advancing science communication, on Instagram @_mckensea Book mentioned in the podcast: Secrets of the Sprakkar: Iceland's Extraordinary Women and How They Are Changing the World by Eliza Reid, the first lady of Iceland and, like Emily, an Ottawan! Make sure to recommend this episode to anyone you think might care about the future of our ocean and women working in the sector.  The Conch Podcast series is a program of Seafood and Gender Equality (SAGE) and made possible by generous funding from The David and Lucile Packard Foundation. Audio production, engineering, editing, mixing, and sound design by Crystal Sanders-Alvarado for Seaworthy. Original music provided by Satan's Pilgrims.

What's the connection between marine science and white supremacy? Academia is a system that allows abuse to thrive and Black women in marine science lack support systems to help them navigate the significant barriers they encounter. In the newest episode of the Conch Podcast, we learn how one woman has created a community of support, mentorship, and advocacy for Black women in science and academia and is determined to disrupt the system by creating a new narrative and structure. Julie is joined by Dr. Nikki Traylor-Knowles, an Assistant Professor in Marine Biology and Ecology at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences and Founder & Director of Black Women in Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Science (BWEEMS), a non-profit founded to help combat the isolation and abuse in STEM against Black women.  Episode Transcript Episode Guide :00 Intro 02:06 BIG discoveries about corals are happening at the Traylor-Knowles Cnidarian Immunity Laboratory! 04:55 Dr. Nikki's lab researches coral's immune response to pollution and disease  06:32 Running a lab requires wearing a lot of hats and managing and mentoring people is a big part of it 09:18 Coral reefs, as foundational tropical systems, are critical for small scale and local fisheries and, unfortunately, their situation globally is pretty dire 13:17 While documenting the challenges and changes to coral reefs, people must remember what scientists are trying to save and why  15:18 It all started with a Tweet: the genesis of Black Women in Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Science (BWEEMS) 17:10 BWEEMS is building a community of support and mentorship for Black women in science and academia to change white supremacy culture 24:28 While there are a lot of great things about academia, it is a racist system, built on the backs of Black people, Indigenous people, and women, and a place where abuse can thrive 25:46 Dr. Nikki's biggest challenge in running a lab and as the founder of BWEEMS 32:01 Four ways you can support BWEEMS' efforts 36:31 Do you have a personal mission statement? Here's your homework! 38:04 Why Dr. Nikki believes that outsiders are the source of progress, discovery, and innovation  42:15 Lessons learned: how to address the tension of flourishing within a system that you are simultaneously trying to dismantle  48:27 Dr. Nikki uplifts the women instrumental in the development of BWEEMS Resources:  Check out @official_BWEEMS on Instagram and bweems.org to learn more about their efforts to rewrite the narrative and drive innovation in marine science. You can also visit cnidimmunitylab.com for more information on how Dr. Nikki's lab is working to understand the immune health of coral reef systems. Make sure to recommend this episode to anyone who you think might care about the future of our ocean and women working in the sector.   The Conch Podcast series is a program of Seafood and Gender Equality (SAGE) and made possible by generous funding from The David and Lucile Packard Foundation. Audio production, engineering, editing, mixing, and sound design by Crystal Sanders-Alvarado for Seaworthy. Original music provided by Satan's Pilgrims

The queen conch (Strombus gigas) is a culinary staple and key protein source for people all over the Caribbean. Unfortunately, their historic abundance has been affected by overfishing and climate change. In the newest episode of the Conch Podcast, we learn how one woman is galvanizing collaborations and advancing science to save this iconic species through restoration and conch farming—one farm at a time.    Julie is joined by Dr. Megan Davis, a conch farmer and Research Professor of Aquaculture and Stock Enhancement at the Florida Atlantic University, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Her mission is to establish a conch farm in every country in the Caribbean in collaboration with the fishermen and communities that depend on this incredible animal for subsistence and livelihoods. Episode Transcript Episode Guide :00 Intro 01:07 Why this podcast is named after the iconic shellfish, the conch 03:00 The Queen Conch Lab's grand vision is to have a conch farm in every Caribbean country to grow this culturally iconic species and keystone vegan herbivore! 4:54 While the conch's shell is a natural fortress, they have some predators  6:19 Conch have been overfished and are susceptible to the effects of climate change; Also, ever wonder about how the conch reproduce? Megan shares how! 9:46 The Queen Conch Lab grows conch to release back into the wild to restore their population. The young conch lead a pretty pampered life. 12:14 Conch and oysters, both shellfish and molluscs, are similarly farmed, however what happens after metamorphosis is where they differ (bivalves filter feed and conch graze on seagrass, like manatees!) 15:15 Building trust with local communities and conch fishermen in the Caribbean is key to achieving the Queen Conch Lab's grand vision 20:53 Who eats conch and what is their importance to local food security? 24:52 Best kept secret: CONCH CAN GROW BEAUTIFUL PINK PEARLS!  29:59 Megan's journey as a conch farmer and scientist started with meeting her first conch at the age of 16 and has lead her to become adept at plumbing - a requirement of the job  37:20 Does being a woman make working with fishing communities easier?  40:46 Megan's 3 pieces of advice for women in seafood and STEM Resources:  Check out @queenconchlab on Instagram and conchaquaculture.org to learn more than you would have ever dreamed about conch aquaculture for restoration and conservation. Make sure to recommend this episode to anyone you think might care about the future of our ocean and women working in the sector.  The Conch Podcast series is a program of Seafood and Gender Equality (SAGE) and made possible by generous funding from The David and Lucile Packard Foundation. Audio production, engineering, editing, mixing, and sound design by Crystal Sanders-Alvarado for Seaworthy. Original music provided by Satan's Pilgrims.

Fishermen in Maine were leaving their jobs because they weren't making enough money to make ends meet. In the newest episode of the Conch Podcast, we hear how one woman started a seafood company to support fishermen in a time of need. Julie is joined by Jen Levin, Founder, President, and CEO of True Fin, a seafood company on a mission to sustain people and livelihoods in the Gulf of Maine. Episode Guide :00 Intro 01:16 Looking to escape the big city of DC, Jen moves to rural Maine and starts off her 17 year career working with fishermen and seafood 05:30 The genesis story of True Fin, Jen's seafood company: Her journey takes her to the Gulf of Maine Research Institute where she builds markets for Gulf of Maine seafood and supports fishermen who are leaving their jobs en masse due to the high cost of doing business 10:51 How a girl from rural Wisconsin became a fish buyer and navigated the trial and error of working with an incredible, yet highly perishable product like seafood 14:42 The pandemic hit True Fin hard. Jen and her team managed to navigate this perilous time by keeping one goal in mind–continue to support fishermen by buying their fish no matter what. 18:48 Act now, think later. How crises can force you to keep going. 22: 27 True Fin is a business on a mission to provide a product that sustains people and fishermen's livelihoods. 30:36 True Fin works closely with fishermen to share innovative techniques that guarantee seafood's quality, longer shelf life, and better taste.  34:46 Jen is learning from the next generation of women about the power of the language we use in perpetuating assumptions, even her own, about women 42:13 Jen's advice for a young woman in seafood: be authentic Resources:  Episode Transcript Check out @truefinseafood on Instagram and at truefinseafood.com Make sure to recommend this episode to anyone you think who might care about the future of our ocean and women working in the sector.  The Conch Podcast series is a program of Seafood and Gender Equality (SAGE) and made possible by generous funding from The David and Lucile Packard Foundation. Audio production, engineering, editing, mixing, and sound design by Crystal Sanders-Alvarado for Seaworthy. Original music provided by Satan's Pilgrims.

In Episode 4 of the Conch Podcast, Julie is joined by Adriana Sanchez, the Responsible Seafood Strategy Director at Iberostar Hotels and founder of Seafood Ninja, a sustainable seafood consultancy.  At the end of the day, seafood is about people and Adriana is a tireless advocate for the underdog - be they small-scale fishers and producers or small seafood companies. She is always working to ensure that everyone, no matter their size, has access to sustainable seafood conversations and opportunities and the right tools to engage. Episode Transcript Resources:  Check out @seafoodninja on Instagram and find tools to support your company's journey in seafood sustainability at seafoodninja.com. Make sure to recommend this episode to anyone you think might care about the future of our ocean and women working in the sector.   The Conch Podcast series is a program of Seafood and Gender Equality (SAGE) and made possible by generous funding from The David and Lucile Packard Foundation. Audio production, engineering, editing, mixing, and sound design by Crystal Sanders-Alvarado for Seaworthy. Original music provided by Satan's Pilgrims.