Aquademia: The Seafood Podcast

Dive into the fascinating world of oyster restoration with The Nature Conservancies Coastal Conservation Coordinator, Kelsey Meyer-Rust, who joins Justin and Maddie to explore the vital role oysters play in the Great Bay Estuary.

This month on the Aquademia Podcast, Justin and Maddie flip the mic toward you; our listeners. We recently ran a listener survey for attendees of the 2025 Responsible Seafood Summit in Colombia and our wider LinkedIn community, and the response rate blew every past podcast survey out of the water. In this episode, we break down what you told us.

In this episode of the Aquademia podcast, hosts Justin Grant and Maddie Cassidy are joined by Amanda Leland, Executive Director of the Environmental Defense Fund and co-author of Sea Change. Amanda discusses how her early love for the ocean guided her career in marine biology and environmental advocacy. She dives into the inspiration and research behind her book, which explores how market-based solutions are transforming struggling fisheries and rebuilding over 50 U.S. fish stocks. The conversation also highlights the compelling story of fisherman Buddy Guindon and offers insights into how practical, community-driven solutions can tackle environmental challenges. Amanda shares her hopes that Sea Change will inspire positive change and promote sustainable practices in the seafood industry.

From the seafood counter in Massachusetts to leading perishables at one of the world’s most iconic grocery brands, Wes Rose has spent nearly three decades shaping how Whole Foods sources, sells, and inspires trust in seafood. On this episode of Aquademia, Wes shares his journey, the evolution of Whole Foods’ sustainable and ethical seafood programs, and the lessons that have guided him from hands-on store work to executive leadership. Tune in for insights on building customer trust, advancing responsible sourcing, and what it takes to make a meaningful impact in the grocery industry.

In this episode, Justin and Maddie sit down with Devan Meserve, GSA’s VP of Marketing & Communications, to dive into everything you need to know about the upcoming Responsible Seafood Summit, happening September 29 – October 2 in Cartagena, Colombia. From the vibrant coastal setting and world-class venue to immersive field trips, thought-provoking sessions, and unforgettable networking opportunities, Devan shares what makes this annual event unlike any other in the seafood industry. Discover this year’s theme of impact, hear about exciting program highlights, and get insider tips on how to make the most of your experience. Whether you’re a seafood professional, innovator, or simply passionate about the industry, this episode will have you ready to pack your bags for Cartagena.