Fish 2.0 matches 14 innovative seafood companies with industry connections

Ben Fisher

Published on

December 22, 2017

Fish 2.0, a Carmel, California–based social enterprise that connects investors and entrepreneurs to grow the global sustainable seafood sector, has announced the 14 winners of second round prizes for the final awards of the 2017 Fish 2.0 Innovation Forum.

The prizes in this round were industry connection prizes, which match fledgling seafood business with an established leader in the field for training and mentorship.

Albion Farms and Fisheries Chief Sustainability Officer Guy Dean said the matching service, which his company participated in this year, was a vital part of the Fish 2.0 competition.

“It’s important for us to support the growth of the sustainable seafood sector as well as innovations in this sector. Fish 2.0 does just that, and their results have been fabulous,” Dean said. “As a successful protein company, we are happy to help coach and mentor entrepreneurs because they will ultimately create positive impact for our industry and for future generations. In addition, this is a great opportunity for us to learn about new initiatives. In fact, we gain as much value in learning about the prize recipient’s innovation as we hope the prize recipient gains from our input and work with them.”

Among the winners were Fish Extend, from Santiago, Chile, which aims to extend the shelf life of seafood products with natural ingredients; Fair Agora, based in Bangkok, Thailand, whose software collects data from fish farms which enables buyers to make smart purchases; American Unagi, from Thomaston, Maine, U.S.A., which provides sustainably sourced freshwater eel to satisfy the burgeoning sushi market; and VakSea from Baltimore, which has invented and patented an oral vaccine delivered via fish food to farmed fish, which promotes healthier animals and less antibiotic use in aquaculture.

A full list of prizes, winners and sponsors can be found at the Fish 2.0 website.