Fish 2.0 Brings Gulf Coast Aquaculture Innovators Together with Investors, Leaders

Mississippi pitch session and networking event gives aquaculture experts, seafood industry leaders, and investors an insider view of emerging aquaculture innovations

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Fish 2.0, the global community for seafood innovators, invites aquaculture experts, seafood industry leaders, and investors interested in U.S. Gulf Coast and Midwest aquaculture to attend a Feb. 13, 2019, pitch session and networking event at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory’s Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center (TCMAC) at the University of Southern Mississippi in Ocean Springs, Miss. Participation is free but space is limited: investors, experts, and entrepreneurs who want to attend must register online.

Attendees will:

• Get a taste of aquaculture innovation bubbling up in the region
• Meet other experts, leaders, and investors looking at aquaculture’s potential
• Plug into the Fish 2.0 community and build their aquaculture knowledge
• Hear over 20 pitches from growing aquaculture businesses based in the region

Participants in the Gulf Coast event can also tour the TCMAC facility. TCMAC focuses on alleviating the bottlenecks that constrain the production of marine species. The tour provides a backstage look at advanced technologies and the opportunity to discuss issues and trends critical to aquaculture and genetics.

“At TCMAC we work with industry, government, and nonprofits to advance aquaculture. Fish 2.0 is a great way to expand aquaculture by providing businesses with tools and networking that can help them achieve their goals,” says TCMAC Director Kelly Lucas.

“Marine aquaculture is growing, and advances in techniques, gear, automation, and products occur in a moment’s notice,” she adds. “Connecting entrepreneurs and investors helps get these developments into the marketplace.”

Event seeks to build community around expanding Gulf Coast aquaculture opportunities

The event, the culmination of a two-day workshop for aquaculture businesses supported by NOAA Fisheries, is an active community-building session where businesses, experts, and others meet and learn from one another.

“Expanding marine aquaculture is vital for supporting our nation’s seafood production, year-round jobs, and enhancing coastal resilience,” says Paul Doremus, chief operating officer at NOAA Fisheries. “By supporting sustainable aquaculture innovation, we can increase and diversify U.S. seafood production to deliver economic, environmental, and human health benefits.”

Fish 2.0 Executive Director Monica Jain notes that “aquaculture opportunities are expanding quickly in the Gulf Coast region, and we are seeing a range of shellfish and finfish producers with excellent products. The time is now for businesses, investors, and others to come together to grow the sector.”

Investors, experts, and entrepreneurs with questions about the workshop and pitch session, the Fish 2.0 Readiness Assessment, or the 2018–19 Fish 2.0 qualifying cycle can contact Fish 2.0 at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . 

About Fish 2.0

Fish 2.0 is a global community that brings innovators together to grow the sustainable seafood sector. Working through our worldwide network, regional events, online Readiness Assessment, Fish 2.0 Connect online hub, and Global Innovators Forum, Fish 2.0 participants collaborate to drive innovation, business growth, and positive impact. Everyone benefits: Entrepreneurs meet potential investors, partners, and advisors that help them accelerate impact and growth. Investors and experts get early access to investment opportunities and learn about emerging technologies and trends.

Media contacts

Thinkshift Communications
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