MENTOR MINUTE

Aquaculture is more than an industry — it’s a mission, 

a way to feed the world, sustain fisheries, and support conservation. 

Few professionals embody this spirit more than 

Dr. Jesse Trushenski, Chief Science Officer at Riverence 

and R&D Director for Nordly Holding. 

With a career spanning academia, government, and industry, Jesse has become one of the most influential voices in aquaculture science, innovation, and leadership.

In this exclusive FishPros Network Mentor Interview, Jesse shares her journey into aquaculture, the challenges and opportunities shaping the industry, and invaluable advice for professionals looking to make an impact.

From Small Streams to Science Leadership: Jesse’s Journey into Aquaculture

For Jesse, a career in fisheries and aquaculture wasn’t something she stumbled into — it was a natural progression from childhood curiosity to scientific passion.

"I have always been interested in fish," she recalls. Growing up in rural Washington, Jesse spent hours fishing in the small creek bordering her family’s property. Her home was filled with aquariums and even a koi pond. But it wasn’t until a Sea World internship in Texas that she first saw science in action.

"One of the researchers showed us hormone profiles of sea turtles as they came into their breeding season. The other interns were bored, but I was envisioning myself collecting blood samples, analyzing them in the lab. That was my first real introduction to research as a career."

By the time she discovered aquaculture in her senior year of college, the decision was made: Jesse had found her calling — using science to support conservation, feed people, and make a real difference.

A Career Without Boundaries: Science, Leadership, and Industry Impact

Jesse’s career has been anything but one-dimensional. She has worked across research, regulation, policy, and industry leadership — all while maintaining a strong connection to science.

"I still do research, I’m still engaged in policy and regulatory work, and I still mentor students and early-career professionals. That’s one of the things I love about my job — it’s not just one thing," she explains.

At Riverence, Jesse provides executive-level science leadership, guiding innovation in fish nutrition, health, and sustainability. She also manages R&D for Nordly Holding, helping companies like STIM (fish health services) and Polarfeed (feed manufacturing) develop cutting-edge solutions for aquaculture.

One week she’s designing a research plan, the next she’s interpreting certification requirements or advising sales teams on product innovations. This versatility has been key to her success.

"I’ve always been a jack of all trades, and I feel very fortunate to have found a career where my ability to move easily from one task or role to the next is valued."

The Passion Behind the Work: Why Aquaculture Matters

Jesse describes her work with infectious enthusiasm. She compares aquaculture to a NASA mission, referencing a famous story about a janitor working at the space agency.

"During a presidential tour, JFK asked him what he did, and he replied, ‘I’m helping put a man on the moon.’ He wasn’t designing rockets, but he was contributing to the mission. I think about that story all the time."

For Jesse, aquaculture is about more than just farming fish — it’s about:

- Feeding the world in the face of climate change

- Relieving pressure on wild fish stocks

- Supporting commercial and subsistence fishers

- Restoring endangered species

- Providing anglers with the joy of a great catch

"Aquaculture is all of these things — and by doing my small part, I am, too. It’s meaningful, powerful work that’s easy to be passionate about."

Industry Challenges: Combating Misinformation

While aquaculture has made great strides, it still faces public misunderstanding and misconceptions.

"The most dangerous myth about aquaculture is that we don’t need it — that we can just catch more fish. Dismissing aquaculture as unnecessary isn’t just wrong, it jeopardizes food security, economic opportunity, and conservation efforts."

Jesse emphasizes that aquaculture professionals need to be active ambassadors for the industry, fighting misinformation with facts, engagement, and education.

"There are no better ambassadors for aquaculture than those who practice it. When we hear someone say something blatantly false about aquaculture, we have to speak up, point them toward the truth, and take the time to walk that path with them."

The Power of Mentorship & Leadership in Aquaculture

Jesse believes that mentorship plays a crucial role in aquaculture’s success. She reflects on meeting five of her former students — now working in research, production, farm services, and outreach — and feeling immense pride in their accomplishments.

"Mentoring doesn’t have to be a formal arrangement. It’s happening passively all the time. You never know who is paying attention and how your actions might make a difference."

She shares a powerful lesson:

"Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching…but more often than not, someone IS watching and being influenced by how we conduct ourselves."

What Emerging Talent Needs to Succeed in Aquaculture

Jesse has seen multiple generations of professionals enter the field. 

She highlights two key trends:

Younger professionals seek purpose-driven careers.

"They want experiences, not just paychecks. They want to feel like their work makes a difference — luckily, aquaculture offers that."

Networking is everything.
"Every professional opportunity I’ve had was connected to my network. Joining professional organizations, serving on committees, or even editing a newsletter can open doors."

She also advises early-career professionals to be patient:

"A degree in aquaculture is valuable, but you won’t walk into a management role right away. Use this time to learn about yourself, what you’re good at, and which aspects of the job excite you the most."

Her golden rule for career growth?

~ Say YES to new challenges, even if it means staying late or taking on extra responsibilities.

~ Treat early career experiences as an investment in your future success.

The Future of Aquaculture & Jesse’s Next Chapter

Looking ahead, Jesse is optimistic about aquaculture’s trajectory.

"Aquaculture is more accepted than when I started, but we still have work to do. That’s why it’s so important for those of us in the field to share not just WHAT we do, but WHY we do it."

For Jesse, career evolution is constant.

"I’ve had multiple dream jobs. My ideal role has changed as I’ve grown and as the industry has evolved. People shouldn’t lock themselves into one ‘dream job’ — it will change over time. But for now, I’m just excited to get back to work on Monday. Every Monday!"

Final Thoughts: Jesse’s Advice for the Next Generation

- Find your “WHY” — it will keep you motivated.

- Be a champion for aquaculture — combat misinformation with facts.

- Build your network — connections create opportunities.

- Keep evolving — your career path will change, and that’s okay.

At FishPros Network, we are honored to feature Dr. Jesse Trushenski as part of our Mentor Interview Series, highlighting the incredible professionals shaping aquaculture today.

Are you an aspiring or established professional in seafood or aquaculture?
Join the conversation, build your network, and keep learning!

Follow FishPros Network for more career insights, expert interviews, and industry updates! THANK YOU JESSE!!!

Luis E. Rodriguez Rivas
Biological Director | Marine Scientist | Offshore Aquaculture Strategist

Luis is a global aquaculture and marine conservation leader with over 20 years of experience advancing sustainable seafood systems across Latin America, the U.S., and beyond. Most recently serving as Biological Director for Latin America at Forever Oceans, Luis has led large-scale offshore operations, hatchery programs and environmental compliance efforts for some of the world’s most innovative ocean-based aquaculture platforms.

With a background that spans R&D, regulatory permitting, habitat restoration, and executive strategy, Luis blends scientific precision with real-world impact. He’s known for building high-performing multicultural teams, developing ocean-smart technologies, and bridging the gap between marine protection and food production.

Whether conducting open-ocean fish physiology research, managing multimillion-dollar projects, or advocating for next-generation sustainability practices, Luis leads with clarity, empathy, and purpose. He remains a passionate mentor and speaker committed to shaping a more resilient, responsible future for the seafood and blue economy sectors.

"Fish aren’t just my profession - they’re my purpose. It’s what I love to do."

With those words, Luis Rodriguez Rivas invites us into a life defined by water, wonder, and unwavering mission. 

In his most recent role as Biological Director for Latin America, Luis stood at the helm of some of the most innovative aquaculture operations on the planet. But his story begins far from executive meetings and offshore platforms; it starts with a boy fishing on the California coast, captivated by the mystery and majesty of the sea.

"I was amazed at how strong a 20-pound tuna could be," Luis recalls of a formative moment at age 10, hauling in an albacore off the coast of Los Angeles. That experience sparked a fascination with marine life, one that would take him from family fishing trips to the halls of Stanford University, and eventually to global leadership in aquaculture and marine conservation.

Luis’s path has never been linear and that’s part of what makes his story so powerful. He has worked across the nonprofit, academic and commercial sectors, from the Tuna Research and Conservation Center to leading biological operations at Forever Oceans, Baja Aqua Farms, and Pacifico Aquaculture. In every role, he’s blended science, strategy and soul.

"Aquaculture became the bridge between ecological stewardship and sustainable food production," he explains. And it’s a bridge he’s helped reinforce with every project, every partnership, every presentation to investors or conversation with farmers.

His message to aspiring ocean professionals? Start with curiosity.

"You don’t need to have it all figured out right away. Volunteer, intern, ask questions and get your whole body wet," Luis says. "The planet is mostly ocean, and that means there are countless roles to explore."

Luis breaks the mold of what a marine leader looks like. He’s led offshore cage installations, developed hatchery protocols, managed multi-million-dollar budgets and worked hands-on with pelagic fish and sharks. He has presented to venture capitalists in the boardroom and operated vessels in three-meter swells offshore.

Leadership, for Luis, is about presence and purpose.

"In this industry, leadership is about creating change that improves systems, empowers people, and respects nature. Managers create widgets, leaders create change."

When asked what people most misunderstand about aquaculture, Luis doesn’t shy away.

"In the U.S., some still think aquaculture is harmful. But when practiced responsibly, with the right policies and site selection, it becomes a tool for environmental regeneration. It’s not aquaculture versus nature, it’s aquaculture for nature, when done right."

That ethos drives every decision he makes, especially when innovation and sustainability are at odds. "Tension arises when speed overtakes science or profit overshadows impact," he warns. 

His goal: to scale aquaculture with sustainability; not at its expense.

And what’s the legacy he hopes to leave?

"I want to be remembered as someone who pushed boundaries without compromising values. Someone who opened doors for new talent, bridged the gap between production and protection and left operations cleaner, smarter and more inclusive than I found them."

But ultimately, Luis’s story comes full circle, back to the sea, and to the next generation.

"My daughter and the ocean - that’s what grounds me. I want her to grow up in a world where the oceans are healthy, where people care deeply and where purpose matters."

With 20 years of experience and the fire of that young boy still burning in his heart, Luis Rodriguez Rivas continues to shape the future of aquaculture, not just through what he does, but through who he is. And for the FishPros Network, his story is a reminder that the future of food starts with passion, with people and with purpose.

At FishPros Network, we are honored to feature Luis as part of our Mentor Interview Series, highlighting the incredible professionals shaping aquaculture today.

Are you an aspiring or established professional in seafood or aquaculture?

Join the conversation, build your network, and keep learning!

Follow FishPros Network for more career insights, expert interviews, and industry updates! 

A HUMOUNGUS THANK YOU to Luis for sharing his passion with FishPros Network – it is a true honor.