MENTOR MINUTE
Ken Beer, Founder & Pioneer of California Aquaculture
When the story of California aquaculture is told, Ken Beer’s name deserves a chapter all its own. A visionary who carved out a path in a field that barely existed when he began, Ken is the founder of The Fishery, a 900-acre inland operation that has raised sturgeon, catfish, striped and large mouth bass, and even hybrid carp often years before the industry caught up to the possibilities.
His journey from early biology student to one of the most respected independent aquaculturists in the country is a story of grit, scientific instinct, and a refusal to quit, no matter the market swings or pelican invasions.
A Field Without a Name
“In 1975, fish farming wasn’t even a term people knew,” Ken recalls. “It was fish hatcheries - government-run, like libraries. No one thought of fish as farmable food.”
But Ken saw the future before most. With a background in biology and practical experience managing a fish farm, he enrolled in UC Davis at a pivotal moment. The university was assembling a dream team of aquaculture talent - geneticists, nutritionists, pathologists, engineers - all under the leadership of Dr Wally Clark.
“UC Davis changed everything. I wasn’t just running fish tanks anymore; I was part of a living, breathing discipline. I was highly motivated. I had found my calling.”
That calling would go on to shape not only his own life but the trajectory of aquaculture in the western U.S.
Innovation Out of Necessity
Unlike many farms built with outside capital, The Fishery was self-funded from the ground up.
“We started small, selling fingerlings. That required the least infrastructure,” Ken explains. “But over time, we built more, diversified species, and explored new markets; retail, stocking, ornamentals, even live food fish.”
Faced with limited resources, Ken had to make water go further. That sparked one of his most important innovations: A gravity-flow pure oxygen diffusion u-tube; an energy-efficient life support system capable of sustaining caviar sturgeon for over a decade.
“Different fish species and life stages require different water conditions. We learned how to maximize every drop.”
This instinctive sustainability not as a buzzword, but as a practical solution to economic and environmental challenges, positioned The Fishery as a leader in eco-efficient operations long before it was trendy.
Breakthroughs in Biology
Ken’s innovation wasn’t limited to infrastructure. He also developed a hybrid carp that met both market and production needs; a rare feat in an industry often slow to adapt.
But one of his proudest achievements remains his work with sturgeon. Through careful selection, husbandry, and technical advances, The Fishery became one of the first U.S. operations to produce both live sturgeon and their caviar.
“To collect wild sturgeon and bring them into aquaculture…there was no template,” Ken says. “We petitioned the state to allow it. There were no guarantees. We just knew it had to be done.”
Resilience & Realism
Even pioneers get knocked down. Ken has faced bankrupt customers, stocking program cancellations, fish kills, and more. But each time, he rebuilt smarter.
“You try and build a hump to live on during downturns. Sometimes picking up the pieces and rebuilding is more satisfying than coasting through the good times.”
Aquaculture has also taught him humility.
“Maybe the biggest lesson? Don’t beat yourself up too long when you screw up. Move forward. Learn.”
And if you ask what drives him now, after 50 years?
“Hope. That someday I’ll finally get it right.” (HaHa – really Ken?)
Leadership by Listening
Ken doesn’t claim to be a born leader, but he’s built and retained a strong, loyal team.
“I find people who are better than me at things and then I stay out of the way,” he laughs. “Leadership is finding the right people and letting them lead.”
This humility has made him a mentor not only to his team, but to the broader industry. He still teaches, answers questions, and contributes quietly to policy, permitting, and planning across California and beyond.
Looking Ahead
California aquaculture has shifted drastically since Ken began. There are fewer farms today than in the 1980s. Recreational fishing has declined, and baitfish and ornamentals have virtually disappeared. Tilapia and largemouth bass hold steady, while sturgeon thrives.
“UC Davis used to have a robust aquaculture curriculum. Now it’s almost gone. That’s a big loss,” Ken says. “But California agriculture isn’t going anywhere and it can support aquaculture better than we’ve ever tapped into.”
For the next generation of aquaculture entrepreneurs, Ken offers this: “There are fewer barriers to entry than in other types of agriculture. The market demand is huge. The water systems are here. There’s a lot of opportunity. Just know it won’t be easy.”
And if he had one do-over?
“Buy Apple stock in the ’90s at $6,” he says with a grin. “But truthfully, today’s environment is more regulated, more advanced and it requires different tools. Maybe it’s time to ask AI how to proceed instead of me.”
Legacy Still in Progress
In a poetic twist, Ken recalls a trip to China in the 1980s. Delayed by rain, he wandered into a library and randomly picked a book. Inside was a photo of his colleague with a group of scientists. The odds of that? Astronomical.
“Some fish stories you can’t explain,” he smiles. “And some are still being written. There’s a large trout in the Aniak River I still have issues with.”
Final Thought
Ken Beer is more than a fish farmer. He’s an innovator, a mentor, a storyteller, and an enduring symbol of what it means to bet on a future no one else can see and build it from the water up.
Let this be a call to the next wave of California aquaculturists:
The playbook isn’t closed. The pioneers are still out here. And the best stories still have pages left to write.
Megan Sorby: Building U.S. Aquaculture from the Ground Up
From landlocked Kentucky to the coastlines of Florida, Megan Sorby’s journey into aquaculture reads like a purpose-driven odyssey, one born from childhood passion, tested by grit, and elevated by vision. Today, as CEO of Pine Island Redfish and a champion of U.S. aquaculture innovation, Megan is doing more than growing fish, she’s reshaping what domestic seafood production can mean for food security, environmental restoration, and the next generation of aquaculture leaders.
"I Always Said I Wanted to Be a Marine Biologist"
Megan’s origin story begins with a clear spark: From a very young age, she was drawn to marine life, even while growing up far from the ocean. But it was in college, while working with sea urchins, that her fascination evolved into something more hands-on and purposeful. “The first time I watched a larva from my broodstock go through metamorphosis under the microscope,” she recalls, “I knew I was exactly where I needed to be.”
That early experience with hatchery science ignited a love for aquaculture that continues to guide her today. “Aquaculture let me work with my study subjects every day. It gave me the power to positively impact the environment and the seafood system at the same time.”
Hooked From Day One
Some people ease into their calling. Megan dove in, literally. “I’ve told this story many times,” she laughs, “but on my first day of an unpaid internship, I cleaned a filter full of waste. And I was hooked.” That moment helped her recognize the beauty in the entire life cycle; how water, biology, and human ingenuity could work together to raise sustainable seafood. From that point on, there was no turning back.
From Rollerblades to RAS: Lessons in Innovation
Megan credits her family with instilling the mindset that powers her leadership today. One of her most formative memories? A childhood disappointment over rollerblades that no longer fit. “I was about to throw them out, but my grandfather showed me how to reuse them attaching the wheels to scrap wood and turning them into a scooter. We painted it together. I rode that scooter for many summers.”
That lesson, make things work, waste nothing, became a metaphor for aquaculture innovation. “All we do in aquaculture is take equipment that isn’t necessarily purpose-built and find a way to make it work.”
Her dad added another important perspective. As a young person “When I said I might just dig ditches for a living, he told me to be the best damn ditch digger out there. There’s complexity in all work. Be great at what you do, no matter what it is.”
And perhaps most pivotal of all was her grandmother, a high school teacher. “She reminded me constantly: your knowledge is only as good as your ability to teach and share it. That’s something I try to instill in our teams today. If I’m gone tomorrow, the culture of our fish must live on.”
The Long Road to Leadership
Megan’s path included leadership roles at Golden Eagle Sablefish, True Blue Aqua, and Kingfish Maine where she served as Operations Manager and later Advisor. Along the way, she built expertise not just in biology, but in operations, processing, sales, marketing, and policy. “Never disregard any opportunity to learn a different part of the production process,” she advises. “It all connects.”
This holistic view helped her shape Pine Island Redfish, a Florida-based aquaculture company focused on bringing a truly American fish back home. “Redfish is uniquely ours. It’s native only to the U.S., yet we import much of what’s in the market today. Why would we import a fish that belongs to us?”
At Pine Island, Megan and her team are flipping that narrative farming native redfish using land-based RAS (Recirculating Aquaculture Systems) while repurposing waste streams to cultivate mangroves and support coastal restoration. “Our waste is fertilizer for mangroves, which reduce flooding and support biodiversity. It’s a tangible way to show consumers that aquaculture can be restorative.”
What It Takes to Lead
What defines Megan’s leadership is not just her technical knowledge, but her mindset: Solutions-focused, team-centric, and unafraid to get her hands dirty.
“I tell young professionals, especially women, to know your systems. Learn to troubleshoot. Stay fit and healthy. Don’t ask others to do work you can’t do yourself.” She still loves the mechanical side of farming as much as the biological. “If you don’t go home smelling like fish, it’s not a great day.”
That passion for the full process is something she instills in her team. “You don’t know if your broodstock work is going well unless you check the harvested product at the end. Everything is connected. Blame solves nothing. Awareness and collaboration solve everything.”
Mangroves and Meaning
For Megan, success is measured not just in harvest yields, but in the conversations she sparks. Volunteers now come out to help plant mangroves, curious about aquaculture, hungry for answers, eager to contribute. “It’s opened a dialogue that’s desperately needed. That tells me we’re on the right track.”
And though she’s now in a CEO role, Megan remains deeply connected to the why of her work. “There are tough days. I’ve experienced fish losses, heartbreaks. But I’ve also seen someone eat our redfish and light up with nostalgia. It makes it all worth it.”
She credits her husband, Tom, as a key motivator. “We’ve worked in this industry side-by-side for over 15 years. He challenges me to be better even when he’s annoying about it,” she laughs. “Having that mutual understanding in a partner is powerful.”
A Vision for the Future
What does success look like for Megan? “It’s not just about Pine Island Redfish. It’s about building a U.S. aquaculture sector that’s regionally relevant, regenerative, and respected. We need to farm more of our native species with the right technology, in the right places.”
She envisions a future where seafood isn’t just seen as food but as part of a broader environmental solution. “We’re showing that aquaculture can be more than sustainable. It can be regenerative. And we’re doing that through transparency, smart systems, and storytelling.”
Her Advice to the Next Generation
To those unsure if they “belong” in the aquaculture / seafood world, Megan offers encouragement: “Reach out. Ask. The seafood industry is tight-knit and incredibly supportive. You’ll find your place.”
And to those already on the path? “Work. Learn. Stay curious. And never stop teaching. Our job security, and our industry’s future, depend on our ability to pass the torch.”
Megan Sorby is many things: Scientist, systems thinker, storyteller, and startup CEO. But above all, she is a mentor, a builder, and a believer in what aquaculture can become. And thanks to her, the future of American seafood is looking a whole lot brighter.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Megan Sorby
We want to extend our deepest thanks to Megan Sorby, CEO of Pine Island Redfish, for sharing her powerful journey, insights, and unwavering passion with the FishPros Network community. Your leadership, innovation, and generosity as a mentor are exactly what this industry needs, and you remind us all what it looks like to lead with both purpose and humility.
Thank you for being a pioneer, a teacher, and a true force in U.S. aquaculture.
We are honored to share your story.
Chief Science Officer: DR. JESSE TRUSHENSKI
Chief Science Officer: DR. JESSE TRUSHENSKI
Chief Science Officer: DR. JESSE TRUSHENSKI
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!!!
Biological Director: Luis E. Rodriguez Rivas
Chief Science Officer: DR. JESSE TRUSHENSKI
Chief Science Officer: DR. JESSE TRUSHENSKI
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.
Mentor minute
Josh Neese: The Florida Oyster Co
Building Blue Economies from the Water Up:
A conversation with Josh Neese, Founder of The Florida Oyster Trading Company
Some careers unfold with clear direction. Others, like Josh Neese’s, are built tide by tide, shaped by experience, insight, and a commitment to rethinking the system from the ground up. Today, Neese is the founder of The Florida Oyster Trading Company (FOTC), a hybrid enterprise bringing together hatchery development, production innovation, and industry consulting. But his beginnings were far more traditional: Sample collection for SEAMAP, offshore cruises, and biologist work with federal agencies.
"I began with no clear direction," Josh recalls. "It was the usual: Graduate and try to land a state or federal biology job." What changed was unexpected time in the lab and a surprising spark in aquaculture. "I liked the hands-on work. And I liked coming home at night." What emerged was more than a career. FOTC is a response to the very real barriers Josh witnessed while navigating both public and private aquaculture systems. "Our production model and Micro-Hatchery came from observing what works, and what doesn’t."
Josh doesn’t chase disruption for the sake of it. For him, meaningful innovation in aquaculture often looks more like practical efficiency than flashy tech. "Innovation can be as simple as reconfiguring the current model to better support the people doing the actual work," he says. "And I’ve always been partial to the idea of shared resources. When demand outpaces supply, like in oyster aquaculture, there’s no need for unnecessary competition." At FOTC, collaboration is baked into the model. "I’m always looking for partners I believe in, who are forward-thinking and want to grow the industry. That’s where the magic happens."
The term "blue economy" may be a buzzword, but for Josh, it’s a modern term for something time-tested. His vision is tangible: Working waterfronts, boats landing harvests, storefronts buzzing, and communities supported by fisheries and aquaculture alike. But without a thriving core industry, whether wild harvest or aquaculture, the rest can’t survive. "Fewer boats means fewer mechanics. No production means no need for suppliers or industry support. The blue economy has to start with strong, scalable trade at its core."
His diverse experience - public hatcheries, private industry, and now founder - gives him a unique lens. "If there’s one lesson I’ve learned, it’s that I still have a lot to learn," he says. "But I don’t accept the ‘this is how it’s always been done’ mindset. There are new products, new ideas; we just have to stay open to them."
In oyster aquaculture, the biggest barrier isn’t passion or innovation; it’s capital. "Debt is the primary resource for growers getting started," Josh explains. "There’s a long pre-revenue phase, and startup costs are significant. Traditional lenders don’t love that risk." That’s why alternative funding platforms like Steward have played such a crucial role in Josh’s journey. "Steward funded FOTC in the early days and has been a huge supporter and resource since. I like to introduce them to potential growers as a funding source when I can."
He also highlights challenges with how public funding is allocated. "There’s competition over limited resources, and unfortunately, some programs promote themselves more than the actual work being done. That can create noise, and even distrust, within the industry."
When it comes to building trust in farmed seafood, Josh focuses on consistency and affordability, not sympathy. "Wild oysters are cheaper and often larger. Farmed oysters are smaller and more expensive, and when you can’t find the same brand regularly, it’s hard to build brand loyalty." His solution is to focus on operational efficiencies and keep pricing accessible. "I’d love to see oysters return to the happy hour menu, not just fine dining."
Florida has history. "Apalachicola Bay once supplied 20% of the U.S. wild oyster harvest. That heritage matters," Josh says. So does geography. "We have rural coastline with real production potential. And estuary diversity gives us regionally distinct oysters with unique flavor profiles."
One of the initiatives Josh is most excited about is FL.O.A.T., the Florida Oyster Aquaculture Training program, built in partnership with Florida Sea Grant and University of West Florida’s Small Business Development Center. It combines online coursework, safety certification, HACCP training, and on-the-water experience to prepare future growers and farm managers. But he’s clear: This isn’t a get-rich-quick industry. "Know why you’re pursuing it," he says. "And then come learn more."
Collaboration is essential, but not all partnerships are created equal. Josh is mindful of who he aligns with. "Some organizations secure public funding but contribute little back to the actual work. That creates tension and distracts from more viable efforts." At FOTC, alignment is everything. "We’re choosy. But we’re proud of our relationships with Florida Sea Grant and the Division of Aquaculture. That trust matters."
Looking ahead, Josh is energized by the potential of FL.O.A.T. "It’s been a long time coming, and the impact will be significant, both in production and in building a smarter, stronger workforce." He’s also got his sights set on innovative aquaculture projects in the Caribbean and Europe. "We’re looking at this industry from local to global scale. It’s an exciting time."
Want to learn more about Josh Neese and The Florida Oyster Trading Company? Visit floridaoystertradingco.com or follow Josh on LinkedIn to stay updated on the launch of FL.O.A.T. and future collaborations.
🎉 We want to thank Josh Neese for sharing his inspirational journey and unwavering commitment to sustainable aquaculture. His work with The Florida Oyster Trading Company and the FL.O.A.T. program is paving the way for a smarter, stronger seafood industry. We're honored to spotlight leaders like Josh who are building blue economies from the water up. 🌊👏
Quality Assurance Professional: Andrew Rodriguez
From Salmon to Smokehouse:
Andrew Rodriguez on Career Crossover, Aquaculture &
Building a Life of Transferable Skills
What if your next career opportunity isn’t a detour,
but a merge lane?
That’s exactly what Andrew Rodriguez’s story teaches us. A career doesn’t always move in straight lines, and the best ones often don’t. Sometimes, a side road becomes the on-ramp to something bigger. Sometimes, you’re in the same vehicle, same values, same determination, but the destination evolves. And if you’ve got curiosity, grit, and the drive to learn, the map will always open up.
This is the kind of perspective Andrew brings and why we’re proud to feature him in this week’s FishPros Network Mentor Minute.
A Nontraditional Start and a Strategic Shift
Andrew didn’t begin his journey in aquaculture. After earning a degree in biology, he ran a successful entertainment company in Miami for over a decade. That chapter taught him how to manage complexity, serve demanding clients, and solve problems before they reached the surface; skills he didn’t know would one day prepare him for the high-pressure world of commercial aquaculture.
His leap into the field began when he read about Atlantic Sapphire building a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) for salmon in South Florida of all places. Fascinated, he trained, certified, and took a contract role at a hatchery in Alaska, just to get close to the species. That passion, paired with persistence, landed him a technical writing role at Atlantic Sapphire. From there, his career took off because he kept showing up with solutions.
Building Skills That Travel
Over nearly five years, Andrew held roles in quality assurance, operations auditing, technical writing, and commissioning. He helped lead the company through ASC and SQF certifications, both industry milestones. He didn’t just document systems; he optimized them. And when departments needed to collaborate better or fix communication gaps, he stepped up.
What makes Andrew’s story so relevant today is not just where he ended up; it’s how his multi-skilled, cross-industry mindset made him valuable everywhere he went.
Today, Andrew leads Quality Assurance at Tillamook Country Smoker in Oregon, a transition from aquaculture to food production that many wouldn’t have expected, but few would question after hearing his story.
“RAS is a combination of a water treatment plant, an industrial factory, and a food facility all rolled into one.”
If you’ve been in aquaculture, you’ve managed more systems than most people in mainstream industry ever will. And if you’re coming from food, tech, manufacturing, or logistics, you might be closer to aquaculture than you think.
Growth for Everyone: From Outside In, and Inside Out
Andrew’s advice to those looking to pivot into aquaculture? Start with your transferable skills. Operations, automation, compliance, quality, or logistics; they all matter. And for those trying to move up within the industry? Don’t wait for someone to assign you a project, find a problem no one wants to touch, and solve it.
“You don’t need to have all the answers, just the willingness to ask better questions.”
The truth is, this industry needs thinkers and doers. People who are curious. People who cross bridges between departments. People who understand the business of seafood and the systems that power it.
Whether you're inside aquaculture looking out, or outside looking in this story is for you.
Andrew’s career is a case study in how experience, mindset, and momentum intersect. He didn’t abandon his past work, he used it as fuel. And that’s what we hope others take away from this Mentor Minute: That the road ahead isn’t always about reinvention. Sometimes it’s about the right turn. The right merge. The right mission.
If you’re passionate, ready to learn, and not afraid to build new paths on old ground there’s a place for you in this industry.
Thank you, Andrew, for sharing your incredible journey with us.
Your curiosity, resilience, and cross-industry insight are an inspiration not only to those building careers in aquaculture, but to anyone wondering how their skills might translate into new terrain.
At FishPros Network, we’re proud to spotlight professionals like Andrew who remind us that this industry isn’t just built on systems, it’s built on people. People with diverse paths, sharp minds, and a passion for solving real-world challenges.