Join a Community of Regenerative Ocean Farming Pioneers and Key Events in Regenerative Ocean Farming

Oct 17

Hello, I’m Gareth Murphy, and I’m incredibly excited to share some major updates in my journey as a sustainable aquaculture advocate. As the newly appointed Community Ambassador for the Regenerative Aquaculture and Production Community, I’m honored to join a network of pioneers and changemakers who are driving the future of regenerative ocean farming. The role is under the C-FAARER - project. Who have the Mission ‘Restore Our Ocean and Waters by 2030’. www.c-faarer.eu

With over 20 years of experience in marine farming, from managing organic mussel farms in Bantry Bay to leading seaweed farming innovations at Simply Blue, I’ve always believed in the power of collaboration to tackle our planet’s greatest challenges. My love for aquaculture began at a young age, as I helped my mother at farmers’ markets promoting the Fuchsia Brand—a group of West Cork food producers.

Key Experience Highlights

Back then, the Irish public didn’t know much about cooking mussels, and some were even afraid to try. Always ahead of her time, my mum would get me and my brothers to round up a crowd, proudly announcing that a cooking demo was about to begin: "It’s so easy, a 7-year-old can do it!" we'd shout. I wish I still had that same confidence when it comes to public speaking today!

Now, as part of this community, I’m eager to foster connections between ocean innovators, businesses, and researchers, and to contribute to the transition to a nature-positive economy. Hosted on the Connecting Nature Enterprise Platform by Horizon Nua, the Regenerative Aquaculture and Production Community is a hub for sharing insights and accelerating the development of sustainable aquaculture practices that will reshape the industry. I'll do my best to try and fulfill that role. As a Community Ambassador, I will aim to foster collaboration, share insights, and promote sustainable practices in regenerative ocean farming. Through regular webinars, community meetings, and outreach efforts, I will work to expand the community’s reach and impact, while supporting the growth of the nature-based enterprise sector globally.

The North Sea Seaweed Conference 2024

Earlier this month, I had the privilege of attending the North Sea Seaweed Conference in Scheveningen, where over 200 industry leaders gathered to discuss the latest developments in seaweed farming. It was an incredibly inspiring day, with rich discussions about market growth and innovations in sustainable aquaculture.

Hearing from global experts like Vincent Doumeizel, who highlighted the role seaweed can play in addressing global crises, reminded me of the untapped potential in our oceans. I was especially inspired by Laura Huff from Amazon Europe, who presented the incredible work at North Sea Farm #1—the first commercial seaweed farm co-located within an offshore wind farm. It’s an exciting example of how partnerships between renewable energy and aquaculture can drive both climate solutions and food security. Apologies for the shameless plug of the project I'm involved in...

I had insightful conversations with consortium partners from NSF1 and met with industry leaders like Kim Kristensen from Arctic Seaweed AS, who shared how new technology can help scale operations and reduce costs. It’s always motivating to see the innovation happening across the aquaculture industry, and I’m excited to bring these ideas back to my work at Simply Blue and to further develop seaweed farming in Ireland.

Side note, if you don't know Olly hick's story. A Restorative UK based Seaweed farmer and genuine character, who likes to row the Atlantic for fun, then you need to. Click on the image to learn more.

A Week of Innovation and Collaboration: Hatch Accelerator Programme

The past two weeks have been full of learning experiences. I kicked off the Hatch Accelerator Programme, where I had the chance to connect with industry leaders like Wayne Murphy and Jessica Giannoumis, and engage in deep discussions about scaling aquaculture businesses. One of the highlights was speaking with Rajamanohar from Aquaconnect, who grew a €300 million aquaculture empire in just eight years. His journey is a testament to how persistence and innovation can lead to remarkable success.

A huge shoutout to our talented cohort on the course, i Sea Dyes Anam Algae, Esox Biologics, Teal Marine Technologies, RS STANDARDS LIMITED, Restore Innovation Ltd, BlueWise Marine and CyberColloids

Honored to Speak at the Blue Ambition Event

I was honored to be asked to speak at the Blue Ambition event, a gathering focused on investment and growth opportunities in the blue bioeconomy. Organized by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) and Hatch, this event brings together some of the brightest minds in aquaculture and blue technology.

The Blue Ambition event, which followed the BIM Innovation Studio programme—of which our project, Óir Na Farraige ("Gold of the Sea" in Irish), was selected to join—showcased the evolving landscape of Ireland’s aquaculture sector. A particular highlight of the conference was the announcement of Auranta as the BIM Aquatech Business of the Year, recognizing their innovative work on fish gut health with their product, AuraAqua. Auranta’s commitment to sustainable aquaculture aligns with our shared vision for a more resilient and regenerative ocean economy.

The event also featured invaluable insights from global speakers, such as Kendra MacDonald from Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, who spoke about transforming the ocean economy through innovation and collaboration. One key takeaway from the event came from Brian Quinn of WellFish Tech, who transitioned from academic research to become an aquatech entrepreneur, offering a real-world example of how science and business can converge to drive change.

Looking Forward: A Journey of Growth

As I step into my new role as the Restorative Ocean Farmer Ambassador on the Connecting Nature Enterprise platform, I’m excited to promote the incredible work happening in ocean farming and help drive meaningful change in our industry. The nursery stage of our first NSF1 seaweed net kicks off this week, and we’ll continue our journey in the Hatch Accelerator Programme—once I tackle the ever-growing inbox, of course!

One important lesson I’ve learned through Hatch: whenever you have a platform, make sure to have an ask. Ireland is an island, and we must address our sea blindness. We need bold, innovative projects that support our blue economy and foster the growth of coastal communities with real, tangible impacts.

Thanks for reading,

Gareth Murphy

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