Skip to main content

Shrimp x Tech x Innovation: AI and Automation in Processing and By-Products Valorization

Laitram Machinery's smart solution
Scope /

The shrimp industry is experiencing a period of lower prices and lower profit margins. It's unlikely that prices will increase to previous levels. As such, the industry needs to look for ways to optimize margins and remain profitable. While this is relevant at the farm, it is also applicable in the processing plant. In this session, we will look at two ways in which processors can optimize their margins: (1) valorizing processing by-products and (2) AI and automation in processing. 

In the first part of this session, Melanie Siggs will present the preliminary results of a new study funded by the Global Shrimp Forum Foundation about the potential of valorizing shrimp processing by-products: 100% shrimp. Melanie will be joined by Kristin Veriga of start-up Karmic and one other innovator who both work on applications of Chitosan and other products that can be made from shrimp shells and heads. This part of the session aims to inspire the audience to make better use of the shrimp we grow, serving as an appetizer for the release of the report, which is scheduled for Q4 2025. 

In the second part of the session, Miles Moncada of Laitram Machinery will enlighten the audience about the efficiency gains that can be realized by using AI, machine vision, and automation in shrimp processing. He will then be joined by Eric Enno of ThisFish, who will share views on how rapidly AI is becoming more affordable and accessible to seafood processors around the world. After this session, the audience will have a good view on two areas of innovation that can contribute to a healthier, more efficient and more sustainable shrimp processing sector. 

(Photo courtesy of Laitram Machinery)

 

Chairpersons /
Jennifer Bushman
Logo of Fed By Blue
Jennifer Bushman
Co-Founder and Executive Director
Jennifer Bushman is a sustainable seafood expert, communicator, and strategist who has been championing ethical aquaculture for more than two decades. She has been on a mission to transform the food system, preserve the oceans, nourish the world’s ever-growing population, and offset carbon emissions...
Tom Prins
Tom Prins
Until mid last year Tom was part of the leadership team at Aqua-Spark, where he worked for nearly a decade. Tom was one of the first employees at Aqua-Spark and has been an essential team member of the fund’s growth. He has pioneered investing in aquaculture since 2015 and has developed a large...
Program /
11:15
Opening Remarks

Delivered by:

Jennifer Bushman, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Fed by Blue

Tom Prins

11:20-11:35
100% Shrimp: Presentation of Preliminary Findings from a Global Shrimp Forum Foundation-Funded Study on the Potential for Valorizing Shrimp Processing By-Products

Presented by Melanie Siggs

11:35-12:00
Pitch and Panel Discussion

Two companies will present their solutions for creating value from shrimp processing by-products, followed by a discussion together with one of the lead chitosan production engineering solution providers.

Panelists: 

Kristin Veriga, CEO and Co-Founder, Karmic

Michel Lockhart, CEO, ChitoLytic

Moderated by Tom Prins

12:00-12:30
AI and Automation in Shrimp Processing

Presented by Miles Moncada, Business Development Manager, Laitram Machinery 

Panelists:

Miles Moncada, Business Development Manager, Laitram Machinery

Eric Enno Tamm, CEO and Co-Founder, ThisFish Inc.

Moderated by Tom Prins

12:30
Closing remarks

Delivered by:

Jennifer Bushman, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Fed by Blue

Tom Prins