Aquaculture and innovation centre launched to turn the tide for oceans
US billionaire Christy Walton funds new focus on regenerative fish, shellfish, and seaweed farming
A new centre that aims to accelerate applied scientific and technological innovation for warm water regenerative aquaculture solutions is to be established in Baja California, Mexico.
The Centre for Applied Aquaculture and Innovation (CAAI) is an initiative of Innovacciones Alumbra, described as an ecosystem of organisations committed to demonstrating and catalysing models for economic development that restore nature, honour communities, and drive health and prosperity.
The CAAI will focus on multiple phases of the value chain for finfish and shellfish as well as algae including species validation, advancing applied research and technology, refining production models for small and medium businesses, and building talent.
Innovacciones Alumbra (iAlumbra) was founded by Christy Walton, the billionaire daughter-in-law of Walmart founder Sam Walton, who finances the Cuna Del Mar sustainable aquaculture investment fund.
Cuna Del Mar portfolio companies Sol Azul Baja Oysters (Mexico), the Centre for Aquaculture Technologies (San Diego), Innovasea (Boston), and totoaba farmer Santomar (Mexico) are founding partners of the CAAI, along with iAlumbra, Cuna Del Mar, and sustainable aquaculture investor Hatch Blue.
'We must take action'
“Our oceans and their resources are significantly degraded. It is no longer enough to assume that sustainability alone will reverse the damage. We must move beyond efforts to do no further harm and take huge strides toward generative and regenerative outcomes. It’s time to invest significantly in advanced technologies and systems,” said Walton.
“Our hope is that this Centre will accelerate the sector toward business models that restore ocean health and promote biodiversity while producing food and economic opportunities for communities.”
A space for solutions
CAAI will be led by Dr Ernesto Rodriguez Leal, a leader in strategy and innovation in Latin America. With over 20 years of experience in applied science, engineering and technology, Rodríguez Leal has launched multiple start-ups, products, services, and business models across robotics, healthcare, and education.
“We are building a space and a global alliance that brings scientists, entrepreneurs, and communities together to work side by side to solve problems that can benefit us today and in the future,” said Rodriguez.
“The CAAI will offer access to resources, hands-on innovation, and rapid deployment to advance our global ability to deliver on sustainable blue economies.”
The CAAI is being established in La Paz, home to a dense academic and research network: UABCS (Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur), UABC (Universidad Autónoma de Baja California), CICIMAR (Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas), CIBNOR (Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste) and others.
