Aquaculture developments: Women in Ocean Food studio and Chilean turbot scaling

Hatch Blue and Conservation International Ventures have opened applications for the 2027 edition of the Women in Ocean Food Innovation Studio in Latin America and the Caribbean. The program, which will convene founders in La Paz, Mexico, starting January 25, 2027, aims to address structural gaps in capital access and strategic networks for women leading projects in the aquaculture and fishing sectors.

The call for applications targets initiatives in regenerative aquaculture, marine biotechnology, aquatech, and blue carbon solutions. It is open to both high-impact startups and established companies looking to scale operations.

In Chile, the Universidad de Los Lagos (ULagos) has announced plans to scale turbot production. Working alongside Alimex and Lago Sofía, the project currently produces approximately 500 kilograms per month at the Metri Cultivation Center in Puerto Montt, with goals to reach 10 tons per month. The initiative seeks to expand the species' market presence within Chile and eventually export to Brazil and the United States.