CRISPR gene-editing at Sea: Trust, Transparency and Transformation

ONE OCEAN WEEK EVENT: CRISPR gene-editing at Sea: Trust, Transparency and Transformation

An engaging One Ocean Week session bringing together cutting‑edge biotechnology from the Institute of Marine Research —the birthplace of the world’s first gene‑edited Atlantic salmon— and biotech partners from AquaTech Center in California, from new societal insights from the Norwegian Biotechnology Council and the University of Stavanger, and a global investor outlook from Cuna del Mar, one of the largest ocean‑impact investors. Together, these perspectives illuminate how trust, transparency, and transformation are shaping the CRISPR revolution at sea.

Draft Program: Wednesday 22 April 2026, 12.30–13.00 CET (GMT+1)

(5 min) — Welcome & Program Framing
Moderator: Dorothy Dankel, SINTEF Ocean
Content:
Goals for the session: connecting technology, regulation, investment, and society
Quick introduction of speakers

(10 min) — Opening Keynote
Title: Global Perspectives on Ocean Innovation and Aquaculture Futures
Speaker:
John Buchanan, CEO & President, AquaTech Center, San Diego, California, USA
Focus:
Global innovation trends in aquaculture technology
Strategic opportunities for cross‑Atlantic collaboration
How technological acceleration shapes industry needs, investment priorities, and societal expectations

(15 min) — Status Update: Norwegian Technology Front
Speakers:
Anna Wargelius and Rolf Edvardsen, Institute of Marine Research
Focus:
Latest Norwegian research on marine biotechnology, gene editing, and aquaculture innovation
Key breakthroughs and remaining challenges
Norway’s role in the global R&D landscape

(15 min) — Regulatory Landscape: Where Do We Stand?
Speaker:
Petter Frost, Bioteknologirådet (Biotechnology Council of Norway)
Focus:
Overview of Norwegian, Swedish, and EU regulatory frameworks for marine biotech
Outlook for upcoming regulatory changes
Ethical and societal considerations informing policy

(15 min) — What Investors Are Looking For
Speaker:
Don Grant , Impact Investor, CEO Cuna del Mar (USA)
Focus:
Investor expectations for transparency, risk governance, and ROI
Global investment trends in aquaculture and ocean biotechnology
Where Norwegian innovations can stand out

(15 min) — What Society Expects: SALSTER Quantitative Survey
Speaker:
Andreea-Laura Cojocaru, University of Stavanger
Focus:
Survey design and early societal insights from Norway, Germany, and Japan
Public attitudes toward emerging marine biotechnologies
Implications for responsible innovation and social license to operate

(15 min) — Debate & Audience Q&A