Innovasea names ex-Cargill director as land-based aquaculture VP

Turano, who holds a doctorate in zoology from North Carolina State University, has more than 25 years’ experience in the aquaculture industry and is an expert on recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), fish nutrition and fish physiology.

“Marc’s deep aquaculture experience, impressive academic record and impeccable business instincts make him the perfect choice to lead our growing land-based aquaculture business,” said Innovasea chief executive David Kelly.

“His strong vision and leadership skills will be vital as we continue to expand our RAS design/build business and broaden our expertise in land-based fish farming.”

Focus on innovation

Prior to joining Boston-based Innovasea, Turano spent nearly five years at feed giant Cargill, where he worked as sales director for its seafood business. Before that he worked in various sales roles at Pentair, including global sales manager.

“Innovasea is a world leader in RAS design and critical system components, and I’m excited to join the team and start driving new business,” said Turano in a press release.

“The company’s focus on innovation and its breakthroughs in environmental monitoring and artificial intelligence complement its track record with RAS systems. Taken together they provide a compelling differentiator for those investing in land-based aquaculture.”

AquaBounty

Earlier in his career Turano worked as director of North Carolina State’s Marine Aquatic Research Centre and as a mariculture and blue crab expert for the North Carolina Sea Grant.

In addition to his doctorate, Turano holds a Master of Science in Mariculture from Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and a Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.

Innovasea’s land-based projects include supplying the RAS technology for transgenic-salmon farmer AquaBounty’s 10,000-tonne capacity facility in Pioneer, Ohio.

It is the first of five such farms that AquaBounty plans in North America.