Saif Khawaja, the CEO and founder of Seremoni, believes the traditional way of harvesting fish is outdated and harmful. “Fish caught by mass market retailers often suffocate and suffer, which floods their bodies with stress hormones, leading to faster spoilage and poor taste,” says Khawaja.
To fix this, Seremoni, backed by $7 million in funding, combined the ancient Japanese ikejime technique with advanced AI-powered robotics. This innovation ensures fish are processed humanely, improving quality and sustainability.
Seremoni’s approach delivers Michelin-star quality fish directly to grocery stores and top restaurants. Khawaja explains, “We wanted to show how modern technology could transform wild-caught seafood into a sustainable and nutritious solution while benefiting the environment.”
The fishing industry faces tight profit margins and slow technological progress compared to land-based agriculture. Khawaja’s vision was to scale artisanal fishing practices to create a more ethical, efficient, and profitable system.
Growing up in Dubai, Khawaja bonded with his father over fishing trips, inspiring his passion for humane practices. He learned that fish, like other animals, feel pain and stress, challenging the assumption that they do not suffer.
For Khawaja, who follows a halal diet that emphasizes humane treatment, the traditional fishing methods were unacceptable. They not only harm fish but also lead to toxins and quick spoilage, meaning much of the fish doesn’t even make it to the plate—and those that do often lack quality.
Seremoni’s innovative methods address these issues, creating a more sustainable and humane seafood supply chain while delivering better-tasting fish to consumers.
Source: forbes
