Blue Aqua International-Gulf LLC (Blue Aqua Gulf), a subsidiary of Blue Aqua International Pte Ltd., today announced the appointment of Dr Antonio Garza de Yta as its Chief Operating Officer (COO). He will be working directly with Dr Farshad Shishehchian, Group CEO/Founder of Blue Aqua International.
Garza de Yta brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to Blue Aqua Gulf, having distinguished himself throughout his career in the aquaculture industry. In his previous role as Senior Advisor for Aquaculture at Sustainable Technologies & Innovation Development Company (AWJ Innovation) in Oman, he played a key role in fostering sustainable practices and innovation within the sector. Garza de Yta’s leadership qualities are further evidenced by his past presidency of the World Aquaculture Society (WAS) and his time as Secretary of Fisheries and Aquaculture of Tamaulipas, Mexico.
The Omani government is making a big push to develop its aquaculture industry, recognising its potential to address food security concerns and diversify the economy. By forming the National Strategy for Sustainable Development of Aquaculture (2012-2040), Oman sets a target of 200,000 tonnes of farmed fish production by 2040. Overall, the Omani government’s commitment to aquaculture is significant. By addressing the challenges and continuing its development efforts, Oman has the potential to become a major player in the aquaculture industry, boosting food security and economic growth.
Blue Aqua Gulf is poised to revolutionise Oman’s aquaculture industry with their innovative plans. In 2024, they will launch the country’s first hyper intensive round tank system, targeting a sustainable annual production of 1,000 tonnes of shrimp. This system boasts minimal environmental impact, exceptional cost-effectiveness, and optimized operations.
The company plans to extend its positive influence beyond production by serving as a training center for future shrimp farmers and hosting a dedicated research and development department to continuously improve the technology. Their facilities will serve as a showcase for next-generation shrimp aquaculture. Furthermore, the future expansion includes a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) trout farm with a 3,000-tonne annual capacity and a 10,000-tonne feed mill. This comprehensive project not only positions them as a frontrunner in sustainable aquaculture practices but also paves the way for Blue Aqua International’s global expansion, solidifying its reputation as a leader in the field.
