Innovative Aquaculture Leader Driving Sustainable Fish Farming in 2025
Introduction
Efstathios Lampakis is a distinguished aquaculture specialist and operations leader with over three decades of active, hands-on experience in both the scientific and managerial aspects of aquaculture. His expertise spans inland and offshore aquaculture projects, recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), hatchery management, and aquaponics in challenging desert and arid environments. Based in Dubai, UAE, Efstathios is a pioneer in sustainable fish farming, advancing production of high-value species while integrating environmental stewardship and innovative business practices.
Current Role and Leadership Impact
Since August 2023, Efstathios has served as the Chief Operations Officer (COO) at Asmak Al Emarat Kalba, Sharjah, UAE. In this role, he leads the installation, construction supervision, and operation of RAS facilities, hatcheries, and grow-out operations for species such as grouper (Hammour), red snapper, sea bream, and other local species. His strategic leadership has optimized production efficiency, improved water quality management, and implemented sustainable aquaculture practices aligned with regional environmental goals.
- Leads cross-functional teams, ensuring high standards in biosecurity, operational excellence, and innovation.
- Driving force behind positioning Asmak Al Emarat as a regional leader in sustainable aquaculture.
Professional Journey
- Freelance Aquaculture Specialist (2017 – Present): Consultant and project supervisor for aquaponic and aquaculture initiatives, including innovative use of desalination reject water for halophyte cultivation in partnership with the International Center of Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA). Projects have earned accolades such as the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation.
- Senior Fish Operation Manager, Saudi Fisheries Company (2021 – 2023): Led the development of land-based pre-growing facilities using RAS and an offshore farm with a 2,000-ton capacity. Successfully operated both the land facilities and offshore farm within just a few months—an achievement others had been attempting since 2014. Built and trained operational teams and achieved iBAP SAMAK certification.
- Operation Manager and Project Consultant, ANAF (2014 – 2017): Managed the Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Marine Research Centre Hatchery, producing up to 22 million juveniles of native species including Subaiti, Sheim, Gabbit, and Hammour, a production milestone that has yet to be matched by any other hatchery in the region.
- Side Manager on Offshore Cage Farms, DIAS Aquaculture S.A. (2009 – 2014): Managed two offshore cage farms in Greece with a combined 2,500-ton annual production capacity. Oversaw juvenile quality for the group and led profitable deals. Headed an extensive experiment in new fish feed formulas. Achieved best group performance in 2012 with lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) and operational costs among sites contributing to the group’s 17,000-ton annual production.
- COO – Hatchery, Hellenic Fish Farming S.A. (2001 – 2008): Designed, supervised construction, and operated a large-scale hatchery for Sea Bream and Sea Bass. Oversaw production exceeding 40 million juveniles annually, making it the third-largest hatchery in the region at the time. Introduced live feed cultivation and developed biosecurity protocols. Co-designed and implemented a CO₂ removal system to enhance water quality.
- Hatchery Operation Manager and Quality Manager, Sea Farm Ionian S.A. (1998 – 2000): Renovated the hatchery, increasing production capacity from 1.0 million to 7.0 million juveniles. Achieved several national firsts in Greece, including successful mass production of Pagellus erythrinus (Common Pandora, red snapper) and the first in Europe larval production of Octopus species. Led ISO 2022 and HACCP implementation for Farm and Hatchery.
Educational Background
- Master of Business Administration (MBA), Cromwell UK – Buckinghamshire New University (Feb 2024 – Feb 2025): Graduated with Grade 7, focusing on strategic thinking, interpersonal skills, sustainable business, and project delivery.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Fisheries & Aquaculture Technology, University of Patras (1984 – 1989): Completed a thesis titled “Aquaculture Guide,” emphasizing cultivation systems for commercial aquatic species and water requirements.
Specializations and Research Contributions
Efstathios specializes in sustainable aquaculture operations, with deep expertise in both scientific and managerial domains. His core areas of specialization include:
- Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS)
- Hatchery Design & Operation
- Aquaponics in Marginal Environments
- Biosecurity Protocol Development
- Water Quality & Environmental Control
- Team Building & Knowledge Transfer
Species Experience
Commercial: Sea bream (Sparus aurata), Sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), Barramundi (Lates calcarifer), Grouper/Hammour (Epinephelus coioides), Red snapper (Lutjanus malabaricus), Subaiti (Sparidentex hasta), Sheim (Acanthopagrus latus), Gabbit (Rabdhosargus sarba), Tilapia (Oreochromis sp.), Surpsout Sea bream (Puntazo puntazo), Red Sea bream (Pagrus major), Red porgy (Pagrus pagrus), Red pandora (Pagelus erithinus).
Experimental Production Trials: Sole (Solea solea), Red mullet (Mullus surmuletus), Octopus (Octopus vulgaris).
His pioneering work includes establishing aquaponics models using desalination reject water for halophyte cultivation, contributing to sustainable agriculture and food security in arid regions.
Vision and Legacy
Efstathios Lampakis envisions a future where aquaculture is a cornerstone of global food security—flourishing sustainably even in arid and marginal environments. His mission is to balance production growth with environmental stewardship, ensuring that aquaculture not only meets human needs but also supports ecosystem integrity.
As a transformational leader, Efstathios champions innovation, operational excellence, and quality management. He is deeply committed to building regional capacity through hands-on knowledge transfer, mentoring, and continuous staff development. By nurturing local talent and fostering cross-sector collaboration with government bodies and research institutions, he works to establish the Middle East as a global leader in sustainable fish farming and marine resource management.
His legacy is defined by lasting impact—empowering a new generation of aquaculture professionals, bridging the gap between science and practice, and shaping a resilient, forward-thinking aquaculture industry rooted in sustainability, innovation, and regional self-sufficiency.
Honoring an Arab Leader
Efstathios Lampakis Named Among “Top Arab Aquaculture Leaders” by The Arab Leaders
The Arab Leaders proudly recognize Efstathios Lampakis, Chief Operations Officer at Asmak Al Emarat, as one of the “Top Arab Aquaculture Leaders” for 2025. This honor celebrates his exceptional contributions to sustainable aquaculture, innovative project management, and leadership in advancing the food industry across the region.
