UAE land-based salmon startup appoints CEO

The hire comes at a 'critical juncture' for the commercial-scale land-based salmon farming venture, as it prepares to launch its inaugural project.

"The Ocean Harvest team is excited by the immense potential RAS technology holds," said Ocean Harvest's first CEO Jawad Jamil.
"The Ocean Harvest team is excited by the immense potential RAS technology holds," said Ocean Harvest's first CEO Jawad Jamil.Photo: Ocean Harvest

United Arab Emirates (UAE) land-based salmon farmer Ocean Harvest appointed Jawad Jamil CEO as it prepares to launch its first project.

Ocean Harvest was founded in 2021 by Robert Kupstas. The company intends to develop a 2,000 metric ton land-based salmon farm using recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) technology near the capital of Abu Dhabi.

Ocean Harvest’s inaugural project is being supported by partners Danish Billund Aquaculture and France-based water treatment firm Suez. The group is also partnered with Belgian construction group Besix and UAE-based industrial group Tech Group, who are major investors in the company.

The company has secured a site for its Phase 1 development plans. Upon successful completion of the first phase of Ocean Harvest’s facility, the business plans to expand operations into other import-dependent markets, seeking to displace expensive, air-freighted fish supplies from overseas.

Jamil will manage overall operations and act as the main point of communication between the board of directors and the management team.

He previously served as CEO at Medical Solutions, part of Gulf Healthcare International Group, where his time included a successful exit of the UAE business on behalf of its private equity investors.

"The Ocean Harvest team is excited by the immense potential RAS technology holds to enable in-land fish farming and to combat global availability, affordability and food safety challenges for fish protein," said Jamil.

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Published 31 August 2023, 03:45Updated 31 August 2023, 03:45
United Arab Emirates (UAE)Land-based aquacultureLand-based salmonMiddle EastBillund