* By Antonio Garza de Yta, Ph.D.
Many countries are interested in developingaquaculture, with varying levels of resources and capital. Regardless of the circumstances, it iscrucialto prioritize human capital development in planning and investment strategies.
The Aquaculture Europe event in Denmark, held every six years in coordination with the European Society and the World Aquaculture Society, has just concluded. It is my assessment that this is the most comprehensive aquaculture event in the global arena.
At these European events, academia and industry come together, and it is evident that the trajectory of global aquaculture advancement over the coming decades can be discerned. It is clear that such an event provides a significant boost to business and opportunities for the host country.
It is also a testament to the success of decision-makers who invest wisely in promoting aquaculture and expanding their industry and academic networks. It would be unwise to miss such an opportunity if it arises.
In conversation with one of the Danish engineers involved in one of the most significant recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) projects globally, he shared insights that proved pivotal to my understanding. “We distinguish between customers who are primarily interested in producing fish and those who are primarily interested in making money.” I believe this accurately reflects the current state of aquaculture.
While many of us are focused on continuing to produce fish (for the sake of simplicity, I will refer to all aquatic organisms as fish), others have viewed the activity primarily as a source of funding, rather than as a means of achieving tangible results.
When an individual decides to engage in fish production, they are aware that the return on investment will likely not match that of a technology or hydrocarbon company. However, they recognize that the journey, despite its challenges, offers significant fulfillment. We remain an agricultural business, requiring effort, routine, and work.
Currently, numerous financiers are dedicated to aquaculture, seeking the opportunity to become millionaires overnight. I have a message for all of them: this is aquaculture, and there are no quick fixes or magic formulas. Instead, success depends on consistency, preparation, standardization, and hard work.
We are also witnessing significant advancements in artificial intelligence and automated processes. While I am a strong proponent of these developments, I believe it is essential to ensure that the industry does not become dehumanized.
Aquaculture professionals remain a crucial element in the success of the industry. The effective operation of processes and the appropriate utilisation of these tools will undoubtedly enhance efficiency, provided that we comprehend the principles of aquaculture and the interactions and consequences of these new equipment on the organisms and the quality of the water.
Denmark provides an excellent case study of how a country can develop its human capital and drive economic growth. The country’s companies are not only producing wealth in the region but also applying their technology and selling their products worldwide.
Examples of these companies include those selling feed, recirculation systems, equipment for remote monitoring of water physicochemical factors, filtering systems, and engineering. Denmark is widely recognized as a global leader in technology and development, particularly in the aquaculture sector.
Many countries are interested in developing aquaculture, with varying levels of resources and capital. Regardless of these differences, it is crucial to prioritize human capital development as a key driver for success in this and other sectors. I have observed numerous historic opportunities being missed due to a lack of focus on professionalizing the sector and a tendency to prioritize superficial aspects over the fundamental requirements.
I believe that today we should also categorize countries, as our Danish colleague does, between those who prioritize fish production and those who prioritize financial gain. For those who choose the former, the road is challenging, but the longterm benefits of a consolidated aquaculture industry will justify the effort. Hopefully, there will be many who are inclined to do so!

* Antonio Garza de Yta is COO of Blue Aqua International-Gulf, Vice President of the International Center for Strategic Studies in Aquaculture (CIDEEA), President of Aquaculture Without Frontiers (AwF), Past President of the World Aquaculture Society (WAS), Former Secretary of Fisheries and Aquaculture of Tamaulipas, Mexico, and Creator of the Certification for Aquaculture Professionals (CAP) Program with Auburn University.