Pacific Ocean Culture’s, Paul Ryan, has been short-listed in the prestigious Aquaculture 2022 UK Awards.

The Navua-based company’s Chief Operating Officer is a finalist under the Unsung Heroes category.

Mr Ryans’ key contribution has been his impact on the success of the industry as both commercially viable and a solution to food security for developing countries.

His encouragement and mentoring of key personnel has enabled the industry’s sustainability beyond his own input.

Mr Ryan recognises potential, applies culturally appropriate communications, takes time, forgives errors, and explores solutions with the team.

He networks from maintenance to ministries to ensure he connects with all key stakeholders with an eye on truly making a difference.

Mr Ryan has led Greenfields operations in Ghana and Mozambique, pioneered commercial application of Aquaculture in Vanuatu, benchmarked it in Fiji, implementing social inclusion and skills for life.

Paul Ryan – Chief Operating Officer Pacific Ocean Culture.

The Awards
The Aquaculture UK 2022 Awards will be the first large-scale in-person event for the industry in Britain since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The award celebrates projects, businesses or individuals making an exceptional contribution to the global aquaculture community.

The awards will culminate a two-day tradeshow and conference at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort Aviemore, Scotland on May 4 .

The Award Categories Are:
Rising Star, Collaboration, Innovation, Environmental Impact, Economic Sustainability, Community Initiative, Shellfish Farmer of the Year, Finfish Farmer of the Year, Animal Welfare, Aquaculture Supplier of the Year, Unsung Hero and Outstanding Contribution to the Industry.

Mr Ryan was short-listed alongside:

• Ian Keen-Smith – Cooke Aquaculture Scotland
• Euan McArthur – Organic Sea Harvest
• David Stewart – The Scottish Salmon Company
• Ed Ley-Wilson – Aquascot

About Pacific Ocean Culture
Pacific Ocean Culture is a finfish and crustacean production and processing company. It grows giant freshwater prawns, eels and tilapia.

It has established itself as the sustainable option for seafood supply in Fiji and is expanding to export and diversification of seawater aquaculture products.

Over the past couple of years, the company has expanded greatly in the aquaculture industry.

A statement from the company said it has plans to increase the production area footprint to improve economies of scale.

The current capacity is in excess of 300 tonne annually of tilapia and 50 tonne of fresh water prawns.

The company works with community farmers in enhancing their food security and improve the capability of the sector.

It continually assesses the business for opportunities to grow.

Self-funded, the company acquired and developed a successful commercial enterprise, sets benchmarks for Fiji and the South Pacific.

Demonstrating its ability to sustainably manage operations through all stages of the supply chain from hatchery, grow out, harvesting, processing and sales.

Feedback: ranobab@fijisun.com.fj