Speaking at the prestigious SIMEC trade show, Dr. Juan-Carlos Motamayor, CEO of Topian, a Saudi company overseeing aquaculture development in the Neom region, unveiled an ambitious roadmap aimed at catapulting the region into a global aquaculture powerhouse. The company’s vision includes the production of 80,000 tonnes of seafood, leveraging a combination of cutting-edge land-based Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and innovative marine enclosures.
Dr. Motamayor articulated Topian’s strategy, which encompasses various approaches to marine-based aquaculture, including open sea pens, submersible sea pens, and enclosed sea pens. Emphasizing the importance of sustainability, he highlighted ongoing efforts to identify the most cost-efficient and environmentally friendly methods for marine aquaculture.
The company’s collaboration efforts were underscored by the announcement of a strategic joint venture with Tabuk Fisheries, a leading producer of marine finfish in the Neom region. This partnership marks the beginning of Topian’s engagement with existing aquaculture operators and serves as a platform for pilot studies.
Central to Topian’s plans is the establishment of a state-of-the-art hatchery capable of producing an impressive 42 million fingerlings annually, positioning it as the largest facility of its kind in the MENA region.
In the realm of land-based farming, Topian aims to cater to local consumer preferences by focusing on species such as salmon, sea bream, sobaity, kingfish, amberjack, meagre, and hamour. The company envisions enhancing the market with diverse taste profiles while ensuring freshness, nutritional value, and quality.
Acknowledging the need for genetic advancements to optimize aquaculture efficiency, Dr. Motamayor revealed discussions with an American genetics company regarding a tailored breeding program for local species. Additionally, collaborations with feed suppliers like Irasco are underway to develop specialized formulations tailored to each species.
As Topian invites expressions of interest from stakeholders in the aquaculture sector, Dr. Motamayor expressed confidence in forging additional partnerships to realize their ambitious goal of producing 80,000 tonnes of seafood within 15 years. The company’s bold initiatives signal a transformative era for aquaculture in the Neom region, poised to deliver economic growth, sustainability, and culinary diversity.
