Shrimp farming around the world is steadily intensifying to produce more with fewer resources. This session showcased the latest intensification technologies being adopted by major producers, including advanced autofeeders, smart aerators, IoT controllers, central control rooms, greenhouse-covered ponds, and fully indoor RAS systems. The discussion provided practical insights into how these innovations are transforming production efficiency and sustainability.
Dr Manoj Sharma is a farmer and an aquaculture expert with more than 26 years of experience in shrimp farming. Dr Manoj has played a major role in the development of shrimp farming in the coastal regions of Gujarat, especially through the Gujarat Aquaculture Association, under which shrimp farmers have united under one umbrella. Dr. Manoj is a popular international speaker on the topic of sustainable shrimp farming practices and has been a prominent advocate for the domestic promotion and consumption of farmed shrimp in India. He started Zhingalala, a shrimp restaurant and distribution network, to demonstrate his belief in India's potential for expanded shrimp consumption.
Dr. Brian Vinci is an accomplished engineer and researcher with extensive expertise in aquacultural engineering. He holds a Ph.D. in Biological & Environmental Engineering, an M.Eng. in Agricultural & Biological Engineering, and a B.S. in Agricultural Engineering, all from Cornell University.
As Director and Research Engineer at The Conservation Fund’s Freshwater Institute in Shepherdstown, WV, Dr. Vinci leads cutting-edge research on water treatment and reuse technologies for aquaculture systems. His work has significantly contributed to the field, evidenced by his co-authorship of the text "Recirculating Aquaculture (5th edition)" and over 40 other publications, including peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and proceedings articles.
Dr. Vinci is a licensed Professional Engineer in New York, Pennsylvania, and Mississippi and he has held leadership positions in professional engineering societies throughout his career. He has served as a technical expert for the American National Standards Institute and led the development of the Global Seafood Alliance standard for recirculating aquaculture systems.
His expertise has been featured in major publications such as The New York Times, Scientific American, Science News, and IEEE Spectrum. He has appeared on VICE News and co-hosted the podcast ‘RASTalk’ for Annex Business Media from 2020 to 2023.
Van Vu has over eight years of experience in creating technologies aimed at fostering a sustainable aquaculture ecosystem. He is the co-founder and CEO of OTANICS Technology Jsc. This company operates the Tomota digital platform, catering to every participant in the global shrimp value chain. In addition, Van is the cofounder of Ofarm Technology JSC, which develops cost-effective recirculation aquaculture systems for small-holder farmers. He also leads the NTT Hi-Tech Institute, focusing on high-tech applications in various industries. His mission is to drive positive change through innovation and collaboration in environmental, social, and economic realms.
Allan Cooper is the Director of Strategy, Marketing & Value Creation at Vitapro, a leading provider of nutritional and technological solutions for aquaculture in Latin America. He holds an MBA from Northwestern University – Kellogg School of Management and brings over 14 years of international experience in the food industry, with deep expertise in agribusiness and aquaculture.
Before joining Vitapro in 2020, Allan led Peru’s largest integrated shrimp producer and exporter, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the aquaculture value chain and global market dynamics. At Vitapro, he is responsible for driving the company’s corporate strategy and marketing efforts, with a focus on sustainable growth, customer-centric innovation, and competitive differentiation across the region.
Vitapro’s flagship brand, Nicovita, is a regional leader in shrimp feed, with prescence in seven Latin American countries. Allan plays a key role in expanding the brand’s impact and reach, while also advancing the company’s sustainability agenda and commitment to its purpose: nourishing the future by transforming aquaculture.
A recognized voice in the industry, Allan has served as a speaker and panelist at global aquaculture and food forums, where he shares perspectives on strategy, innovation, and responsible growth in the sector.
Professor, PhD supervisor, associate Editor of Aquacultural Engineering, member of the 11th Fisheries Equipment Special Committee, one of the world's top 2% scientists in 2024. Research focuses on water reuse in aquaculture and recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). Published over 50 SCI-indexed papers in journals like Bioresource Technology, Reviews in Aquaculture, Chemical Engineering Journal, Aquaculture, etc. with several highly cited by ESI.
Holds over 30 national invention patents. Led one industrial standard (SC/T 1182-2025). Led over 20 research projects, including National Natural Science Foundation ones. Hold awards including the Shanghai Science and Technology First Prize for RAS in freshwater fish farming, the First Prize for "Most Technologically Tradable Potential" for high-density RAS in aquaculture, the First Prize "Golden bridge Award" for RAS process design and application, and a national first-class course.
Vice chairman of Indonesia feed mill association, Former President of Indonesia Shrimp Farmer Association ( SCI ), founder, Indonesia Shrimp Forum, actively in improving traceability and sustainability of Indonesia shrimp industry.