The Ghanem family’s journey from a small fish farm to a leading aquaculture business in the Diba Triangle, Damietta, Egypt – Speaking with Blue Life Hub correspondent Mariam Fawzy, Omar Ghanem, one of the family members, shares how it all began:
“My father, Eng. Ghanem, started his journey as an independent agricultural engineer working in fish cage farming along the Damietta branch of the Nile River in the late 1980s. Over time, the operation expanded, reaching a stocking density of 45 kg per cubic meter in tilapia cages, without modern equipment or aeration systems.”
The beginning of the aquaculture project
Then, something unexpected happened. Environmental concerns raised the possibility that the fish cages along the Nile would have to be removed. Faced with this uncertainty, Ghanem decided to take a new direction, moving from cage farming to land-based aquaculture.
The new venture began on 71.4 hectares of land, in partnership with other family members. Over time, the business expanded, and Ghanem and his sons eventually took full ownership of 149 hectares, continuing to develop the aquaculture operation independently.
The beginning was far from easy, as the area was not initially suitable for aquaculture. Ghanem had to develop the farm from scratch, starting with bringing electricity to the site and constructing well-designed earthen ponds integrated into the surrounding environment. Over the years, the operation has grown into one of Damietta’s most prominent aquaculture production sites, known for its high-quality production.
Aquaculture production
The farm produces a diverse range of fish and shrimp species, including gilthead sea bream, European sea bass, vannamei shrimp, tilapia, grey mullet, and high-value meagre.
Aquaculture practices at the farm are based on moderate stocking densities, adapted to the needs of the species and the conditions of the aquatic environment, alongside the use of high-quality feed to support healthy fish growth, with an emphasis on minimizing environmental pollution. For Ghanem and his sons, this approach means working in harmony with the environment while creating the conditions for healthy fish growth.
Challenges and future ambition
The farm faces several major challenges, including climate change, which affects water quality and raises water temperatures, placing additional stress on fish. Rising production costs are another significant concern.
To address these challenges, Ghanem and his sons remain deeply committed to the farm’s development, seeking solutions that respond to environmental conditions and prioritizing product quality over production volume. Regular monitoring of water quality parameters plays a central role in this approach.
This commitment to quality also shapes their ambitions for the future. Looking ahead, they aim to export their products to international markets to increase profitability and expand their business.
A family business built on shared goals
A family business thrives when everyone has the same “Why” and works together in harmony. Fortunately, for the Ghanem family, aquaculture is more than just a business; it is a legacy passed down through generations.
The father, Ghanem, is an agricultural engineer and serves as the farm’s CEO, overseeing and supervising its overall operations, while each of his sons plays a specific role in the family business.
The eldest son, Ali, oversees shrimp feeding and monitoring. Youssef is responsible for maintaining the aeration equipment, while Abdelrahman manages the farm during the evening shift.
Omar oversees the laboratory and sample analysis. He is also pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Aquaculture and Fish Production Hygiene at the University of Bologna in Italy.
The youngest son, Ghanem, is responsible for water sampling and monitoring water quality parameters, including salinity. He is also studying Aquaculture Technology at Kafrelsheikh University in Egypt.
Together, the family combines generations of practical experience with scientific knowledge, working toward a shared goal of developing their aquaculture business.
The Ghanem family’s journey from a small fish farm to a leading aquaculture business in the Diba Triangle, Damietta, Egypt
