In a world where sustainability has become more than just a buzzword, one man stands at the forefront of eco-friendly shrimp farming: Gabriel Luna.
Highly regarded and widely recognized as a sought-after expert in the field of aquaculture, he has revolutionized shrimp farming, turning what was once a controversial industry into a beacon of hope for sustainable seafood production.
His passion for sustainable aquaculture is evident in his words: “We use saltwater, and through our processes, we return water to the environment cleaner than when it comes in. We create an ecosystem that’s pristine for the shrimp to grow. The whole operation is like running a perfectly tuned engine.”
This commitment to environmental stewardship while maximizing production efficiency exemplifies Luna’s innovative approach to shrimp farming.
His journey into the world of shrimp farming is anything but ordinary. With over two decades of experience under his belt, He has built a reputation as a true innovator, combining his deep knowledge of marine ecosystems with cutting-edge technology. His unique expertise has made him one of the most sought-after voices in aquaculture, as he leads the charge towards a more sustainable future.
Reflecting on his passion for the industry, he shares: “I went shrimp crazy as soon as I learned about shrimp – how they reproduce, how sustainable it can be – something clicked. I realized shrimp farming could be super sustainable.” This enthusiasm, coupled with his innovative approach, has positioned him as a transformative figure in the aquaculture industry.
Luna’s superior understanding of the shrimp industry is evident in his role as a Global Shrimp Council (GSC) board member. He proposed and launched this groundbreaking initiative, which has quickly become a pivotal force in the industry.
David Castro, Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of the GSC, attests to Luna’s exceptional abilities: “The founding members of the Global Shrimp Council selected Mr. Luna as Chairman for his outstanding achievements in the shrimp industry. His expertise in agriculture shrimp specialization and leadership prowess made him an ideal candidate for this pivotal role.”
His highly-regarded approach to shrimp farming focuses on sustainability and efficiency. His farms use state-of-the-art technology to monitor and control every aspect of the shrimp’s environment, from water quality to feeding schedules. He explains his innovative methods: “We now have a microphone underwater. We can hear shrimp when they are chewing, and when we hear them, we give them food. It’s like whenever your kid goes to the fridge, somebody throws them a healthy, planned meal.”
This precision feeding is just one example of how he harnesses the power of data to reduce waste, minimize the need for chemicals, and create healthier shrimp with less environmental impact.
Sandro Coglitore, General Manager at OMARSA S.A., attests to Luna’s impact: “His comprehensive review process helps fine-tune strategies and optimize operational efficiency, contributing to Omarsa’s strong market presence and export success.” By combining cutting-edge technology with sustainable practices, Luna has set new standards for eco-friendly aquaculture.
His unique ability to blend traditional farming practices with modern technology sets him apart. His farms utilize advanced sensors and automation to ensure optimal conditions for shrimp growth, while his commitment to natural filtration systems eliminates the need for harmful chemicals.
Laura Garrido, Vice-President of Pescanova USA, praises Luna’s expertise: “Gabriel’s insights have been invaluable in guiding our strategic decisions and improving our operational efficiency. In this industry, Gabriel is considered one of the best in understanding the intricacies of shrimp aquaculture.”
Luna’s unwavering commitment to eco-friendly farming practices is at the heart of his work. He believes that the future of shrimp farming lies in biosecurity—the careful management of shrimp health and water quality to prevent disease outbreaks without relying on chemicals.
Luna emphasizes: “We’re building luxurious apartments and affordable housing for shrimp. Even if it’s an affordable project, it doesn’t mean we have to build cheaply. We need to maintain building standards.”
His farms are a sustainable aquaculture model, using closed-loop systems that recycle water and waste. This innovative method reduces the environmental footprint and creates a more resilient and efficient farming system.
Michele Cottone, former Senior Seafood Procurement Manager at Chicken of the Sea Frozen Foods, shares how Gabriel’s superior knowledge has impacted her company and production: “He’s specifically responsible for doubling our business from Ecuador to the USA in three years. His knowledge of the process helped us buy at the right timing in a market that is as volatile as the stock exchange.”
Luna’s shrimp farming methods also focus on the welfare of the shrimp themselves. By raising shrimp in conditions that closely mimic their natural habitat, he ensures that his farms produce healthier, more robust shrimp.
He explains: “If the animal is comfortable, it’ll grow faster and healthier. The healthier you are, the less problems you have.”
It’s no surprise that Luna’s name has become synonymous with sustainable shrimp farming. His unique experience in the industry has made him a sought-after figure at global conferences and events.
Luna has presented at over 30 international shrimp and aquaculture conferences, sharing his expertise and advocating for adopting eco-friendly practices.
At the 2024 Boston IntraFish Leadership Breakfast, held during one of the world’s most renowned seafood trade shows, he was among six esteemed panelists discussing the industry’s future.
This prestigious event gathers producers and buyers from around the globe to explore current trends and, more importantly, the future of seafood. As a panelist, Luna highlighted the industry’s new efforts to educate consumers about aquaculture products’ health and environmental benefits.
IntraFish, a leading global seafood news outlet, hosted the breakfast, further cementing the significance of the discussion.
In addition, Luna has served as a panelist for the Global Shrimp Forum in Utrecht for three consecutive years, contributing to the trade and statistics panel. He also represented the Ecuadorian shrimp industry, presenting to CEOs from major global companies and showcasing Ecuador’s leading role in the shrimp sector.
Luna has worked closely with governments, environmental organizations, and seafood producers to shape policies and regulations that promote sustainable farming. His influence has helped to create a global movement towards responsible shrimp farming.
His comprehensive market reports and statistics that are trusted by the most influential seafood companies globally, reinforce his status as a top-tier industry analyst.
At Empacreci, Luna was instrumental in driving the company’s remarkable growth, helping it expand its operations sixfold. He collaborated closely with production managers and sales teams, providing strategic guidance on selecting the most efficient products to pack and sell, ultimately optimizing both productivity and profitability.
For Shells and Fish Import and Export, Luna played a key role by training their general manager, equipping the leadership team with the expertise needed to navigate the complexities of the shrimp industry. His mentorship resulted in more streamlined operations and significant growth for the company.
Luna’s work with Skalo, one of Italy’s largest seafood importers, was equally impactful. He helped the company boost its shrimp imports from 4.8 million to 11 million pounds annually, leveraging his deep market insights and precise production timing to drive this impressive increase.
As the world’s population continues to grow, so does the seafood demand. Luna’s work represents a blueprint for the future—a way to meet the world’s demand for shrimp without sacrificing the planet’s health.
He asserts: “I really believe that shrimp can feed the world if there is a problem. We have grown our production exponentially, and if needed, we could continue to grow that production to eventually become a source of protein for the world.”
Luna’s innovative use of technology, commitment to eco-friendly practices, and unique expertise have positioned him as a true visionary in the field of aquaculture.
His farms prove that shrimp farming can be both profitable and sustainable, and the technology he has invented sets a new standard for the industry.
An example is Gabriel’s work at XPERTSEA, where he played a pivotal role in developing the innovative KAMPI Shrimp Software solution.
Powered by artificial intelligence, this cutting-edge tool is set to transform shrimp farming by significantly enhancing efficiency and reducing costs.
Ricardo Arosemena, President of the Ecuadorian American Chamber of Commerce in Miami, underscores Luna’s global impact: “Under his visionary leadership, Mr. Luna has driven the most successful trade initiatives in the aquaculture sector between Ecuador and the United States. His efforts have strengthened trade relations and fostered growth and sustainability within the industry.”
Today, Luna is more than just a farmer—he’s a global leader in sustainable shrimp farming. His expertise is in high demand as more countries and companies turn to him for guidance on how to make their aquaculture practices more environmentally friendly.