Women in Aquaculture: Meet Ms Amalia Plati

Amalia  is an Aquaculture Specialist and Ichthyologist at Kito Marine Farm, whose connection to aquaculture began in her early childhood. Growing up on a small island in the South Aegean, where the sea is an integral part of daily life, she was naturally immersed in the sector, as her entire family works in aquaculture. This early exposure shaped her passion and led her to consciously pursue studies in ichthyology. She further strengthened her expertise by participating in the 4th edition of the GFCM training, organized in collaboration with FEAP, the Aegean Exporters’ Association, and NOWA, where she was recognized as one of the three winners of the business idea competition—highlighting her commitment to innovation and the future of sustainable aquaculture.

What inspired you to pursue a career in aquaculture? 

My involvement in aquaculture started from the environment I grew up in. I come from a small island in the South Aegean, where the sea is part of everyday life. My entire family works in the aquaculture sector, so I was exposed to the field from a very young age.

I became involved quite early on, long before I began my studies. When the time came to choose my academic path, studying ichthyology was a conscious and natural choice for me.

What is your current role, and what does a typical day look like for you?

My role in the company where I work is multifaceted, as I have gained experience across all stages of aquaculture operations. I have worked in the hatchery, in sea cages, and in daily farm management, including feeding operations, growth monitoring, and team coordination.

I have also been involved in fish health and disease management, packaging, and, to a smaller extent, sales. In recent years, I have been primarily focused on aquaculture farm management, overseeing daily operations, vaccinations, treatments, and most importantly, monitoring and preventing fish health issues. What has been your proudest achievement in aquaculture so far? One of my proudest achievements in aquaculture has been being able to study the

science I am passionate about and complete my thesis research on a parasite and its role in aquaculture farms. My work focused on understanding its impact on production. Being able to apply scientific knowledge to real-world aquaculture challenges has been extremely rewarding.

What advice would you give to young women considering a career in aquaculture?

I would encourage young women to confidently pursue a career in aquaculture. It is a dynamic and growing field with many opportunities for innovation and leadership. Don’t be discouraged by stereotypes — dedication, curiosity, and continuous learning are what truly matter. The industry needs diverse perspectives, and women can make a strong impact at every stage of aquaculture production.