Akiyama grew up in Hawaii and earned his PhD in shrimp nutrition at Texas A&M University. Upon graduation he began a career that had impacts across the globe. As the original aquaculture technical representative of the American Soybean Association in Singapore, Dean was a prolific source of information to the global industry through newsletters, technical reports, workshops, and international events. Dean later moved to Indonesia where he led aquaculture programs at JAPFA Comfeed and Central Proteina Prima (CPP).
During his 15 years at CPP, a large integrated aquaculture group with annual production peaking at 90,000 MT of cultured shrimp, he directed and managed technology and research programmes for the group including aquafeeds technology, R&D, animal health and quality assurance. He also worked on genetic improvement at Shrimp Improvement Systems, a shrimp breeding company. Akiyama has always exuded the Aloha spirit – treating everyone with kindness and respect – that was ingrained in him in Hawaii.
“For his enduring achievements in science, commercial production and education that have advanced the productivity, sustainability, and livelihoods of shrimp farming, The Center for Responsible Seafood will be proud to present Dean Akiyama with a Lifetime Achievement Award,” said George Chamberlain, President of TCRS and an early collaborator with Akiyama, in a press release.
An online card was opened for signatures and those who have had the privilege to work with Akiyama have posted pictures, testimonials, and memories that attest to his immense popularity and impact.
"Dean is more than just a professional mentor - he’s someone who consistently strives to make a meaningful impact on individuals, the global shrimp industry, and every firm he touches," wrote Pablo Montalbetti.
The card reflects the scope of Dean's career and the unique impact he made by combining high-level professional accomplishments with broad generosity and kindness to others - a legacy that will be celebrated with the TCRS Lifetime Achievement Award.
