Can you briefly describe your aquaculture career?

I hold a BSc in agricultural sciences from Zagazig University, and currently co-manage, alongside my father, three of the leading hatcheries in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate.

My professional journey in Nile tilapia breeding began over 15 years ago. I followed in the footsteps of my father, Sameh El-Sayed, one of Egypt’s pioneers in fish hatcheries, who studied and worked with Dr Ismail Radwan, a highly respected figure in the aquaculture sector.

Working with my father from an early stage allowed me to gain strong hands-on experience in tilapia hatching and care. It also taught me the fundamentals of effective hatchery management and production, grounded in both scientific knowledge and practical expertise.

What sort of production systems do you operate?

We currently manage three hatcheries dedicated to the production of mono-sex Nile tilapia.

The first occupies 5 acres and comprises 50 concrete tanks, each measuring 3 metres by 8 metres. It also includes five earthen ponds designated for broodstock rearing.

The second, also covering 5 acres, contains 40 concrete tanks of the same dimensions and seven earthen ponds for broodstock.

The third spans 10 acres and features 100 concrete tanks and five earthen ponds for broodstock rearing.

All three have a 1-acre tank dedicated to water filtration and treatment to ensure optimal water quality before use.

What’s your production capacity?

The three hatcheries produce between 25 and 30 million Nile tilapia fry annually.

What’s your ambition and what challenges have you had to overcome o achieve this?

Our motto is "A strong start for optimal productivity". Guided by this principle, we are committed to producing high-quality tilapia fry with excellent survival and growth rates.

As for challenges, we have not faced any major difficulties during the establishment or operation of any of our hatcheries. We take a proactive approach, anticipating potential issues before they arise and transforming obstacles into opportunities. This is made possible by our continuous preparedness and adaptability in handling any situation.

What are the biggest challenges at work?

Fluctuations in water quality, rising feed and energy costs and a shortage of skilled labour

What makes your hatchery stand out?

We are proud to be one of the leading tilapia hatcheries in Egypt, thanks to a combination of inherited expertise, hands-on field experience, and a commitment to scientific management. Our fry are known for their high quality and are trusted by farms of all sizes. We also offer training to students, farmers and others, helping them learn and succeed in aquaculture.

What does a typical day’s work consist of for you?

My typical day begins at 7 AM, when I visit the three hatcheries to monitor their condition and oversee the feeding of both broodstock and fry.

What are the key considerations for setting up a hatchery?

Establishing a hatchery requires careful planning and attention to key factors. The location should be easily accessible and near a clean, year-round water source. It is essential to obtain all necessary licences from the relevant authorities. A well-designed layout – including hatching tanks, incubators and a water treatment system – is critical, along with the provision of equipment such as water pumps, air blowers, heating systems and water quality testing tools. 

Trained labour is necessary to ensure smooth operation, and a clear feasibility study should cover set-up, operational, and maintenance costs. Finally, a solid marketing plan is needed to promote and sell the fry effectively.

What fish farming systems do you think should be expanded?

Sustainable systems that integrate fish farming with plant cultivation offer maximum benefit while significantly conserving water resources. Aquaculture in the desert using saline well water also has huge potential for expansion. 

If you could solve one issue in the aquaculture industry, what would it be?

Feed has become one of the most critical factors influencing the economic viability of fish farms. With the ongoing rise in the cost of imported raw materials, feed now accounts for approximately 70 percent of total production costs in aquaculture.

We believe it is essential to ensure the availability of high-quality feed at reasonable prices. This will reduce production costs, enhance farm profitability and contribute to the long term sustainability of the sector.

What are the prospects of the wider fish farming sector in Egypt?

The future of aquaculture in Egypt is highly promising. Growing government commitment and large‑scale national projects – such as those at Ghalyoun, Fayrouz and the Suez Canal – are boosting export capacity and enhancing Egypt's position as a leading country in the field of fish farming at the regional and global levels.