“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.
Akiyama grew up in Hawaii and earned his Ph.D. 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 programs for the group including aquafeeds technology, aquaculture R&D, animal health, quality assurance, and genetic improvement at a subsidiary, Shrimp Improvement Systems, that is one of the world’s leading shrimp breeding companies.
Akiyama has always exuded the Aloha spirit – treating everyone with kindness and respect – that was ingrained in him in Hawaii. Those who have had the privilege to work with Akiyama have posted pictures, testimonials, and memories online that attest to his immense popularity and impact. Sample comments:
"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,” said Pablo Montalbetti.
"Dean constantly challenged me, but always with such a big heart and generously sharing his wisdom. He works hard but knows how to have fun, and I cherish the moments we’ve spent together. His unique combination of candor and quirky sense of humor always kept me on my toes and made working with him a delight,” said Jorge Castillo Lezama.
"An amazing scientist, professional, and human being,” said Robins McIntosh.
These and other reflections reflect 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.
