Short Bio

Josef has a B.Sc. In Marine Biology from the Ruppin Academic Center in Israel

and an MBA from the Open University of Israel.

With more than 15 years of experience in project management and Business Development in the offshore aquaculture industry Josef has been a passionate advocate, a pioneer and a leader in promoting High Energy Sites operations both locally and internationally.

Abstract- Offshore Aquaculture in Israel – Challenges and Opportunities of Working in High-Energy Sites

The global problem of depleting oceans and overexploited fisheries creating a shortage of fish is no stranger to the country of Israel. In the Mediterranean Sea (bordering Israel) alone, number of overexploited or collapsed fish stocks has been increasing at a rate of approximately 38% in the last 4 decades.

Taking into count the local Marine protein consumption and demand which are growing quickly and the challenging environmental and oceanic conditions that Israel has (lack of sheltered sites, scarce inland space, no available logistic infrastructure and rough seas) meant that creative solutions were needed to be developed in the field of aquaculture.   

Recognizing this need and growing trend for fish several years ago, Josef and his partner decided to act and become frontrunners for offshore innovative sustainable fish

farming and established GiliOcean Technology. The company's main product that was developed in collaboration with the Technion is SUBflex, a Submersible Single Point Mooring NetCage Systems that enables safe and efficient cultivation of marine species, in optimal open ocean natural conditions and with high environmental sustainability. Based on the technology the company has designed and operated 5 commercial farms in Israel with the latest being the world’s largest open ocean single array farming system, 15 kilometers of the country's coast, growing Seabream.

To further increase efficiency, Complimentary advanced technology's (e.g. designated marine vessels, biomass weighting camera & mechanical components) have been developed and incorporated in the farm by GiliOcean with contribution of the EU's H2020 program. Thus, simplifying operations, maximizing efficiency and upscaling the production of premium quality marine fish.

The company now looks to expand its operation in Israel and to other parts of the world, using its unique technology, extensive experience and accumulated "know how" in high energy mariculture sites.