Kito Marine Farm: A Greek Pioneer in Sustainable Aquaculture
Founded in 1985 on the island of Leros, Kito Marine Farm S.A. (KMF) is one of Greece’s pioneering aquaculture enterprises. Recently renamed after the sea goddess Kito, daughter of Pontos and Gaea, the company embraces a renewed identity deeply rooted in the marine environment that sustains its work.
Guided by this symbolism and its long-standing commitment to responsible food production, KMF promotes an aquaculture model grounded in human health, environmental protection, and social responsibility — driven by a team whose passion for the sea shapes every aspect of its mission.
Bringing Real-Sea Expertise into AquaBioNets
Within AquaBioNets, KMF plays a central role as the project’s real-sea testing partner.
The company’s Production and Farming Management Department provides essential insights into net performance, material behaviour, and practical farming needs. Their contribution ensures that biodegradable aquaculture nets are not only scientifically promising but also functional, safe, and durable under real Mediterranean conditions.
Meanwhile, KMF’s Administrative Department supports coordination, communication, and smooth project management — strengthening the collaboration between partners and ensuring efficient implementation.
🧑🤝🧑 The Team Behind the Sea
The AquaBioNets team at KMF is led by Mr. Dimitris Papapanagiotou, biologist and marine ecology specialist, whose experience in environmental strategies drives the company’s green transition. He is joined by:
- Mr. Nektarios Platis, with more than 30 years of hands-on experience in fish farming.
- Mr. Manolis Platis, ichthyologist and Operational Manager, who will join the project team at a later stage.
- Mr. Manolis Kaloudis, ensuring sound financial management.
- Ms. Eleanna Papakonstantinou, responsible for communications within the team and with project partners.
Additional specialists will be involved as the project advances, ensuring that KMF’s contribution evolves alongside AquaBioNets’ activities.
Beyond AquaBioNets: A Vision for Responsible Mediterranean Aquaculture
As a company aligned with internationally recognised standards in food safety, environmental protection, and energy efficiency, KMF continually embraces innovation, sustainability, and quality across all its operations.
Beyond production, KMF places strong emphasis on education and public awareness, welcoming international students every year through its collaboration with the Mediterranean Lifestyle Medicine Institute. These initiatives help cultivate a deeper appreciation for sustainable aquaculture and the Mediterranean diet, especially among younger generations.
🌿 Looking Ahead with AquaBioNets
Through its participation in AquaBioNets, KMF aims to contribute its long-standing expertise to the development of biodegradable aquaculture solutions that reduce environmental impacts while maintaining high standards of fish welfare and production efficiency.
For KMF, the project represents an opportunity to:
- test innovative materials in real-sea conditions,
- exchange knowledge with research and industry partners,
- inspire staff and strengthen internal environmental culture,
- and ultimately support the well-being and economic vitality of the local community of Leros.
By joining AquaBioNets, KMF reaffirms its dedication to shaping a more sustainable and resilient future for Mediterranean aquaculture.
