The Journey of Lourdes Gant, Sustainable Aquaculture Entrepreneur
Wife and husband and business partners Lourdes and Eric
Lourdes is not just a businesswoman, she is also now deeply engaged in AI sustainability advocacy. As a mentor, she empowers ambitious CEOs from small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in agriculture, aquaculture, seafood, and food and beverage sectors. These visionary leaders understand that achieving long-term growth and making a positive environmental impact are not merely about compliance; it’s about seizing strategic business opportunities. They face significant challenges, including rising costs and complex regulations, making practical and data-driven solutions essential for their continued success. Their ultimate goal? To future-proof their businesses while leading their industries in environmental stewardship and leaving a lasting legacy.
An accomplished speaker both locally and internationally, Lourdes has received recognition within the aquaculture industry, including a Stevie Award. Her journey began when she arrived in Canada in 2004 as an immigrant from the Philippines, determined to align her career with her professional values. With a background as a certified public accountant specializing in auditing, she navigated the challenges of establishing herself in a new country and soon began to realize her potential beyond conventional employment.
In 2005, her vision guided her to explore entrepreneurship. Training with leaders like Mark Victor Hansen and Robert Allen at the Enlightened Wealth Academy, Lourdes launched her coaching and consultancy services. Her expertise quickly established her as a respected figure, particularly in entrepreneurship.
Reflecting on her journey, Lourdes shares, "Confidence in business and public speaking comes from relentless practice. I've built my skills through countless experiences on stage—thanks to my mother, who coached me in oration from a young age. Growing up in poverty in the Philippines fueled my ambition and encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone."
A pivotal moment in her life occurred in 2007 during a personal development workshop, where she met her husband, Eric Gant. Their partnership perfectly combines business acumen and a shared vision for sustainability, enhancing Manatee Holdings’ operations. Together, they aim to balance business success with environmental responsibility.
As co-owner of Manatee Holdings Ltd, Lourdes has been recognized by Chatelaine Magazine as one of Canada’s Top 100 Female Entrepreneurs. She was named one of the Most Influential Sustainable Aquaculture Businesswomen of 2023 by Acquisition International. Recently, she was a panelist in the BC Centre for Agritech Innovation, promoting opportunities and challenges to cultivate the agriculture and agri-food workforce in the age of AI. She was also at WeDo BC Canada Women’s Entrepreneurship Day “Rise with Her” event, promoting artificial intelligence, education, training, and scholarships for women entrepreneurs.
Lourdes Gant with sea cucumber visual from 2014 as featured on Chatelaine Magazine
At Manatee Holdings, the mission is clear: to create one of the most environmentally beneficial food production operations globally. The company embraces innovative aquaculture practices, specializing in sustainable geoduck (pronounced 'gooey-duck') clam cultivation. With growing concerns over ocean health due to overfishing and pollution, Manatee Holdings emphasizes ecologically responsible practices, helping restore marine ecosystems while meeting market demand.
Geoducks exhibit unique ecological benefits, as they help mitigate the impact of coastal pollution by feeding on excess microalgae. Their growth process, requiring meticulous attention to environmental conditions, highlights the commitment to sustainability ingrained in Manatee Holdings’ operations. As a natural carbon sink, geoducks also contribute to combating climate change, making them a valuable ally in our environmental efforts.
A drone shot of Manatee Holdings’ Gartley Point Hatchery.
As global demand for geoducks surges—especially in Asian markets where they are considered a delicacy—Lourdes and Eric are leading innovative practices that merge profitability with environmental stewardship. The current trends show prices reaching up to $100 per pound, highlighting a lucrative opportunity for SMEs and investors alike.
With growing concerns over ocean health due to overfishing and pollution, Manatee Holdings emphasizes ecologically responsible practices, helping restore marine ecosystems while meeting market demand.
Lourdes Gant’s journey exemplifies the potential of combining business excellence with environmental responsibility. She is a powerful advocate for sustainable aquaculture, blending her insights and expertise to inspire others within the industry. By sharing her knowledge globally and mentoring future leaders, Lourdes continues to drive improvements in standards and practices for a sustainable future.
For those interested in learning more about the future of sustainable aquaculture and how it aligns with our broader environmental goals, you can visit https://sustainableaquaculture.ca/ and/or https://sustainabilityteam.ai/.
Lani Domaloy is a Filipino-Canadian writer, poet, and photographer living on Vancouver Island in Canada. She draws her creative inspiration primarily from her love for the outdoors, nature, traveling, and the arts.
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