The Forest Gump OF LATIN AMERICAN AQUACULTURE
Rex Ito
Owner, CEO / Prime Time Seafood Inc.
Rex Ito, founder and owner of Prime Time Seafood, Inc., has dedicated more than 45 years to nearly every facet of the seafood industry—including aquaculture, commercial fishing, procurement, distribution, and marketing. His unique career combines technical expertise as a marine biologist with entrepreneurial leadership that has shaped global seafood supply.
Rex began his career pioneering commercial shrimp farming in the 1980s, both in the United States and Ecuador. In 1989, he founded Prime Time Seafood, which quickly became a leading importer and distributor of sashimi-grade tuna in the U.S. and Japan. Prime Time was among the first, and ultimately the largest, importers of fresh bigeye and yellowfin tuna from Ecuador. Rex personally trained crews across Latin America in advanced handling techniques such as “ike jime,” improving product quality and sustainability standards from Ecuador to Mexico and beyond.
Under his leadership, Prime Time expanded sourcing to every major ocean region—including the South Pacific, Asia, Africa, and the Indian Ocean. Today, the company is the exclusive distributor of the Bluefiná® brand ranched bluefin tuna from Baja Aqua Farms, which supplies 60–70% of sashimi-quality ranched bluefin to the North American market
Rex’s deep experience also positioned him as a pioneer in sustainable aquaculture. In 2001, he co-founded a multi-species open-ocean cage farm in Ensenada, Mexico. What began with yellowtail and bluefin tuna evolved into Pacifico Aquaculture, the first and only producer of true striped bass raised in ocean cages. Rex was instrumental in selecting the species, developing the farming concept, and advancing the technology alongside co-founder Eric Pedersen.
With decades of global experience as both a scientist and seafood entrepreneur, Rex continues to drive innovation in sustainable seafood production, balancing environmental responsibility with the demands of a global market.
Rex began his career pioneering commercial shrimp farming in the 1980s, both in the United States and Ecuador. In 1989, he founded Prime Time Seafood, which quickly became a leading importer and distributor of sashimi-grade tuna in the U.S. and Japan. Prime Time was among the first, and ultimately the largest, importers of fresh bigeye and yellowfin tuna from Ecuador. Rex personally trained crews across Latin America in advanced handling techniques such as “ike jime,” improving product quality and sustainability standards from Ecuador to Mexico and beyond.
Under his leadership, Prime Time expanded sourcing to every major ocean region—including the South Pacific, Asia, Africa, and the Indian Ocean. Today, the company is the exclusive distributor of the Bluefiná® brand ranched bluefin tuna from Baja Aqua Farms, which supplies 60–70% of sashimi-quality ranched bluefin to the North American market
Rex’s deep experience also positioned him as a pioneer in sustainable aquaculture. In 2001, he co-founded a multi-species open-ocean cage farm in Ensenada, Mexico. What began with yellowtail and bluefin tuna evolved into Pacifico Aquaculture, the first and only producer of true striped bass raised in ocean cages. Rex was instrumental in selecting the species, developing the farming concept, and advancing the technology alongside co-founder Eric Pedersen.
With decades of global experience as both a scientist and seafood entrepreneur, Rex continues to drive innovation in sustainable seafood production, balancing environmental responsibility with the demands of a global market.
Our Team
At Prime Time Seafood, our greatest strength is our people. For over 35 years, our team has consistently delivered some of the most challenging products in the industry—sashimi-quality
fresh tuna—to the U.S. market. This achievement is a testament to the expertise, dedication, and ingenuity of our leadership and staff.
Beyond wild-caught tuna, Prime Time has been at the forefront of aquaculture innovation, introducing ranched bluefin tuna to the North American market, developing ocean-raised striped bass through Pacifico Aquaculture, and partnering with sustainable fisheries and farms around the globe.
Together, our leadership team represents more than 100 years of combined experience in seafood procurement, logistics, sales, and aquaculture development—ensuring Prime Time continues to set the standard for quality, reliability, and sustainability.
fresh tuna—to the U.S. market. This achievement is a testament to the expertise, dedication, and ingenuity of our leadership and staff.
Beyond wild-caught tuna, Prime Time has been at the forefront of aquaculture innovation, introducing ranched bluefin tuna to the North American market, developing ocean-raised striped bass through Pacifico Aquaculture, and partnering with sustainable fisheries and farms around the globe.
Together, our leadership team represents more than 100 years of combined experience in seafood procurement, logistics, sales, and aquaculture development—ensuring Prime Time continues to set the standard for quality, reliability, and sustainability.
David Medina
GM, COO
With over 32 years at Prime Time Seafood, David has been part of the company since its founding. He oversees both administrative functions and daily operations, ensuring every detail of the supply chain runs with efficiency and reliability. His unmatched knowledge of seafood logistics and compliance makes him an indispensable part of the company’s long-term success.
Marlen Shaw
Head of Sales
For more than 22 years, Marlen has led Prime Time’s sales operations, building strong and enduring partnerships across the U.S. seafood industry. His consistency, attention to detail, and customer-first approach have made him a trusted advisor to some of the most discerning tuna buyers in the country.
Steven Aihara
SALES & LOGistics
Steven brings years of experience supplying seafood to many of California’s top sushi establishments. At Prime Time, he plays a critical role in ensuring orders are executed with precision and delivered with reliability. His professionalism and positive approach have made him an essential part of the company’s growth.
Matt to
SALES & LOGistics
As part of the next generation of the Ito family, Matt carries forward the Prime Time legacy with charisma, dedication, and a strong work ethic. A key figure within the sales and logistics team, he continues to strengthen customer relationships while upholding the company’s commitment to excellence and sustainability.
The Ito Family
Rex & Mariana Ito were married the same year Prime Time Seafood was formed. As successful as Prime Time has been, their true pride and love are their four children—Matthew, Claire, Blake, and Mica, who have also been involved in the seafood world their whole lives.
