Today, September 16th, 2020, the nominations for secretary and director of the board of directors of the Latin American and Caribbean Chapter of the World Aquaculture Society are opened. These nominations will be open until October 16 and all active members of the Chapter can participate. Send your nominee to Carolina Amézquita's email, carolina@was.org

The global event of the World Aquaculture Society (WAS) in 2021 will be held in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico from November 15 to 19 at the Yucatan International Congress Center (CIC). World Aquaculture (WA) is considered the most important aquaculture event at the international level for the exchange of information, technology; the number of participants, their countries of origin, the excellent link and cooperation between universities and institutions, producers, the business and government sector. During WA2021 there will be the participation of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and other international organizations. There will be multiple presentations, workshops, business meetings, trade exhibition, art gallery, technical visits to farms and process plants in the region, and various events dedicated to building professional networks.

Sorrento, LA (September 14, 2020) The World Aquaculture Society is honored to join 110 aquatic scientific societies representing over 80,000 scientists as a signatory to American Fisheries Society’s “Statement of World Aquatic Scientific Societies on the Need to Take Urgent Action Against Human-Caused Climate Change, Based on Scientific Evidence.” The statement highlights major scientific findings related to effects of climate change on aquatic ecosystems. It also provides recommended actions, based on scientific findings, to avoid further degradation. All findings in the statement are supported by peer-reviewed scientific studies. The World Aquaculture Society appreciates the opportunity to team with other aquatic scientific societies in support of this initiative.

In the past three months, our world has changed dramatically. Most countries have been touched by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a wide range of impacts. Most of us followed confinement measures that were requested by our governments or self-imposed to reduce the spread of the contagion. They also had direct consequences on our professional activities. Universities, research centers, government agencies and private companies focused on ensuring the safety of their employees, meaning in most cases the adoption of homeworking. We have been inventive in pursuing our work remotely, staying in touch with our students, colleagues or customers, using social media and videoconferences. For those of us working with live organisms, we had to be resourceful to maintain them during these challenging times.

With 2020 in full swing, we are concentrating our attention on preparations for our annual conference. This year LACQUA will be organized jointly with the Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL) and the XXI Ecuadorian Aquaculture Conference, in Guayaquil, on 7-10 September (more information on our webpage: www.was.org/code/LACQUA20). LACQUA20 will bring international attention to the Ecuadorian aquaculture industry and Guayaquil makes a fantastic venue for it. The buoyant shrimp industry offers plenty of opportunities for students, researchers, aquaculture technicians and experts to share their latest discoveries, draw comparison with other aquaculture industries, and visit suppliers that will fill the large exhibition hall booked for the event. We hope to see you there!

We are pleased to announce the results of the elections for the new members of the Board of Directors of the Latin American Chapter (LACC) of the World Aquaculture Society Secretary - Nelson Peña Director - Karina Ribeiro

We confirm that the deadline for submitting abstracts for oral presentations or posters will be extended until SEPTEMBER 1, 2018, thus giving greater opportunity for interested parties to present the results of their investigations in Bogotá. We invite you to send your work to LACQUA18 as soon as possible! More information: carolina@was.org

Dear members of LACC, Through the years in the LACQUA events, recognition has been given to people who have dedicated their work to aquaculture and fishery issues. This year at LACQUA18 in Bogotá will not be the exception. For this reason, we are pleased to announce that the period to nominate a person who has excelled in the field of aquaculture is open until August 15th. For more information please send an email to carolina@was.org

The Latin American and Caribbean Aquaculture 2018 (LACQUA18) event will be held together with the VIII Colombian Aquaculture Congress (VIII CCA) at the Ágora Convention Center, Bogotá, from October 23 to 26, 2018. These events are being co-organized by the National University of Colombia, the Colombian Federation of Aquaculture Producers (FEDEACUA) and the Latin American and Caribbean Chapter of the World Aquaculture Society (LACC/WAS).

Voting is open until August 15 for the positions of Secretary and Director of the Latin American and Caribbean Chapter of the World Aquaculture. If you are an active member of LACC do not forget to vote online at www.was.org/ballot In this link you will find the candidates and a brief description of each one.