In our last column we announced the postponement of the Latin American and Caribbean Aquaculture 2020 conference (LACQUA20) to the end of March 2021, organized and held jointly with the Ecuadorian Aquaculture Conference (CEA2020). We had hoped that by this time, it would be safe for all speakers, exhibitors and delegates to gather in Guayaquil, albeit with implementations of strict measures to avoid any health issues. However, it is still very difficult to predict what the situation will be in the coming months regarding COVID-19 and if restrictions for travelling and attending conferences will still be in place. Most organizers of international conferences, like the World Aquaculture Society itself, have been forced to reschedule their events for the second half of 2021. Others have decided to go virtual.

Registration for World Aquaculture 2021: WA2021 #AquacultureNow is now open. The World Aquaculture Society (WAS) invites all its members and the general public to participate from November 15 to 19 in the most important international aquaculture event to be held in Mérida, México.

The Board of the @WrldAquaculture has decided to support the effort of the @GloFouling implemented by @IMO by becoming a strategic partner of the program. We are looking forward to support the development of knowledge and solutions to manage biofouling. #biofouling #aquaculture

WAS has arranged for our members to receive complimentary membership in the Global Aquaculture Association. This is a benefit of your WAS membership. Please sign in to the website at www.was.org with your member credentials, scroll down and click on Other News tab then the GAA Logo and follow the link to setup your GAA membership

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