4 MARCH 2026 • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WAS.ORG Latin American and Caribbean Chapter CHAPTER REPORTS Aquaculture in Latin America and the Caribbean is at a pivotal moment. Our region is not only a strategic supplier of aquatic protein to the world, but also a hub of innovation, adaptation, and productive resilience. From highly technological intensive systems to small- and medium-scale models with profound social impact, regional production diversity is one of our greatest strengths. However, the challenges are equally complex: climate variability, pressure on water resources, new sustainability demands, traceability, and increasingly informed markets. Faced with this scenario, future growth will depend not only on increased volume, but also on our ability to produce better: with greater biological efficiency, a smaller environmental footprint, and greater technological integration. From the Latin American and Caribbean Chapter of the World Aquaculture Society, we firmly believe that regional leadership must be built on three fundamental pillars: applied science, strategic collaboration, and accessible innovation. We need to strengthen the bridges between academia, industry, regulatory authorities, and technology providers. Knowledge transfer must be dynamic, practical, and geared toward real, productive results. In this context, regional meeting spaces take on extraordinary importance. Therefore, we invite the entire aquaculture community to participate in LACQUA 2026, which will be held in El Salvador from October 27 to 30, 2026. This event will be much more than a technical congress; it will be a strategic platform for the exchange of experiences, scientific updates, the presentation of technological innovations, and the building of alliances that promote the sustainable development of the sector throughout the region. LACQUA 2026 represents an opportunity to hear from international experts, learn about Latin American success stories, discuss health and environmental challenges, and explore new solutions in nutrition, genetics, digitalization, and production system management. But above all, it will be a space to discuss the future we want to build for our aquaculture. Latin America and the Caribbean have the talent, resources, and experience to establish themselves as a global leader in sustainable aquaculture production. The next step is to strengthen our regional integration and raise the technical level of our decision-making. I invite you to actively participate in this conversation from October 27 to 30 in El Salvador. The future of regional aquaculture is not defined in isolation; it is built collectively, by sharing knowledge, innovation, and strategic vision. See you in El Salvador. — Luis Andrés Gonzalez-Agraz, President SOME BENEFITS OF BEING A MEMBER OF THE LACC • Access to World Aquaculture Magazine in both English and Spanish • Access to members-only section on the internet, including back issues of our publications • Discounts on registration fees for WAS and LACC conferences • Opportunities to join LACC committees of your interest • Student support services, awards, and opportunities • Global networking and professional contacts • Leadership opportunities as a Director or officer For more information: https://www.was.org/LACC/en/portal.aspx
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