Latin American & Caribbean Aquaculture 2026

LACQUA26 will be the annual meeting of the WAS Latin American and Caribbean Chapter. Following the successful previous LACQUA meetings, LACQUA26 will be held for the first time in El Salvador.

LEl Salvador proudly stands as the host destination for LACQUA26, offering a vibrant and dynamic setting for the Latin American and Caribbean aquaculture community.

With its strategic location, growing aquaculture sector, and commitment to innovation, the country provides an ideal environment for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and industry development.

LACQUA26 will not only showcase the progress and potential of El Salvador, but also highlight what Central America has to offer to the region and the world: a promising, competitive, and expanding market.

Participants will have the unique opportunity to experience a nation that is rapidly evolving, welcoming, and ready to lead new opportunities in aquaculture.

28 - 30

October 2026 San Salvador, El Salvador

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Sustainable Aquaculture, a Blue Future for Latin America and the Caribbean

Plenary Speakers

Dr. Víctor Manuel Vidal Martínez

Sustainable Aquaculture in Latin America and the Caribbean: Challenges and Opportunities

Dr. Víctor Manuel Vidal Martínez is one of Latin America's leading experts in aquatic animal health, epidemiology of aquatic diseases, and parasite ecology. He is a Full Professor at the Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV-IPN), Mérida Unit, Mexico, where he has conducted research since 1995. He earned his Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from the University of Exeter, United Kingdom, following an M.Sc. in Aquaculture from CINVESTAV-IPN. Dr. Vidal Martínez has served as Vice President of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH, formerly OIE) Aquatic Animal Health Standards Commission, contributing to the development of international aquatic animal health standards. He has also served as Director General of the Mexican Institute for Research in Fisheries and Sustainable Aquaculture (IMIPAS) and has been a consultant to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Throughout his distinguished career, he has authored more than 135 peer-reviewed scientific publications, edited seven books, supervised numerous graduate students, and collaborated with research institutions across North America, Europe, and Oceania. His work has significantly advanced sustainable aquaculture, aquatic biosecurity, and disease management worldwide.

David Kawahigashi

Are Vietnam's Circular and Multifunctional Pond Systems the Future of Global Intensive Aquaculture?

David Kawahigashi has over 40 years of technical and management experience in all phases of shrimp aquaculture. He is the founder and Director of Vannamei 101 (2006-present), an aquaculture consulting and training company based out of Hawaii. Following graduation from the University of Hawaii, David worked in Hawaii from 1979-1986 and throughout Central and South America from 1986 until 2003. Since 2004 to the present, has been instrumental in the rapid development of Penaeus vannamei culture in Asia through training and technology transfer of new procedures. Areas of expertise include design and implementation of multi-phase, intensive production systems, genetic programs and hatchery management. Proficient in initiating and operating start-up projects, budget preparation, and technical SOP manuals for all phases of shrimp culture. Current focus is on sustainable shrimp farming using biofloc protocols in super intensive circular tank model and recirculation systems in both Asia and the Americas.

Dr. Luis Alejandro Vinatea Arana

Economic Efficiency of Electric Aeration in Large-Scale Aquaculture Production Systems

Dr. Luis Alejandro Vinatea Arana is a renowned aquaculture scientist specializing in water quality, sustainable aquaculture, shrimp farming, and recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). He is Professor Emeritus at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Brazil, and has over three decades of experience in research, teaching, and industry consulting across Latin America. He has authored seven books, more than 78 peer-reviewed scientific publications, and delivered over 160 international lectures and short courses. Dr. Vinatea has also served as a consultant for leading aquaculture companies and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), contributing significantly to the advancement of sustainable aquaculture practices worldwide.