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| Latin American and Caribbean Aquaculture Society | |
|---|---|
| Name | Latin American and Caribbean Aquaculture Society |
| Abbreviation | LACAS |
| Formation | 1980s |
| Type | Professional association |
| Headquarters | Panama City |
| Region served | Latin America and the Caribbean |
| Membership | Scientists, farmers, technicians |
| Leader title | President |
Latin American and Caribbean Aquaculture Society is a regional professional association focused on aquaculture development across Latin America and the Caribbean. It brings together researchers, producers, policymakers and civil society actors from countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Cuba to promote sustainable aquaculture practices. The society interfaces with intergovernmental bodies like the Food and Agriculture Organization and regional institutions such as the Inter-American Development Bank to coordinate research, training and policy dialogue.
Founded during a period of expanding aquaculture interest in the late 20th century, the society emerged amid continental initiatives including programs by the Food and Agriculture Organization and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture. Early convenings featured delegates from Colombia, Peru, Venezuela and Costa Rica and echoed priorities from conferences such as the World Aquaculture Society meetings and proposals from the United Nations Environment Programme. Key founding figures drew on networks linked to institutions like the National Autonomous University of Mexico, the University of São Paulo, the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile and the University of Havana. Over time the organization expanded its remit in response to regional challenges highlighted by reports from the World Bank, the Pan American Health Organization and the Caribbean Community.
The society advances objectives that parallel agendas promoted by the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Fish Center, including sustainable production, disease management and socioeconomic development in communities from the Guianas to the Yucatán Peninsula. Activities include capacity building in hatchery techniques disseminated in collaboration with universities such as the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and research institutes like the National Institute of Aquatic Resources (Denmark) through exchange programs. It supports projects on species such as tilapia, shrimp, sea cucumber, barramundi and native species important to indigenous territories like those represented by the Association of Indigenous Peoples of the Isthmus. The society has engaged with standards-setting bodies including the Aquaculture Stewardship Council, the Global Aquaculture Alliance and national ministries such as the Ministry of Agriculture (Argentina) to align practice with trade frameworks of entities like the World Trade Organization.
Membership spans professionals associated with research centers such as the National Autonomous University of Honduras, producers’ associations in Ecuador and extension services in Panama. Governance typically follows statutes influenced by models used by the World Aquaculture Society and continental associations like the Asian Fisheries Society, with elected officers including a president, secretary and treasurer, and committees reflecting thematic priorities such as health, genetics and socioeconomics. The society collaborates with regional organizations including the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute and national agencies such as the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation to implement programs and manage funds from donors like the Inter-American Development Bank and foundations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The society organizes biennial congresses that rotate among host cities including Santo Domingo, Lima, Guayaquil, Montevideo and San José, Costa Rica, attracting delegates who also attend forums like the Aquaculture Europe conference and meetings hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization. Events emphasize technical workshops on biosecurity endorsed by institutions like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, training sessions geared toward small-scale producers akin to programs by the Food and Agriculture Organization and policy roundtables attended by representatives from the Organization of American States and national ministries. Special sessions often feature collaborations with NGOs such as The Nature Conservancy and research projects funded through grants administered by the Inter-American Development Bank.
The society issues proceedings from congresses, technical manuals and policy briefs used by extension networks including those associated with the University of the West Indies and the National Fisheries Institute (Peru). It disseminates findings through newsletters, working papers and collaborations with journals such as Aquaculture, Journal of Fish Diseases and regional periodicals published by institutions like the Universidad de Chile. Digital platforms and listservs facilitate exchange among members and connect to databases maintained by organizations including the Food and Agriculture Organization and the WorldFish Center.
The society has influenced national strategies in countries such as Chile, Ecuador and Brazil and supported development initiatives in Caribbean states coordinated with the Caribbean Community and the Caribbean Development Bank. Collaborative research projects have addressed issues raised in reports by the Inter-American Development Bank and the World Bank, including climate resilience for coastal communities in the Caribbean Sea and mangrove restoration efforts linked to programs by the United Nations Development Programme. Partnerships with universities like the University of São Paulo, the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú and the Universidad de la República (Uruguay) have strengthened graduate training and technology transfer.
The society recognizes contributions to science, innovation and community impact through awards named for prominent regional figures and linked to institutions such as the World Aquaculture Society and national science academies including the Brazilian Academy of Sciences. Recipients have included researchers from the National Autonomous University of Mexico, producers noted by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council and collaborative teams funded by agencies like the Inter-American Development Bank and the Food and Agriculture Organization. These honors aim to elevate best practices for species such as tilapia and whiteleg shrimp and to incentivize adherence to standards promoted by regional and international bodies.
Category:Aquaculture Category:Organizations based in Panama