When: 21 April 2026, 16:00 - 17:30 CET
Where: Online
Language: Spanish with interpretation into English
Animal health and genetics constitute strategic pillars that guarantee the viability of modern aquaculture. While genetic improvement enhances growth traits and innate resistance, advanced sanitary management ensures welfare and minimises losses due to disease. The integration of genomic selection programmes and biosecurity protocols is crucial to maximising productive efficiency, reducing environmental impact and strengthening the resilience of farming systems in the face of global challenges.
With the aim of analysing successful experiences in the field of animal health and genetics, CIHEAM Zaragoza and the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria are organising a webinar on 21 April 2026, from 16:00 to 17:30 CET (Madrid time).
The event is aimed at students and recent graduates interested in deepening their knowledge of current trends in aquaculture and seeking to specialise in this field. The webinar will feature former students of the Master’s Degree in Marine Aquaculture, now PhD students at ULPGC, who will share their experience and insights on the following topics:
- Fish cell spheroids: A new way to study aquaculture without animals, presented by Antonio Gómez Mercader, PhD student in the Sustainable Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems programme at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC). Antonio obtained his degree in Marine Sciences in 2020, after which he moved to ULPGC to pursue a Master’s degree in Marine Aquaculture, completed in 2022. Since then, he has continued his research career as a project researcher and is currently in the second year of his PhD studies. His research focuses on the development of 3D cell culture spheroids, which closely mimic the physiological relevance of in vivo organisms. These models represent a promising animal-free alternative to traditional experimentation, with the aim of reducing animal use and promoting more sustainable and ethical approaches in aquaculture research.
- Innovative strategies to improve the welfare and immune system of marine fish at an early age, presented by Valery Ravelo Ramírez, PhD student in the Sustainable Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems programme at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC). Valery obtained her degree in Biology in 2022 at the Complutense University of Madrid, after which she moved to ULPGC to pursue a Master’s degree in Marine Aquaculture, completed in 2024. Since then, she has continued her research career as a project researcher and is currently in the second year of her PhD studies. Her research focuses on assessing the potential of bioactive compounds and developing innovative applications for them. This is particularly important during the early stages of life, when farmed fish are most susceptible and vulnerable. In this context, the use of innovative strategies involving various additives is a proactive method for improving the immune system and well-being. In this research plan, different strategies will be evaluated, such as growth promoters, immunostimulants, anti-inflammatories and agents with antimicrobial properties, thereby strengthening and improving the overall health of fish at an early age.
- Advancing sustainable shrimp aquaculture production in Ecuador through selective breeding, presented by Marina Martínez Soler, postdoctoral researcher at the ECOAQUA group of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC). Marina obtained her Master’s degree in Marine Aquaculture in 2020 and holds a PhD in aquaculture genetics from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. She is currently involved in the PMG-BIOGEMAR genetic selection programme between ULPGC and the Almar Group in Ecuador as a postdoctoral researcher.
The event will be moderated by Bernardo Basurco, Administrator for Fisheries and Aquaculture at CIHEAM Zaragoza, and Félix Acosta, Professor at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC) and coordinator of the Master’s Degree in Marine Aquaculture, jointly organised by ULPGC and CIHEAM Zaragoza.
While the presentation slides will be prepared in English, the speakers will present in Spanish. The organisation will provide simultaneous interpretation into English.
This webinar represents an excellent opportunity to learn about successful experiences in aquaculture health and genetics, gain insights from sector professionals and discuss the future of sustainable aquaculture.