Fish farming is the fastest-growing protein-producing industry. According to the FAO, South America is one of the key actors in the growth of this industry . Thus, there is a great opportunity for this region to boost this economic activity. In this context, promoting the interaction between the academia and the industry is a need in order to cross the borders of innovation and provide reliable and sustainable answers to the development of South American aquaucltaure . Under this scencario , LARVAplus is a research and technical network funded by the " Programa Iberoamericano de Ciencia y Tecnología para el Desarrollo" (Programa CYTED) that aims to generate a place for the exchange of knowledge and experience for the benefit of the development of the Ibero-American aquaculture industry. I n particular, the network is focused in the production of fish larvae and fingerlings, improving the scientific and technological competitiveness of the sector, promoting the sustainable and responsible growth of the industry, as well as a transversal transfer of knowledge, skills and abilities between the research centers and the industrial sector.
In this context, LARVAplus involves different actors - universities, public research institutes, professionals and hatchery technicians and managers- in the study of the biology and production of fish larvae and fingerlings . Through a multilat eral and multidisciplinar framework, LARVAplus will bring new data and approaches to be applied on broodstock management, fish larvae production and quality, water management, as well as larval rearing protocols and feeding strategies to 31 different species (12 freshwater and 19 marine) in order to consolidate and promote Ibero -American aquaculture diversification. This effort is mainly focused on native species, whereas salmonids and tilapine species have not been considered in the Network.
In order to achieve the above-mentioned goals, LARVAplus will organize during its four years of duration (2017-2020): i) different meetings among members of the network, with invited renown speakers on fish larval rearing and broodstock management; ii) funding short research and training missions between members of the network; and iii) organizing open training courses to the industry and scientific community.
The consortium is formed by 25 research institutions (Universities and R+D+T institutes) and 12 private companies from the Ibero-American geography (Spain, Portugal, Peru, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador and Brazil).