Event will bring together prominent scientists, professionals and decision makers to address the challenges of sea lice control and sustainability in aquaculture production.
Between November 30th and December 04th, the city of Puerto Varas will be the world epicenter of research in salmon farming with the realization of the expected Sealice Conference 2025, an event that will bring together leading scientists, professionals and decision makers to address the challenges of sea lice control and sustainability in aquaculture production.
This year, the program highlights three master talks that address key themes for the future of the sector: animal welfare, salmon immunology and artificial intelligence applied to marine sustainability.
On December 1st, the keynote lecture "Aquatic Animal Welfare as Gateway to Resilient and Sustainable Aquaculture" will be held by Dr. Paula Medina Henríquez, from MetroCiencia, Chile. Dr. Medina, an expert in marine sciences and animal welfare, will open the lecture series with a reflection on how fish welfare is fundamental for responsible aquaculture. With a solid background in applied research and technology transfer, her presentation will address practices that promote productive resilience and respect for animal life in intensive systems.
On December 2nd, it will be the turn of Professor from the University of Prince Edward Island, Canada, Dr. Mark Fast, who will present "From Genes to Environment: Shaping Our Understanding of Salmon Immunity".
Recognized for his research in immunology and fish pathology, Dr. Fast will explore how genetic and environmental factors influence salmon's immune response to parasites such as sea lice. Its inclusive approach promises to provide new perspectives for the development of more effective and sustainable control strategies.
The third keynote talk “Navigating the Blue Frontier: Harnessing AI for Marine Sustainability and Addressing Ethical Challenges”, will take place on 3 December and will be in charge of Dr. Andrea Rodríguez-Tastets with an innovative look at the use of AI in marine conservation.
Dr. Rodríguez focuses his research on the area of data with spatial-temporal variation. Currently, she is Vice-Rector of Research and Development at the University of Concepción, senior researcher at the Millennium Data Foundations Institute, member of the Advisory Council for Modernization of the State (since 2022) and of the Advisory Council of the Ministry of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation (since 2024). It was part of the committee of Advisory experts for the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2019-2023) and member of the National Science Council (2021-2023).
The Sealice Conference 2025 will feature the presentation of 61 oral papers distributed in 12 thematic sessionsin addition to 25 scientific posters which reflect the dynamism and diversity of current research in parasites control, genetics, pharmacology, animal welfare and emerging technologies.
This version is organized by the Institute of Aquaculture of the Universidad Austral de Chile, headquarters Puerto Montt; the Interdisciplinary Center for Aquaculture Research (INCAR) and the Technological Institute of Salmon (INTESAL) and is sponsored by MSD Animal Health, Cflow, Sudvet corp, AQUA PHARMA Group, STIM and Aquabyte, with Salmonexpert, Media AQUA, InfoSALMON, Mundo Acuícola, Panorama Acuícola and AQUACULTURE Magazine as Media Partners.
For more information about the complete program and registration details, visit the official website of the event.
