ECOAQUA
University Institute for Research in Sustainable Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems
Objectives
The University Institute ECOAQUA aims to contribute to the economic development of the Canary Islands through the generation of knowledge and its transfer to society, allowing new business opportunities to be created in the marine realm.
In particular, the University Institute for Research in Sustainable Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems coordinates different lines of research for better planning and integrated management of the marine environment, both from the point of view of its natural resources and to promote sustainable development of activities linked to sustainable aquaculture production, to ecotourism and to artisanal fishing from an ecosystemic approach.
In this sense, the actions of the research centre of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria aim to provide scientific support for decision-making and the implementation of European and national guidelines that favour the sustainability of marine and coastal ecosystems.
That is why, as the research activities linked to ECOAQUA have increased, we have structured ourselves into working groups, specifically: GIA, EOMAR, BIOCON, TOTMA and OFYGA, which have their own page on this portal.
Last news
Events
04/11/2025
Now in its 21st year, Science and Innovation Weeks in the Canary Islands brings science, innovation and the work of the researchers who make it possible closer to society as a whole. During these days, the event will feature a series of participatory activities across the islands that address essential topics such as sustainability, health, renewable energy, the environment, artificial intelligence, the circular economy and scientific culture. In this way, the Weeks connect citizens with the research being carried out in the Canary Islands and promote a shared vision of a more informed and sustainable future.
ECOAQUA workshop dates: 4 and 6 November.
Time: 09:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Venue: ULPGC Marine Science and Technology Park.
Organisation: Canary Islands Agency for Research, Innovation and the Information Society (ACIISI) of the Canary Islands Government.
Participating research group: BIOCON.
Title of the activity: “The journey of marine conservation: science, planning and ocean culture”.
Participating researchers and workshops:
Inma Herrera: “Ocean explorers! Experience an oceanographic campaign up close. Have you ever wondered what it's like to explore the oceans?”.
Candelaria Cecilia Ruano and Yaiza Fernández-Palacios: “Your role in marine conservation. From knowledge to marine planning... and Ocean Culture invites you to participate”.
26/09/2025
Presentation of the data and indicators obtained during the development of the Amplia project in the eastern islands of the archipelago and establishment of multisectoral working groups for analysis and decision-making, with a view to defining a collective proposal for the expansion and/or management of the marine space of the respective biosphere reserves.
Dates and venues: 26 September, 2, 7 and 8 October 2025.
-26 September 2026. From 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Venue: Classroom Module C of Edificio de Humanidades Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), in Pérez del Toro street, 1 (junto a la plaza del Obelisco), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
-2 October 2026. From 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Venue: ‘El Fondeadero’ Civic Centre. Calle Lanzarote 1, Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote.
-7 October 2026. From 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Venue: La Graciosa Inocencia Páez Socio-Cultural Centre, C/ Calima 38, Caleta del Sebo, La Graciosa.
-8 October 2026. From 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Venue: Insular Youth Centre of the Cabildo Insular de Fuerteventura. Calle Dr. Fleming 1, Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura.
Participating researchers: Dr. José Juan Castro Hernández, Dr. Lorena Couce Montero, Dr. David Jiménez Alvarado, Dr. Airam Guerra Marrero, MSc. Ana María Espino Ruano, MSc. Raibel Núñez González and MSc. Julián Cabana Gandiaga
Organisation: ECOAQUA University Institute, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Collaboration: Biosphere Reserves of the islands of Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, Marine Reserves of the Canary Islands.
Funding: Funded by the European Union (NextGenerationEU), Ministry of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, and Regional Ministry of Ecological Transition and Energy of the Government of the Canary Islands.
Participating research group: Biodiversity and Conservation Group (BIOCON) (fisheries section).
INSCRIPTION / CONFIRMATION OF ATTENDANCE
07/07/2025
International symposium based on the five fields of cryptogamy (bryology, pteridology, phycology, lichenology and mycology). The theme of this 24th edition is ‘Cryptogamic diversity: preserving the past, innovating the future’.
Date: From 7 to 10 July 2025.
Venue: Pontevedra (Galicia).
Participating researchers: Emilio Soler-Onís, Ico Martínez, Alejandro González González
Organizers: Sociedad Española de Ficología, Sociedad Española de Liquenología, Sociedad Ibérica de Micología, Grupo Micolóxico Galego, Universidade da Coruña, Universidade de Vigo, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, BMKGene, Conello de Pontevedra, Allgenetics, Sociedad Española de Briología
Collaboration:
-Emilio Soler-Onís: Participation in the Scientific Committee. Oral communication entitled ‘Flora diatomológica de los tubos volcánicos de la isla de El Hierro, Islas Canarias’, and poster presentation ‘Ecological interactions and bloom triggers of benthic dinoflagellates Ostreopsis and Gambierdiscus in El Hierro, Canary Islands’.
-Alejandro González González González: Poster presentation, with the work entitled ‘Revision of the genus Audouinella Bory (Rhodophyta) in the Canary Islands’.
-Ico Martínez: Poster presentation, with the paper entitled "Producing or consuming? The potential annual respiratory variability of the epibiont community in the coastal waters of El Hierro (Canary Islands)".
Participating research group: EOMAR
Job
The University Institute ECOAQUA is a research centre that belongs to the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, a public institution that offers a wide range of degrees in all the major areas of knowledge, with the aim of providing comprehensive training to those who come to it, in a commitment based on innovation, quality and internationalisation.
Members
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Juan Manuel Afonso
PhD in Biological Sciences from the ULL in 1988. He is at present the head of the Aquaculture Research Group of the ECOAQUA University Institute. He has more than thirty scientific publications to his credit.
Academic position: Professor of the ULPGC specialising in Animal Production.
Corporate email:
juanmanuel.afonso@ulpgc.es
accedaCRIS profile
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María Soledad Izquierdo López
Professor specialising in Zoology, whose work focuses on the nutrition of aquaculture species of commercial interest.
She is an Honorary Life Member of the World Aquaculture Society, the first Spanish woman to receive this award and the second woman to be recognised in its 50 years of history.
Academic position: Vice-Chancellor for Research and Transfer of the ULPGC.
Corporate email:
marisol.izquierdo@ulpgc.es
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Daniel Montero Vítores
He is responsible for the GIAculture service, scientific coordinator of aquaculture facilities and coordinator of the doctorate program ACUISEMAR. His research focuses on nutrition and stress resistance in captive bred marine fish.
Academic position: Professor of Zoology-Aquaculture of the ULPGC
Corporate email:
daniel.montero@ulpgc.es
accedaCRIS profile
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Félix Acosta Arbelo
PhD in veterinary, he is the coordinator of the Master's Degree in Animal Health and Aquaculture of the ULPGC. His numerous scientific publications related to Pathology in aquaculture, studies of the immune system in fish species of commercial interest and studies in marine biotoxins.
Academic position: Professor of Animal Health at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the ULPGC.
Corporate email:
felix.acosta@ulpgc.es
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Lidia E. Robaina Robaina
PhD in Marine sciences, has focused her research in the area of aquaculture knowledge and sustainable development. Her 80 R+D+i projects and her 100 scientific publications have made it possible for her to be recognised, since 2018, as one of the four most prestigious and internationally relevant researchers of the ULPGC.
Academic position: Professor specialising in Zoology of the ULPGC
Corporate email:
lidia.robaina@ulpgc.es
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María Jesús Zamorano
Veterinarian PhD, with experience in genetics, genomics and animal selection. She has published more than more than 45 articles scientific related to animal breeding and molecular tools useful in aquaculture production.
Academic position: Professor contracted by the ULPGC.
Corporate email:
mariajesus.zamorano@ulpgc.es
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Rafael Ginés Ruiz
Expert on the quality of aquaculture products, is the Service Manager of the University Institute ECOAQUA. He has more than 40 scientific publications related to sensory evaluation, nutritional value, food safety, freshness evolution along shelf life and consumer preferences.
Academic position: Professor at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Corporate email:
rafael.gines@ulpgc.es
accedaCRIS profile
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Pedro Luis Castro Alonso
PhD in Veterinary and expert in Cell Biology. His research revolves around the nutrition and cellular effects of various species reared in aquaculture.
Academic position: Professor at the ULPGC.
Corporate email:
pedro.castro@ulpgc.es
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Gercende Courtois de Viçose
PhD in Biology, with more than 20 year’s experience in aquaculture, marine biology and ecology. She has specialised on molluscs, invertebrates and algae production, as well as sustainable aquaculture techniques and Integrated Multitrophic aquaculture.
Academic position: Researcher contracted by University Institute ECOAQUA.
Corporate email:
gcourtois@fpct.ulpgc.es
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María del Pino Viera Toledo
PhD in Marine Sciences, with more than 25 year´s experience in aquaculture both in private sector and research activities. Specialised in the production of fish, molluscs, especially abalone, seaweed, as well as in sustainable aquaculture techniques and integrated multitrophic aquaculture.
Academic position: Researcher contracted by University Institute ECOAQUA.
Corporate email:
maria.viera@fpct.ulpgc.es
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Francisco Javier Roo Filgueira
He is senior scientist at Agencia Canaria de Investigación, Innovacion y Sociedad de la Información from the Canary Government, where he is responsible for its R&D&I projects.
This PhD is the coordinator of the Medregalgae project, and has experience managing and development R&D projects on Blue Growth and Circular Economy, in the field of marine aquaculture.
Academic position: Researcher associated.
Corporate email:
javier.roo@ulpgc.es
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Silvia Torrecillas Burriel
PhD in aquaculture by the ULPGC, specialist in Nutrition and Health of aquaculture species with more than 50 publications in this field. She has 15 years of experience in the area of functional additives, alternative raw materials and mucosal tissue health, coordinating transfer and research agreements with the private sector.
Academic position: Researcher contracted by University Institute ECOAQUA.
Corporate email:
silvia.torrecillas@ext.ulpgc.es
Google Scholar profile
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David Domínguez Montesdeoca
ULPGC Post-doc whose research focuses on the supplementation of micronutrients (especially minerals and vitamins) in feed for the main marine species produced in Europe.
Academic position: GIA Research Associate, currently working at the Institute of Marine Research (IMR) in Bergen, Norway.
Corporate email:
david.dominguez@ulpgc.es
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Jimena Bravo García
Degree in Marine Sciences, PhD from the ULPGC. She has publications in the field of microbiology, immunology, and ecology. Ongoing research on dietary supplementation and immunostimulation in aquaculture and marine toxins.
Academic position: Researcher contracted by University Institute ECOAQUA.
Corporate email:
jimena.bravo@ulpgc.es
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Hyun Suk SHIN
PhD from the Korea Maritime and Ocean University specialising in quantitative genetics in aquaculture. Her research focuses on the molecular biology of fish and endocrinological mechanisms influenced by various environmental factors. She is technical head of the ECUANARIA international project.
Academic position: Researcher contracted by University Institute ECOAQUA.
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Samira Sarih
PhD from the ULPGC specialising in the reproduction and nutrition of aquaculture fish, with around thirty scientific publications.
Academic position: Researcher contracted by University Institute ECOAQUA.
Corporate email:
samira.sarih@ulpgc.es
accedaCRIS profile
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Álvaro Lorenzo Felipe
PhD from the ULPGC and degree in Biotechnology from the Pablo de Olavide University and specialised in aquaculture and bioinformatics after finishing the Master's Degree in Marine Cultures at the ULPGC. He currently works in the area of genetics and molecular biology at the GIA Group. The line of research on which his thesis focuses is the study of the genetic architecture of skeletal deformities in sea bream (Sparus aurata).
Academic position: Researcher of the ULPGC.
Corporate email:
alvaro.lorenzo103@alu.ulpgc.es
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Raquel Quirós Pozo
Degree in Veterinary, with a Master's degree in Clinical Veterinary Medicine and Therapeutic Research and a Master's degree in Marine Cultures from the ULPGC. Her research focuses on the optimization of the cultivation of emerging species, mainly mugilids, with special emphasis on the improvement of acclimation, management, nutrition and reproduction protocols.
Academic position: PhD student of the ULPGC.
Corporate email:
raquel.quiros101@alu.ulpgc.es
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Sara Ramírez Bolaños
Researcher associated with the Islandap Advanced project, which works on the revaluation of alternative raw materials for aquaculture from the circular economy of the islands.
Academic position: PhD student of the ULPGC.
Corporate email:
sara.ramirez@ulpgc.es
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Cathaysa Pérez-García
Training researcher specialising in genetic improvement. She studies the use of microsatellite markers in Senegalese sole (Solea Senegalensis) and white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei).
Academic position: : PhD student of the ULPGC.
Corporate email:
cathaysa.perez108@alu.ulpgc.es
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Marina Martínez Soler
She is part of the research staff in training under contract at the University Institute ECOAQUA. Her line of research revolves around marine genetics and broodstock selection.
Academic position: PhD student of the ULPGC.
Corporate email:
marina.martinez@ulpgc.es
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Luis Monzón Atienza
Degree in Veterinary from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, continues doing his first year of doctoral thesis at the University Institute ECOAQUA in the doctoral program Acuicultura sostenible y ecosistemas marinos specialising on probiotics in aquaculture.
Academic position: PhD student of the ULPGC.
Corporate email:
luis.monzon@ulpgc.es
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Paula Sarmiento Mendoza
Degree in Marine Sciences, has a master in Aquaculture from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Her research focuses on sustainable nutrition and final product quality in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata).
Academic position: PhD student of the ULPGC.
Corporate email:
paula.sarmiento102@alu.ulpgc.es
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Antonio Gómez Mercader
Degree in Marine Sciences, has a master in Aquaculture from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. His professional career started at ECOAQUA in 2021 as a project technician and researcher. He currently has a pre-doctoral contract with the ULPGC in the PhD programme 'Sustainable Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems'.
Academic position: PhD student of the ULPGC.
Corporate email:
antonio.gomez@ulpgc.es
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Christian Monzón RIvero
Graduated in Marine Sciences specialized in aquaculture through the Master’s Degree in Marine Cultures at the ULPGC, continues the doctoral program led by University Institute ECOAQUA in Sustainable Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems in 2022, specializing in the consolidation of Seriola (S. dumerili) farming in Spain through innovation in larval rearing and nutrition processes.
His employment relationship with University Institute ECOAQUA begins in 2022 associated with the PLANASER 2.0 project. Now he develops his work at the pilot plant for the production of fry (Mesoscosmos).
Academic position: Predoctoral researcher / Project technician
Corporate email:
christian.monzon101@alu.ulpgc.es
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Isabel Florido Martel
Degree in Industrial Organisation Engineering from the ULPGC, she also has a master's degree in Environmental Engineering from the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Her employment relationship with University Institute ECOAQUA begins in 2021 associated with the Rebeca project. Now she is working at the Process Pilot Plant (FPCT).
Academic position: Researcher contracted as technical staff.
Corporate email:
isabel.martel@ulpgc.es
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Luis Molina Roque
Graduated in Marine Sciences, with a master's degree in Aquaculture and Fisheries, both from the University of Cadiz. In this city he worked as a technician in the PLANASER 2.0 project. He currently has a pre-doctoral contract at the ULPGC, linked to the project 'Marine and terrestrial by-products of food origin and high added value bioproducts as growth and health stimulants in sea bream larvae (LARVOOST)'.
Academic position: Pre-doctoral researcher/project technician.
Corporate email:
luis.molina@ulpgc.es
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Nuria Esther Marrero Sánchez
Degree in Marine Sciences from the ULPGC, she also has a Master's degree in Aquaculture from the same university. Her employment relationship with University Institute ECOAQUA begins in 2021. Now she is working at the Haliotis and Mesocosmos facilities.
Academic position: Project technician.
Corporate email:
nuria.marrero@fpct.ulpgc.es
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Ignacio Martín Galán
Degree in Marine Sciences from the ULPGC, with a Master's degree in Aquaculture from the ULPGC and the International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies. His professional career with ECOAQUA begins in 2023, linked to the 'Final Product Quality' line of research.
Academic position: Project research technician.
Corporate email:
ignacio.martin@fpct.ulpgc.es
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Carmen Quintana
Higher technician in analysis and quality control from the IES Politécnico Las Palmas, her employment relationship with University Institute ECOAQUA begins in 2001. Now she is working in the Biochemistry and Chromatography laboratory of the Aquaculture Research Group of the University Institute ECOAQUA.
Academic position: Coordinator of Biochemistry and Cromatography Laboratory.
Corporate email:
cquintana@proyinves.ulpgc.es
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Rubén Rodríguez Padrón
Higher technician in aquaculture from the IES Profesor Antonio Cabrera Pérez and Vocational education and training technician in aquaculture from the IES Casas Nuevas. His employment relationship with University Institute ECOAQUA begins in 2002. Now he is working at the pilot plant for the production of fry (Mesoscosmos).
Academic position: Technician responsible for the pilot plant for the production of fingerlings.
Corporate email:
ruben.rodriguez@ulpgc.es
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Andrea Minguella Alfaro
Higher technician in anatomical pathology and cytology from the IES Sant Cugat del Vallès (el pinar de nuestra señora school),Her employment relationship with University Institute ECOAQUA begins in 2012. Now she is working at SABE, Taliarte.
Academic position: Histology technician.
Corporate email:
andrea.minguella@ulpgc.es
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Rayco David Cruz Pérez
Higher technician in aquaculture from the IES Profesor Antonio Cabrera Perez, his employment relationship with University Institute ECOAQUA begins in 2013. Now he is working at the Selection Station and MBS (Marine Biosecurity Station).
Academic position: Responsible of the Marine Biosecurity Station and MBS (Marine Biosecurity Station).
Corporate email:
d2jsporg@hotmail.es
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Nabil Oubramy Reyes
Higher technician in aquaculture from the the IES Profesor Antonio Cabrera Pérez, his employment relationship with University Institute ECOAQUA begins in 2013. Now he is working in the Selection, Breeding and Bioassay facilities, as well as in the culture building of the Aquaculture Research Group.
Academic position: Project technician, responsible for the Cultivation facilities.
Corporate email:
nabiloub@hotmail.com
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Nauzet Francisco Munguía Cabrera
Higher technician in Aquaculture Cultures by the IES Profesor Antonio Cabrera Pérez. His working relationship with the ECOAQUA University Institute began in 2023. He is currently working in the pilot fry production plant (mesocomos) and broodstock area.
Academic position: Technician of the pilot plant for the production of fry and broodstock.
Corporate email:
nauzet.munguia@fpct.ulpgc.es
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Antonio Luis Viera Toledo
Vocational education and training technician in aquaculture from the IES Casa Nuevas. Professional diver. Has 20 years of professional experience in aquaculture companies ,primarily in open sea facilities. His employment relationship with University Institute ECOAQUA begins began in 2020. Now he is working in the Haliotis and Mesocosmos facilities.
Academic position: Project technician.
Corporate email:
antonio.viera@fpct.ulpgc.es
