The ULPGC, the PCULPGC Foundation and the Ecuadorian company BIOGEMAR collaborate on genetically improving white shrimp

The University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC) and the Canary Islands Foundation ULPGC Science and Technology Park, signed an agreement for collaboration with the Ecuadorian company Biogemar to research the genetics of white shrimp.

Thanks to this agreement, the ULPGC will study the "Implementation of a programme of genetic improvement for the production of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)" for a period of five years and a total cost of €1,010,000 for its execution. The results of this project will be sent to the Ecuadorian biotechnology and marine genetics company, Biogemar S.A.

With an average annual production in excess of 3,6 billion post-larvae, Biogemar has emerged as one of the sector's leading businesses in Ecuador. It mainly produces shrimp nauplia and larvae, using responsible production strategies, applying cutting-edge technology and meeting the highest quality standards to improve and preserve the genetic quality of Ecuador's shrimp.

In its commitment to support technological progress in Ecuadorian aquaculture through scientific research, Biogemar, from Santa Elena, routinely collaborates with international science groups.

On this occasion, Biogemar has placed its trust in the ULPGC's Aquaculture Research Group (GIA), attached to the University Institute for the Research of Sustainable Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems (IU-ECOAQUA), to develop this research, which will be headed by Professor Juan Manuel Afonso López.

The manager of the Ecuadorian firm, Walter Intriago Díaz, was in Gran Canaria this week to sign the collaboration agreement with the ULPGC and to visit the facilities of the GIA of the University Institute for the Research of Sustainable Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems.