This document reviews the development of the aquaculture industry in the Latin America and the Caribbean region over the past decade. In 2018 aquaculture production in the region amounted to an estimated 3.1 million tonnes of aquatic products (excluding seaweeds) worth USD 17.2 billion at first sale. This food sector is vastly concentrated in a few countries with the combined output from Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Mexico representing over 85 percent of the total regional production. Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, tilapia, whiteleg shrimp and the Chilean mussel collectively contributed 80.4 percent and 85.9 percent of the regional production by volume and value, respectively. Marine aquaculture has been the dominant production environment in the region for the past two decades, accounting for 70.1 percent of the farmed output in 2018. Production models vary widely, with a concentration of large-scale companies in Chile, while primarily small- and/or medium-size operations in Brazil, Peru and several other countries. Introduced species remain top on the list among those farmed such as tilapia and the different salmonids both of which have contributed to local livelihoods and employment. Tilapia farming has contributed significantly to food security in many countries of the region while the largest proportion of farmed salmons have been destined to the export markets. Production prospects remain promising, however the industry requires in general better governance, the adoption at all levels of appropriate technologies and best practices, and renewed efforts to guarantee environmental sustainability and social acceptance as well as competitiveness and foresight to deal with climate and market changes. The small island developing states (SIDS) face additional challenges including limited expertise, high production costs, poor seed supplies, as well as extreme and destructive weather events. The report discusses issues that require wider regional attention for the aquaculture sector to grow. Key recommendations focus on governance-related improvements highlighting the need for solid sectoral development plans, support policies, and effective rules and regulations. The promotion of a stronger cooperation among the countries in the region as well as further afield on technical matters, species diversification and equal support to smalland large-scale farming operation are identified as key elements to foster investment and help the region gain a solid position among world aquatic food producers.

Este documento presenta el informe de la decimosexta Reunión Ordinaria de la Comisión de Pesca en Pequeña Escala, Artesanal y Acuicultura para América Latina y el Caribe (COPPESAALC), celebrada en la Habana, Cuba, del 3 al 6 de septiembre de 2019. La Secretaría de la Comisión facilitó información sobre el estado de situación de la pesca marina, continental y acuicultura en los países miembros de la Comisión y los principales retos para el desarrollo sostenible del sector; así como estrategias para incrementar su contribución a la Agenda 2030. La Comisión debatió sobre los retos y desafíos para el desarrollo sostenible de la pesca en pequeña escala, artesanal y acuicultura en sus países, agradeciendo a la Secretaría de la Comisión los esfuerzos realizados para implementar acciones de seguimiento a las recomendaciones de la sesión anterior. La Comisión coincidió en continuar trabajando en torno a las líneas acordadas en la Reunión Internacional de Alto Nivel sobre la Iniciativa Crecimiento Azul para América Latina y el Caribe, particularmente el fortalecimiento de capacidades a través de mecanismos de cooperación Sur-Sur y Triangular; el impulso a la acuicultura, mejorando las capacidades de los acuicultores en materia de alimentos alternativos de bajo costo. Estas actividades se vieron reflejadas en el Plan de Trabajo formulado para el bienio 2020-2021. La Comisión emitió recomendaciones a la Secretaría, a los gobiernos y a la XXXVI Conferencia Regional de FAO-RLC a celebrarse el primer trimestre de 2020.

The final formal report of the fourth session of the Commission for Inland Fisheries of Latin America, held in Havana, Cuba, from 20-25 January 1986, is presented. Major topics discussed during the session refer to: (1) progress achieved during the intersessional period, (2) fishery resources in lakes and rivers; (3) activities of the Regional Latin American Aquaculture Centre; (4) fishing gears and methods for artisanal fisheries in continental waters; (5) fish utilization and marketing, and (6) follow-up to the FAO World Conference on Fisheries Management and Development. A minisymposium on extensive aquaculture in ponds and small reservoirs was held in conjunction with the fourth session.