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imagen de Dr. Jurij Wacyk

Dr. Jurij Wacyk

Associate Professor, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences
Universidad de Chile

Jurij Wacyk is a leading academic and researcher in fish nutrition and physiology in aquaculture, with a solid scientific background focused on understanding how farmed fish utilize and metabolize nutrients more efficiently, integrating productivity, animal health, and sustainability. He is an Associate Professor at the Universidad de Chile and holds specialized training in fish nutrition, further strengthened by a PhD in fish physiology from the University of Idaho (United States), where he conducted research in nutrigenomics under the supervision of Dr. Ronald Hardy, focusing on amino acid metabolism in trout. His work combines traditional experimental approaches with molecular tools to assess the effects of different protein sources, antinutritional factors, and plant-based extracts—both terrestrial and marine—on productive performance and the function of key organs such as the liver and intestine. Throughout his career, he has conducted applied research across a wide range of aquaculture species, including salmonids (trout and salmon), tilapia, red and golden conger eel, halibut, and yellowtail, contributing relevant scientific evidence for the development of more efficient, functional, and sustainable aquafeeds. He currently serves as Director of the Department of Animal Production, Principal Investigator of the Animal Nutrition Laboratory (LABNA), Director of CRIA—an integrated collaborative research initiative—and researcher at CASA, playing a key role in strengthening the link between science, innovation, and aquaculture production.

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imagen de John Marcus

John Marcus

CEO
OXZO

CEO of Oxzo, a company specializing in oxygenation and aeration technologies for aquaculture. With more than 25 years of experience in engineering and aquaculture, he has led the company’s global expansion since 2011, driving the development of patented technologies created in Chile and currently deployed in markets such as Chile, Norway, and Canada. His work focuses on improving productivity, animal welfare, and operational efficiency through technology-driven solutions for aquaculture production.

imagen de Sergio Campana

Sergio Campana

LATAM Software Business Manager
Rockwell Automation

Executive expert in industrial software and digital transformation, with a focus on productivity, safety, and operational sustainability.

imagen de Manuela Erazo Bobenrieth

Manuela Erazo Bobenrieth

National Coordinator of the GEF Marine Coastal Governance Project in Chile
FAO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean

Social anthropologist and holds a Master’s degree in Environment from the University of Melbourne. She has more than ten years of experience in marine and coastal governance and planning, facilitating participatory processes aimed at the conservation and sustainable use of marine ecosystems. She currently serves as National Coordinator of the GEF Marine Coastal Governance Project in Chile, implemented by FAO together with the Ministry of Environment, the Undersecretariat for Fisheries and Aquaculture, and SERNAPESCA, where she leads initiatives to strengthen coastal governance, marine spatial planning, and the development of a sustainable blue economy.

imagen de Gerardo Balbontín Fox

Gerardo Balbontín Fox

CEO
Blumar

Senior executive with extensive experience in the Chilean aquaculture industry. He has held top leadership positions in major salmon farming companies, focusing on corporate strategy, operational efficiency, sustainability, and governance. His career has been marked by driving organizational transformation, strengthening international market positioning, and navigating complex regulatory and competitive environments.