Building More Resilient Shrimp Populations: Watch Diana Lagos’ Expo Larva Presentation

What makes a successful breeding programme?

As the world searches for sustainable ways to feed a growing population, the future does not lie only on land, but also in our waters.

For many years, genetic improvement programs in aquaculture have focused heavily on growth. While growth remains an important driver of profitability, today’s producers face a growing range of challenges, from disease outbreaks and environmental stressors to rising demands for sustainable production. As a result, survival and resilience are becoming just as important as growth when defining breeding objectives.

In this 30-minute presentation recorded at ExpoLarva, CAT’s Client Success Associate for Ecuador, Diana Lagos, explores how modern breeding programs can balance these priorities to build stronger, more resilient shrimp populations.

Drawing on a case study from our client MARSEL, Diana discusses how integrating phenotypic data, challenge testing, and genomic technologies can help identify broodstock that not only perform well under ideal conditions but also maintain productivity when faced with challenges.

The presentation highlights how multi-trait selection strategies can deliver simultaneous genetic progress in both growth and survival, helping producers build populations that are better equipped for the future.

The key message is simple: survival in maturation begins long before broodstock enter the facility. Every broodstock selected today shapes the performance of future generations, making breeding decisions one of the most powerful tools for improving long-term production outcomes.

Diana Lagos

As CAT’s on-the-ground representative in Ecuador, Diana works closely with shrimp producers to support their genotyping needs. Drawing on her extensive laboratory and shrimp operations experience, she advises clients on best practices for sample collection and shipping, helping ensure sample integrity and the delivery of reliable, actionable genetic data. She also works closely with CAT’s global laboratory operations team in San Diego to coordinate projects and support client success.

Whether you are currently running a breeding program or exploring new approaches to genetic improvement, this presentation provides valuable insights into how breeding for resilience can create long-term value for shrimp producers.

Watch the full recording, in Spanish.

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