The University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), through its University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), was a scientific highlight at the third edition of ‘Encuentros al Mar’. The event, held on October 7th at the CICCA Cultural Center in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, brought together administrations, scientists, and the maritime sector to discuss connectivity and marine conservation in the islands.
Under the theme ‘Aulas al Mar: Veterinary Sciences & Port Infrastructures’, the event analyzed the impact of port development on the Canarian marine fauna. Researchers from IUSA and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the ULPGC gave talks on territorial cohesion, marine fauna surveillance, and food safety. Professor Antonio Fernández (IUSA) initiated the debate on veterinary contributions to the archipelago's structure.
The team comprising Manuel Arbelo, Lucía Marrero, María José Caballero, and Ayoze Castro (IUSA-ULPGC), along with Ayose Melián (GESPLAN), officially presented the Marine Fauna Health Surveillance Network in the Canary Islands (VIGÍA). Furthermore, IUSA Director Fernando Real and researcher Daniel Padilla presented the latest updates on the safety of products derived from marine species.
Practical management of wildlife and animal care were also part of the program. Representatives from recovery centers such as Felipe Trujillo (La Tahonilla, Tenerife) and Pascual Calabuig (Tafira, Gran Canaria) detailed their daily efforts. Additionally, Francesco Grande (Grupo Loro Parque) and Ángel Currós (Poema del Mar) shared health and welfare criteria for marine species under human supervision.
This edition marks a milestone by incorporating the scientific perspective of the ULPGC for the first time, distinguishing it from previous editions focused strictly on institutional mobility. ‘Encuentros al Mar’ thus consolidates its role as the leading platform in the Canary Islands for connecting port infrastructure development with biodiversity protection. The closing of the forum, with institutional backing, included the participation of the Vice-Minister of Infrastructure of the Government of the Canary Islands, Francisco González, in a meeting that gathered numerous professionals from university, scientific, and maritime-port sectors.
