Dr. Humberto Villarreal, a distinguished leader in aquaculture, has passed away. He held a Ph.D. from the University of Queensland in Australia and earned his degree in Biochemical Engineering with Honors from the Tecnológico de Monterrey (ITESM) in Mexico. He was a Senior Researcher and Professor in the Master's and Doctoral Programs at the Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste (CIBNOR), where he coordinated numerous projects focused on sustainable aquaculture, bioenergetics, nutrition, genetics, genomics, and the bioeconomy of both marine and freshwater shrimp (acociles).
With over 35 years of experience advancing aquaculture, Dr. Villarreal authored more than 100 scientific publications, supervised over 45 theses, and delivered over 200 international presentations. He developed one patent and five certified technological innovations, receiving national and international recognition. He was a Level III member of Mexico's National System of Researchers and was awarded the Medal of Scientific and Technological Merit by the Congress of Baja California Sur in 2014. He also served as Coordinator of CIBNOR’s Aquaculture Program and BioHelis, the center’s Technology Innovation Park. Notably, he led the expert group that developed Mexico’s National Master Plan for Fisheries and Aquaculture Growth in 2008, and he contributed to the commercial development of aquaculture in Mexico and abroad.
A member of the World Aquaculture Society (WAS) since 1989, Dr. Villarreal was elected to its Board of Directors in 2017, where he chaired the Promotions and Membership Committee and contributed to the development of the WAS 2020-2025 Strategic Plan. He was deeply involved in organizing, presenting at, and moderating sessions at various WAS and Latin American Chapter conferences. In 2020, he was appointed Section Editor of the Society’s scientific journal.
Dr. Villarreal left a profound legacy in Latin America. “With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Dr. Humberto Villarreal, former president of the World Aquaculture Society – Latin American and Caribbean Chapter. His leadership, commitment, and remarkable career left an indelible mark on the development of aquaculture in our region. On behalf of the Board, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. His legacy will live on in every effort to promote a more sustainable and inclusive aquaculture,” said the WAS Latin American and Caribbean Chapter.
The Mexican Aquaculture Society (Somexacua) added: “He was a pioneer, visionary, researcher, educator, innovator, and tireless promoter of Mexico’s aquaculture sector. His influence will remain present in the industry.”
Most recently, Dr. Villarreal served on the advisory board of Shrimpl. “His unwavering support, wisdom, and warmth shaped our company, strengthened our mission, and inspired our team. A true pioneer in aquaculture research, Humberto championed education and collaboration. He believed deeply in their power to drive meaningful change, and he brought that belief into every conversation, every meeting, and every step forward with Shrimpl,” the company shared.
Dr. Villarreal will be remembered for his passion, vision, and enduring contributions to global aquaculture.
