1. Healthcare

WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY Election 2015
Membership ID#
This is the ballot for election of Officers and Directors positions in the World Aquaculture Society.
Informative responses and photographs of candidates approved by the Board of Directors are
presented below. The Board has approved fully electronic voting for all members with working e-mail
addresses. A PDF version of the ballot will be on the web site and can be downloaded, filled out and
mailed (see instructions below). Members without e-mail addresses will be mailed a paper ballot
Please read the following instructions carefully:
One (1) vote for Officer positions:
-President-Elect is elected for a one-year term.
-Treasurer is elected for a two-year term.
Two (2) votes for Director.
-Two Directors will be chosen to serve a three-year term.
Ballots must be received in the Home Office by March 20, 2015 either by mail, fax or email.
Ballots received after this date will NOT be counted.
To prevent multiple voting, only ballots with correct identification numbers will be counted.
Please enter your WAS ID number into the box at the top of this ballot. Your ID number is
on the outside envelope label. When ballots are received at the Home Office the identification
number will be checked against a list of numbers (no member names) in order to ensure an
anonymous vote and to eliminate repeat voting. Any other identification of the sender (by fax or
email) will be removed from the ballot message.
The ballot may be returned by:

Airmail to WAS Elections Committee 2013-2014, WAS Home Office, 143 J.M.
Parker Coliseum, LSU, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 (USA),

Fax to +1-225-578-3493, or

Email to [email protected] or online voting at www.was.org/ballot
PRESIDENT-ELECT (Select One)
Juan Pablo Lazo
Marco Saroglia
Juan Pablo Lazo
What is your vision for WAS? I see WAS as becoming the leading, high-profile and
most important aquaculture society in the world, committed to promoting the
development of sustainable aquaculture across the 5 continents by assisting in the
exchange of the latest scientific and technological information between the academic,
private, government and non-profit sectors. WAS must also further develop its capacity
for identifying the challenges faced by the aquaculture industry, and providing solutions
in a timely, efficient and scientifically sound manner. I also envision WAS as a leading
promoter of best-practice guidelines for the aquaculture industry, a key component of
sustainable development.
How would you contribute to furthering the objectives of WAS? I believe that through adequate leadership
and collaboration the society can significantly contribute to the sustainable development and integration of the
aquaculture industry across the world. The quality of services provided to our members must be improved to
focus more specifically on their particular needs closely coupled with our quickly changing trends and to increase
global representation within the society of underrepresented groups particularly from Africa, Latin America and
some Asian regions. I would also like to make WAS more visible and recognized in the global aquaculture
community and to increase our member involvement with our affiliates and vice-versa. Social media play a crucial
role in the exchange of information and WAS must embrace technological venues as a means of communication
and will be given a high priority if elected. I would like to enhance student involvement in WAS activities by
developing opportunities for participation in leadership positions and conference organization, as well as
strengthening the Student Activity Committee within each chapter and exploring the creation of a global network
of student members. There is an urgent need to improve the quality of JWAS. New strategies need to be put in
place to attract the submission of higher quality papers. I would establish a special Task Force to conduct a
thorough analysis of the journal’s strengths and weaknesses, clearly identify its target audience, review its
current production process and propose specific strategies to the board to increase its scientific quality,
relevance and profile.
What experience do you have that will help you in the office for which you have offered to stand? I have
been a member of the society since the early 90’s and have been involved in organizing several international
symposiums on Aquaculture Nutrition as well as other WAS sponsored meetings. I served as the President of
the Latin American and Caribbean Chapter of WAS from 2009 to 2011, and my role focused on encouraging
greater integration between research, educational institutions and businesses and promoting aquaculture
development within the chapter. I then served on the board from 2011 to 2014 as a Director. As Chair of the
Affiliations Committee, I focused on promoting and enhancing alliances with aquaculture organizations through
the world. I have therefore gained extensive experience within WAS and would like the opportunity to further
contribute to its goals.
Marco Saroglia
What is your vision for WAS? WAS is an association of stakeholders in
aquaculture issues, scientists, farmers and technology producers, having among
its duties any action as contacts facilitation, communication and divulgation that
may allow the growth of the world fish production.
How would you contribute to furthering the objectives of WAS? Supporting
the WAS Commissions, Journal of the World Aquaculture Society, World
Aquaculture Magazine, congressual and trade show activities; promoting actions in
conjunction with affiliate societies; facilitating any actions to increase the number
of affiliates in all the continents including areas where aquaculture is not strongly developed yet; promoting the
culture and public perception of aquaculture fish production in the World; promoting a financiary sustainable
conduction of the Society; promoting the ethics of quality, environmental and resources susatinability and animal
welfare in fish farming; promoting among stakeholders and asssociates the awarness of the aquaculture role in
feeding humanity at 7 billion level and even more at 9 billions level.
What experience do you have that will help you in the office for which you have offered to stand? About
40 years of research activity in aquaculture and contact with the productive farms in R&D projects, with more
than 300 publications, congress communications, books and books editing. 30 years teaching Aquaculture in
Universities in undergraduated, postgraduated and PhD courses. Experiences in organizing scientific
conferences within EAS and WAS, as local, European and World size (Verona Aquaculture conference and trade
show; EAS conferences; WAS congresses as Florence 2006, Prague 2012); 8 years services within the
EAS Board of Directors; 3 years service as WAS Director; activity within WAS's Commissions.
TREASURER (Select One)
Reg Blaylock
Wendy Sealey
Reg Blaylock
What is your vision for WAS? I understand the significant and growing role
aquaculture will play in the future and believe WAS should embrace its responsibility in
promoting progressive and sustainable aquaculture because it gives us the opportunity
to proactively guide the process. Long-time members understand that WAS provides
excellent opportunities within the aquaculture community for exchange of information
through national and regional meetings and publications, but WAS has not fully engaged
the crop of potential partners at the various levels of commerce, academia, government,
and the public. WAS should pursue better integration of these constituent groups to
maximize the information exchange that will spur the advances in aquaculture science,
technology, and education required for innovatively managing the development of
progressive and sustainable aquaculture. Even in a challenging budgetary environment,
targeted investments into the system of travel grants and awards would encourage
broader participation in the Society and its meetings, particularly at the entry level. To
maximize the value of the investment, WAS should recruit sponsors for these awards
from outside organizations and businesses to share the cost because both WAS and the organizations will benefit from
partnerships that advance common goals. Although these arrangements typically are thought of as student-oriented, these
should be developed across all constituent groups to diversify and grow the society. WAS should further seek to increase
the interchange among constituent groups by working to establish a system of formal continuing education that would entice
more professionals to attend and contribute to the meetings and promote WAS as a recognized venue for professional
development. Although some initial investment may be required, such courses would ultimately be self-supporting. However,
it is important to create a graduated cost system to encourage participation, particularly at the entry level. WAS also should
explore the possibilities of joint meetings with related professional societies to facilitate greater commingling among
professionals.
How would you contribute to furthering the objectives of WAS? I would work to secure WAS’s current success and
value to its members while engaging partners to seek innovative ways to leverage WAS’s current success into a thriving
future as he has done in USAS.
What experience do you have that will help you in the office for which you have offered to stand? I am the Assistant
Director of the Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center at the University of Southern Mississippi. I have been a member
of WAS since 1999. In addition to presenting papers and organizing and moderating sessions, he has served as Chair of
the Steering Committee for Aquaculture America 2011, Director on the USAS (a chapter of WAS) Board, and member of
the USAS Promotion and Membership Committee. Since 2011, I have served as Secretary-Treasurer and Chair of the
Finance Committee for USAS. During my tenure as USAS Secretary-Treasurer, USAS instituted a financial plan aimed at
providing for secure short-term operation of the Society while investing a portion of the Society’s assets in a longer-term
strategy designed to build capital to secure future priorities. USAS has maintained a sound financial footing while
significantly increasing its support of students and awards. The administration has been successful at negotiating financial
commitments from businesses for joint sponsorship of several major awards that benefit USAS members.
Wendy Sealey
What is your vision for WAS? My vision is for the WAS to become the
preeminent aquaculture network that is inclusive of the diversity that defines
aquaculture stakeholders throughout the World.
How would you contribute to furthering the objectives of WAS? To
accomplish this vision, the World Aquaculture Society must be bold and nimble
enough to enter into nontraditional partnerships to implement the Society’s
foundational concepts of leadership, education and development in underrepresented aquaculture areas. To further this objective, I would work
cooperatively with current Board members and industry leaders to identify
existing aquaculture community actions and initiatives in under-represented areas and develop student and
professional development opportunities for existing members. Through in-partnering with these initiatives, I
believe we can leverage limited funding to improve the visibility, recognition and outreach of WAS in the global
community without reducing existing member services and compromising membership value.
What experience do you have that will help you in the office for which you have offered to stand?
Dr. Wendy Sealey is a fish physiologist at the Bozeman Fish Technology Center in Bozeman, Montana, USA.
In this role, Wendy is responsible for the oversight and project coordination of a collaborative research program
leveraging funds and engaging various federal and state governments, as well as domestic and international
academic and aquaculture industry partners on projects to address high-priority aquaculture research needs.
Wendy obtained her B.S in Animal Science from Auburn University, her M.S. in Pathobiology from the Auburn
University College of Veterinary Medicine and her Ph.D. in Nutrition from Texas A&M University. Prior to working
at the Fish Technology Center, Wendy worked as an Extension Associate for the North Central Regional
Aquaculture Center, as a Biomedical Research Fellow at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and
a Research Professor at the University of Idaho at the Hagerman Fish Culture Experiment Station.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS (Select Two of Four)
Kathleen Hartman
Darryl Jory
Jose Polanco
Patricia Valenti
Kathleen Hartman
What is your vision for WAS? My vision for WAS is to strengthen the
Society’s commitment to excellence in aquaculture through science,
technology, education and information exchange by expanding
opportunities to enhance the value and relevancy of WAS to global
aquaculture communities, related aquaculture industries as well as to
Society membership. I strongly believe that by investing in the WAS
membership, through educational programs, workshops, student support
and publications, the Society grows even stronger in the promotion of
advancing sustainable aquaculture worldwide. I want WAS members to say
more than that they just joined WAS to receive the conference registration
discount. I want WAS members to get the discount, but also to feel
connected and dedicated to the WAS mission and vision and realize the significance of this Society to world
aquaculture.
How would you contribute to furthering the objectives of WAS? I am committed to helping WAS and its
chapter societies achieve their goals, set new goals and develop strategic plans for advancing the mission of the
Society and meeting the needs of the membership. I feel strongly about developing and promoting educational
opportunities, relevancy for industry and support for students. I have really learned from and enjoyed my
experience as USAS President and hope to take the next step and actively contribute to the larger Society.
What experience do you have that will help you in the office for which you have offered to stand? I am a
current member of the World Aquaculture Society (WAS) and have been a member of WAS for nearly 20 years;
first, as a student member and now as President of the U.S. Aquaculture Society (USAS). I have also served
on several other volunteer committees and boards and know how challenging it can be to make time and energy
for these efforts. But I really enjoy it! I also write a column for Aquaculture Magazine called “Health Highlights”.
The promotion and security of aquaculture is both a professional and personal interest of mine. Being President
of the U.S. Chapter has been a wonderful experience and I am eager to continue my active involvement with
WAS. I am the Aquaculture Program Leader for USDA APHIS Veterinary Services stationed in Ruskin, FL at
the University of Florida, Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory. I received my Masters from the University of Maryland
(studying fish nutrition) and both my DVM and Ph.D. (studying oxytetracycline metabolism in fish) from Virginia
Tech. I have a courtesy Assistant Professor appointment at the University of Florida, in the Program of Fisheries
and Aquatic Sciences. I have served two consecutive terms on both the AVMA’s Food Safety Advisory
Committee and Aquatic Veterinary Medicine Committee. I currently serve on the Professional Standards
Committee of the American Fisheries Society-Fish Health Section and have been a certified AFS FHS Aquatic
Animal Health Inspector since 2008.
Darryl Jory
What is your vision for WAS? I would like to support the World Aquaculture
Society’s vision for sustainable and responsible development of global
aquaculture by focusing on information dissemination and serving a significant
role in bringing together academia, students and the business and commercial
side of aquaculture. In particular, I would like to be involved in developing
strategic alliances with aquaculture and ancillary industries worldwide, including
producers’ organizations and others, and assist in expanding and increasing
the recognition and visibility of WAS and its growing role in responsible global
development of sustainable aquaculture business models.
How would you contribute to furthering the objectives of WAS? I would like to serve on event organizing
and program committees and sessions to leverage my relevant experience and extensive global professional
network. I have been directly involved in the organization and management of several major scientific and trade
events, congresses, meetings and workshops worldwide, including the U.S., Panama, Venezuela, Colombia,
Peru, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Nicaragua, Honduras, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, China, France,
Spain and others. I have presented many papers, including keynote and invited. I would also like to bring my
experience as editor to strongly support the WAS Publications Committee, to assist in growing and further
improving the Journal of the World Aquaculture Society and the World Aquaculture magazine, and to assist in
editing book manuscripts.
 As Editor and Development Manager of the Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA, an international, non-profit
trade association promoting environmentally and socially responsible aquaculture). I have been the editor
of its official publication, the Global Aquaculture Advocate magazine, since 1999, am involved in organizing
the annual GOAL meetings and have also developed a significant network of producers’ associations and
stakeholders worldwide.
 As an Assistant Editor for WAS (1995-2005) and a shrimp columnist and tilapia co-columnist for Aquaculture
Magazine (1994-2006).
 As a manuscript reviewer for several industry and refereed journals for many years.
What experience do you have that will help you in the office for which you have offered to stand? I am
an aquatic biologist and businessman with over 30 years of experience in aquaculture business development,
production management and support, R&D and academics. As an experienced aquaculture researcher,
commercial aquaculture facility developer and manager, I have been an owner and director of various
aquaculture and aquafeed companies in various countries since 1990, and have developed broad industry
experience and perspectives regarding global aquaculture development in many countries in four continents, as
well as an extensive global industry network. My education includes B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Marine
Biology and Aquatic Resources from the University of Miami (Coral Gables, FL USA), and an Executive M.B.A.
degree in International Business & Operations Management from Nova Southeastern University (Fort
Lauderdale, FL USA). I was also a Fulbright Scholar Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Oriente, Margarita
Island, Venezuela.
Other relevant experience includes:
Senior Scientist, Pentair Aquatic Ecosystems, Apopka FL USA.
Adjunct Professor of Aquaculture. University of Miami, FL USA. 1988-present.
Participation in >175 aquaculture meetings & workshops in several countries since 1982.
Over 100 papers, articles, books, book chapters and monographs published
Memberships: American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists (ARPAS); Sigma Xi, Scientific
Research Society; World Aquaculture Society (including U.S., Latin and Asian Chapters).
Jose Polanco
What is your vision for WAS? From my personal experience, WAS has been an
organization where I have had the privilege of making good friends which also
enriched my knowledge and experience on worldwide aquaculture allowing better
understand many different issues from a multidisciplinary perspective. This is of
immense value for a researcher and practitioner, even more when they have come
along with very special moments of pleasure and joy.
WAS is the perfect organization for networking and create ways of cooperation
across the various stakeholders involved in aquaculture all around the world. No
other association provides the coverage in the various regions and disciplines
involved in aquaculture. Dissemination of knowledge, networking and practical
feedback are, from my point of view the most important benefits WAS offers to the
development of aquaculture. And all of these are being well covered with the
publications and conferences. There is always chance for improvement, and I would like to contribute on it.
How would you contribute to furthering the objectives of WAS? In the last four years I have been involved
as program chair in three different WAS conferences (APA 2011, AQUA 2012 & WA 2014). I am well trained in
the many organizational tasks required for the success of a conference including promotion and recruitment. I
may also contribute in strengthen and activities with other organizations involved in the fields of fisheries and
aquaculture resulting in synergies for all partners, promoting affiliation and participation in WAS activities and
efforts for improving public knowledge and perceptions of aquaculture.
What experience do you have that will help you in the office for which you have offered to stand? Besides
the experience in the WAS conference referred above, I am almost 20 years of research and lecture experience
in the field of aquaculture economics, marketing and social issues with a wide experience in the field all over the
world. In the last five years I am participating as individual expert in several official working groups and projects
related to aquaculture economics, policy and governance of the European Commission and FAO, along with
other commitments with private and governmental institutions. I have coordinated international research and
operational projects, which provided me with skills also in administrative duties.
Patricia Valenti
What is your vision for WAS? WAS is an International Society with the aim of
including researchers, technicians, Governmental Agencies, Governmental and
Non-Governmental Organizations, and all professionals who work in the area of
aquaculture. WAS should play an important role in spreading science-based and
business information and technology on aquaculture around the world to contribute
to the global expansion of aquaculture.
How would you contribute to furthering the objectives of WAS? I have been
involved in aquaculture for 16 years and have worked in teaching, research,
extension and the development of national and international private and public
institutional policies. Thus I believe I have a significant ability to promote WAS and
to continue to contribute to WAS meetings, publications, etc. I am very keen to be
involved actively in the work of the WAS Board and to contribute to several committees (e.g. Affiliations, Student
Affairs). In my vision, WAS should include all stakeholders of the aquaculture production chain. I would like to
recruit professionals from different professional areas to be WAS members; I think that they can involve
themselves in the subject of aquaculture and contribute to our industry with their varied experience. Through my
experience of WAS, especially my involvement in the LACC, I feel that I know very well how the WAS Board
works; therefore I think I could adapt very quickly to being a member of the Board if the membership has sufficient
confidence in me to elect me.
What experience do you have that will help you in the office for which you have offered to stand? I have
worked in the Crustacean Section, Aquaculture Center - CAUNESP at Sao Paulo State University, Brazil for 15
years as a PhD. Student, Post-Doctorate and Professor, developing research and extension services in
aquaculture. I graduated as a biologist in 1998 and as a fisheries specialist in 1999. I gained my MSc and PhD
in Aquaculture in 2002 and 2005, respectively. I have worked for two years in the Brazilian Amazonia, transferring
aquaculture technology to the rural population. In 1999, I joined CAUNESP to initiate a large project on the
development of the technology for farming the Amazon River prawn Macrobrachium amazonicum. I served the
GTCAD – [Working Group on Freshwater Prawn Farming (Brazil)] as Secretary (2000-2004) and as Coordinator
(2004-2006); during this time, I organized workshops and headed a survey of the freshwater prawn production
in Brazil. Since 2011, I served the WAS Latin American & Caribbean Chapter [LACC] as Secretary for two years
and as a Director for the past year. I am also an Executive Committee Member of the NGO Aquaculture without
Frontiers [AwF]. I was previously a Professor in the Coastal Campus of Sao Paulo State University, Brazil for
two years and currently I am a Professor in the University of Santo Amaro [UNISA] and at the Aquaculture Center
of UNESP-CAUNESP, where I work in research and teach in the undergraduate and graduate programs in
aquaculture (Bachelor, Master and PhD). I have organized and chaired many sessions in WAS meetings since
2003 and joined the panel of referees for abstracts, posters and oral presentations. In WAS 2011, I was a
member of the Local Organizing Committee and responsible for short-courses during WAS 2011, in addition to
chairing sessions.