On August 12, 2026, students from the Invertebrate Zoology course at the Faculty of Life Sciences (FLS) conducted a technical visit to the facilities of the National Center for Aquaculture and Marine Research (CENAIM). The visit was organized by Ana Tirapé, Ph.D., and teaching technician Michelle Vela, Biologist, during an intensive session held from 09:30 to 14:30. The main objective of the activity was to provide hands-on experience connecting theoretical concepts learned in the classroom with cutting-edge scientific research and the sustainable management of marine biological resources.
During the tour, the ESPOL students gained direct insight into echinoderm aquaculture processes, witnessed real-time induced spawning of sea urchins, and took part in a tasting of sea urchin gonads (uni) to understand their gastronomic and commercial potential. Additionally, the students attended a specialized lecture on integrative taxonomy delivered by Karla Jaramillo, Ph.D., and concluded the visit with an educational tour of the Microbiology Laboratory.
