The Director of the IRTA San Carlos de la Ràpita centre, Dr. Dolors Furones, has been appointed president of the Spanish Society of Aquaculture (SEA - Sociedad Española de Acuicultura). This is the first time a woman occupies this position.

During the XIII Aquaculture Congress, held from 21 to 24 November 2011 in Castelldefels (Barcelona), the SEA General Assembly designated Dr. Dolores Furones as new president of this organization.

In her first statements, the new president said: "Today, there are many associations represented by new platforms, clusters, etc. in the Spanish aquaculture sector. Therefore, the SEA must avoid duplication of efforts and find its own action range in this new scenario." One of the Dr. Furones' objectives is to find new synergies with professionals and new working ways to enhance the visualization of this organism. "Because of my position in IRTA and research experience, my purpose is also to reconcile the interests of the Spanish business and academic fields and, therefore, reduce the distance still separating them" she said.

Dr. Furones, the first woman chosen by the SEA's Board as the top representative of this organism, will be its president for the next two years.