A New Innovation Hub in Baja California Aims to Redefine Warm-Water Aquaculture
By Blue Economy Insights
A new scientific and technological centre focused on warm-water regenerative aquaculture is set to launch in La Paz, Baja California, Mexico. The Centre for Applied Aquaculture and Innovation (CAAI) aims to accelerate innovation across the aquaculture value chain, from species validation and applied research to production models and workforce development.
The initiative is led by Innovacciones Alumbra (iAlumbra), a collaborative ecosystem of organizations working to catalyze economic models that restore nature, support local communities, and create health and prosperity. The centre will focus on finfish, shellfish, and algae species, with a special emphasis on technologies and systems that can support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the aquaculture sector.
From Sustainability to Regeneration
CAAI’s founding was inspired by the urgent need to shift from sustainability alone toward regeneration, a transition championed by philanthropist Christy Walton, founder of iAlumbra and backer of the Cuna del Mar aquaculture investment fund.
“Our oceans and their resources are significantly degraded,” said Walton. “It is no longer enough to assume that sustainability alone will reverse the damage. We must move beyond efforts to do no further harm and take huge strides toward generative and regenerative outcomes. It’s time to invest significantly in advanced technologies and systems.”
A Powerful Coalition
The centre is backed by a group of aquaculture industry leaders, including:
- Sol Azul Baja Oysters (Mexico)
- The Centre for Aquaculture Technologies (San Diego)
- Innovasea (Boston)
- Santomar, a totoaba farming operation (Mexico)
- Hatch Blue, a global aquaculture investor
These founding partners alongside iAlumbra and Cuna del Mar, bring deep experience in both scientific research and commercial aquaculture, forming a strong foundation for the centre’s ambitious mission.
Leadership and Vision
CAAI will be led by Dr. Ernesto Rodriguez Leal, a regional expert in applied science, innovation strategy, and technology development. With over two decades of experience spanning robotics, healthcare, and education, Dr. Rodriguez brings a multidisciplinary approach to aquaculture advancement.
“We are building a space and a global alliance that brings scientists, entrepreneurs, and communities together to work side by side to solve problems that can benefit us today and in the future,” said Rodriguez. “The CAAI will offer access to resources, hands-on innovation, and rapid deployment to advance our global ability to deliver on sustainable blue economies.”
A Strategic Location
La Paz was selected as the home for CAAI thanks to its dense academic and research network. Institutions such as:
- UABCS (Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur)
- UABC (Universidad Autónoma de Baja California)
- CICIMAR (Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas)
- CIBNOR (Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste)
provide a strong local knowledge base and access to talent, making the region a natural fit for applied aquaculture innovation.
Blue Economy Insights will continue tracking the development of CAAI and its impact on regenerative aquaculture in the Americas and beyond.
