Title: Bioeconomic approach to Tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) for a sustainable and resilient aquaculture in Lake Ilopango, El Salvador.

Fisheries and aquaculture management in El Salvador dates back to 1955. The case of aquaculture in Lake Ilopango serves as a notable example of how fisheries and aquaculture have been managed in the country. However, by 2017, there was the need to regulate the aquaculture activities in the lake, due to the increase in cages and production. The aim of this work was to conduct a bioeconomic approach on tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) farms in Lake Ilopango, in the central region of El Salvador, for sustainable and resilient activity. Financial analysis of Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Net Present Value (NPV) and Benefit–Cost Ratio (BCR) were utilized to evaluate the production of tilapia, by department, municipalities, and cantons. Tilapia farming was concentrated in 3 departments of El Salvador: San Salvador (29%), Cuscatlán (65%), and La Paz with (5%). San Agustin, a canton from San Pedro Perulapán Municipality and the department of Cuscatlán presented nearly 40% of the total production of tilapia in the whole lake. For the bioeconomic analysis, CBR, IRR and NPV were above 0 values in all farms, suggesting that all of them were producing revenue from tilapia farming. The more profitable farms where those in category C (21-30 cages), followed by categories B (11 – 20 cages) and A (1 – 10 cages). It is recommended to establish a coordination mechanism between the municipalities involved in this productive activity, in collaboration with the national fisheries and aquaculture authority, as well as the environmental authority, to develop comprehensive and sustainable long-term management strategies. It is also important for the organization of the producers and authorities involved, to coordinate the financial support for farmers with private financial institutions and the Ministry of Economy of El Salvador.