Ten years after the historic impact of harmful algal blooms in 2016, Dr. Óscar Espinoza, head of the Center for the Study of Harmful Algae (CREAN) at the Fisheries Development Institute (IFOP), analyzes the current challenges posed by the El Niño phenomenon in 2026 and the effects of climate change on the ocean. In this conversation, the specialist details how Chile has strengthened its scientific capacity through advanced monitoring and forecasting systems such as SIOM and Chonos, key tools...
Professionals from the Aquaculture and Fisheries Research Divisions participated in a scientific dissemination day organized by PAR Explora Los Lagos, bringing students and teachers closer to the work carried out by the Institute in hydrobiological health, environment, fluvial, estuarine, and marine ecosystems, aquaculture, and fisheries. With the purpose of bringing scientific research closer to the new generations and strengthening the bond between public research and educational communities, professionals from the Fisheries Development Institute (IFOP) participated on August 26 and...
With 129 participants from the production sector, public agencies, academia, and research centers, the Fisheries Development Institute (IFOP) concluded the 13th phase (2025-2026) of the Monitoring and Surveillance Program on Mussel Larval Availability, an initiative that generates strategic information to support the sustainability of Chilean mussel farming and decision-making in one of the country’s main aquaculture sectors. Mussel production depends on a fundamental biological process: the natural availability of seeds collected from the environment. Unlike other aquaculture activities that...
On Friday, August 28, at the Fonck Museum in Viña del Mar, the talk “Seabirds and Fishing: Progress and Challenges in Mitigating Bycatch” was held. It was presented by IFOP researcher Luis Adasme. The talk was a complete sell-out, as in addition to the general public who attend the weekly science sessions every Friday, an entire class and their teachers were also present. A very interactive session was held with the attendees, and the IFOP professional answered all their...
In the Tarapacá Region, very close to the mouth of the Loa River, lies Caleta Río Seco, one of the most productive artisanal fishing areas in northern Chile. Its fishermen harvest important marine resources, mainly sea urchins and octopus, which are later sold and even reach supermarket chains. It is precisely in this location that the Fisheries Development Institute (IFOP) is taking another step in strengthening ocean observation and generating environmental information for the coastal zone. In addition to...
In this interview, marine biologist and researcher Francisco Cárcamo, from the Fisheries Development Institute (IFOP), discussed the development and potential of small-scale aquaculture (SSA) in Chile. Cárcamo explained how this activity represents a sustainable transition for artisanal fishers in the face of scarce marine resources, highlighting key species such as mussels, oysters, and trout, as well as innovative initiatives in seaweed cultivation, such as cochayuyo (seaweed). He also emphasized the low environmental impact of this practice and the importance...
The Undersecretariat of Fisheries and Aquaculture invited the Fisheries Development Institute (IFOP) to collaborate on the development of the future National Policy for Promoting Responsible Seafood Consumption, specifically requesting the participation of researchers from the Department of Economics and Statistics (DEE), Gonzalo Olivares and Johanna Rojas, in recognition of their experience in estimating national seafood consumption and developing indicators for monitoring domestic consumption. During the initial stages of the collaboration, both professionals contributed to the analysis and interpretation of...
Organized by the IFOP Restocking and Aquaculture Department The prestigious scientific journal Fisheries Research has officially published its new special issue entitled “Aquaculture-Aided Enhancement for Conservation and Sustainable Fisheries.” This milestone represents the culmination of the work developed within the framework of the 7th International Symposium on Stock Improvement and Sea Ranching (ISSESR7), held in November 2024 in Puerto Varas. This scientific and public event—marked by the commemorations of the 60th anniversary of the Fisheries Development Institute (IFOP)—made history...
On Thursday, August 20, at the Catholic University of the Most Holy Conception, the seminar “Status of Harmful Algal Blooms and Bioalgal Blooms: Effects on Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources in the Biobío Region” was held. The event was organized by the Undersecretariat of Fisheries and Aquaculture. Héctor Tardón Sepúlveda, a researcher at CREAN (Center for the Study of Harmful Algae) of the Fisheries Development Institute (IFOP), who was one of the presenters, stated that the event served to publicize...
“On August 18 and 19, the Regional Workshop on Giant Squid Sustainability in the Southeast Pacific was held in Peru. It was organized by the Permanent Commission for the South Pacific (CPPS) and the Committee for the Sustainable Management of the Giant Squid of the South Pacific (CALAMASUR). The workshop aimed to strengthen the regional exchange of scientific knowledge, management experiences, and cooperation mechanisms related to the giant squid in the Southeast Pacific, promoting technical dialogue among authorities, regional...
During this interview, senior researcher Andrea Corredor Acosta explained the use of cutting-edge hyperspectral satellite technology for ocean observation and phytoplankton studies, emphasizing the importance of complementing daily high-resolution optical images with direct in-situ measurements at sea. She also addressed the impact of continental and oceanic microplastic dispersion through ocean current monitoring, as well as the assessment of changes in temperature and salinity in the waters off southern Chile in response to global warming and glacial melt.
Authorities established priorities focused on containing the spread of invasive species and leveraging funding for the sustainable management of the artisanal puye fishery in the Pitipalena-Añihué Marine Protected Area. The Biodiversity and Protected Areas Service (SERNAPESCA) initiated a new phase of institutional and scientific coordination with the Fisheries Development Institute (IFOP) and the Regional Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture. The meeting, held in Coyhaique, allowed for the establishment of common priorities to address threats to local marine ecosystems and...
