IFOP Researchers Attend the 11th International Fisheries Observer and Monitoring Conference in Reykjavik, Iceland
June 26th, 2025
More than 220 specialists from 30 countries gathered in Iceland to exchange experiences, challenges, and advances in scientific observation and fisheries monitoring programs.
Fisheries Development Institute (IFOP) senior researchers Erick Gaete and Marcelo San Martín, both members of the Fisheries Assessment Department, participated in the 11th International Fisheries Observer and Monitoring Conference (IFOMC), held at the Harpa Convention Center in Reykjavik, Iceland. This forum is recognized as the leading international forum for strengthening scientific observation and fisheries monitoring systems globally.
Erick Gaete spoke at the thematic session “Standardization of at-sea Monitoring Programs,” with the presentation “Some definitions to consider in the implementation and operation of scientific observer programs: Chilean experience.” He addressed key conceptual and operational elements for the effective implementation of scientific observer programs, highlighting the importance of clear and consistent technical definitions, based on the experience accumulated by IFOP in Chile and the fisheries being monitored.
Marcelo San Martín presented the poster “Evaluation of discards and bycatch in the southern Chilean demersal freezer trawl fleet: a contribution of on-board monitoring,” where he shared results of on-board monitoring in the southern Chilean demersal freezer trawl fleet. The paper highlighted the contribution of these data in characterizing discards and bycatch, which are essential for fisheries management based on quantitative evidence.
The conference brought together more than 220 participants from over 30 countries, including government agencies, research centers, universities, NGOs, observer programs, and representatives of the fishing industry. As in previous editions, the event combined keynote sessions, technical presentations, panels, workshops, and open discussion spaces, with a cross-cutting focus on the well-being of scientific observers and the incorporation of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, video systems, remote sensing, and electronic monitoring.
IFOP’s presence at this prominent international event reaffirms its commitment to the technical and scientific development of monitoring and observation programs and consolidates its role as a benchmark in fisheries monitoring at the regional and international levels.