As part of the commemoration of “Sea Month,” the third edition of “Submerged Aysén” was held with a large turnout. This initiative was organized by the Fisheries Development Institute (IFOP), the Aysén Regional Fisheries Directorate, and a broad network of public institutions, social organizations, educational establishments, companies linked to the regional maritime sector, and local artists Pablo Lema and Romanet Seguel-Rojas (painting and dance).
The main objective of the event was to bring the community closer to the invaluable maritime heritage of Aysén, promoting knowledge, appreciation, and reflection on the strategic, cultural, economic, and environmental importance of the sea for the present and future development of the region. The event also provided an opportunity to showcase the work carried out by various public and private institutions related to the Aysén coastline, scientific research and monitoring programs, sustainability, and the protection of marine resources.
Aysén, a region of fjords, channels, archipelagos, and an extensive inland coastline, finds in the sea not only a source of productive development but also an essential part of its identity and collective memory. Precisely for this reason, the “Aysén Submerged” fair has become a space for community gathering that seeks to reconnect people with the ocean, its ecosystems, and the many human stories that are born and develop along the coast. This year, 23 organizations, 19 educational institutions, and a renowned local painter participated, sharing knowledge, experiences, learning, artistic expressions, and interactive activities with the community, fostering a close and educational connection with the hundreds of people who came to the Puerto Aysén Cultural Center to be part of this true celebration of the sea.
The Regional Secretary of Economy, Development, and Tourism for the Aysén Region, Rodrigo Aguilera Silva, highlighted the importance of this initiative for the region and especially for younger generations: “This fair is tremendously important because it allows us to showcase all the stakeholders involved in and working with our sea, contributing to its sustainable development. Something very significant we’ve observed this year is the strong participation from schools. It is essential that our children and young people learn about, understand, and appreciate the enormous importance of the Aysén sea for the future development of our region.”
For her part, Alejandra Lafon Vilugrón, head of IFOP Aysén, praised the high turnout and the collaborative work behind this third edition: “We’ve had a spectacular turnout. This year we had 12 stands from educational establishments, ranging from preschool to technical high schools, and 24 stands run by public institutions, research institutions, NGOs, the painter Pablo Lema, and three important regional companies: Mowi, Friosur, and AquaChile. Aysén Sumergido is an initiative built on a deep affection for the community, thanks to a large collaborative network that highlights the value of our region’s sea and allows us to showcase what we are doing today in our inland sea, in science, development, and conservation.”
The Regional Director of Fisheries for the Aysén Region; Luis Campos Joost emphasized the importance of these spaces, highlighting the collaborative efforts of the institutions involved in the maritime territory: “It is important for the community to understand the functions and actions carried out daily by public institutions regarding the sustainable use and harmony of both the coastline and the maritime territory. Furthermore, it is crucial to recognize the importance of the private sector in terms of productivity, ensuring the sustainability of resources, and, of course, with a special focus on protecting the maritime territory. Finally, I want to emphasize the participation of the local educational communities, who will be the inheritors of the actions taken related to our sea.”
Consolidating its position year after year, “Aysén Sumergido” reaffirms its role in 2026 as a key platform for bringing science, art, environmental education, and maritime culture closer to the public. It also strengthens the collaboration between the public, private, and community sectors to learn about the work being done in our inland sea and to project a sustainable and conscious development of the Aysén coastline.
Source: radiorevelacionfm.cl
