Chilean Delegation Participates in International Conference of Scientific Vessel Operators in Canada
October 4th, 2024
A Chilean delegation from the Institute for Fisheries Development (IFOP) participated in the International Research Ship Operators (IRSO) conference held from September 23 to 27 in Vancouver, Canada. This annual event brings together scientific vessel operators from 30 countries around the world, and Chile stood out as the only representative from South America, having the opportunity to present on the scientific research carried out by IFOP, through direct assessment cruises around Chile and oceanographic condition monitoring cruises-MPH for the study of fishery resources and oceans.
The objective of the event was to exchange experiences in the construction and operation of research vessels, share solutions to common problems in field research and improve support for scientific research with new technologies. Among the topics discussed during the conference were the implementation of new technologies (Uncrewed marine vehicles: USV, ASV, AUV, ROV) equipped with different sensors for species detection, environmental and chemical monitoring, water sampling, seabed mapping, as well as communications technologies, platform stabilization systems, and the design, construction and operation of scientific vessels. Safety and well-being issues on board scientific platforms were also addressed. Among the highlighted activities, a visit was made to the Seaspan shipyard, where Canada’s new scientific icebreaker is being built.
IFOP’s participation in IRSO was particularly significant this year, as it coincides with the institutional strategic planning update process. IFOP Director Gonzalo Pereira said: “IFOP has participated in IRSO for the past 30 years, and with this we hope to continue strengthening our international ties and advance in the modernization of our scientific fleet. Our presence at the conference allowed us to accurately identify the gaps in our scientific practices and equipment, a key aspect in a context where technology is beginning to play an important role in field research, which will allow us not only to overcome current limitations in coastal sectors, but also to optimize our capabilities in the type, quantity and frequency of data collection, telecommunications and remote monitoring. Past, present and future participation in IRSO reinforces IFOP’s commitment to excellence in research for advice towards sustainable management of fishery resources in our country.”
The Chilean delegation was made up of Gonzalo Pereira, Director, Patricio Herrera and Iván Toro from the Marine Operations area, and Carolina Lang from the Direct Evaluations department. In addition, representatives from the ASENAV shipyard were presenting the construction process of the B/C Dra. Barbieri, recently delivered to IFOP in agreement with the Undersecretariat of Fisheries and Aquaculture, highlighting the challenges associated with the design of a vessel that complies with international regulations and the requirements necessary for scientific research (Noiseless system).
Within the framework of the conference, the Director of IFOP received invitations from the NIWA institutes and the Schmidt Ocean Institute, dedicated to advancing oceanographic research at a global level and the exchange of information on the oceans, to visit their research vessels, which are scheduled to call soon in Valparaíso. This opportunity offers to learn about experiences in the field of international research.
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