On Monday, May 4, students from the Natural Resources Engineering program at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile (PUC), specializing in Marine Systems/Sustainable Development, visited the Valparaíso facilities of the Fisheries Development Institute (IFOP). The purpose of the visit was to learn firsthand about IFOP’s work as an advisory body to the Undersecretariat of Fisheries and Aquaculture (SSPA).
During the visit, the students toured the research vessel Abate Molina and participated in presentations given by researchers and department heads from the Department of Oceanography and Environment (DOMA) and the Department of Economics and Statistics (DEE). These presentations focused on the role of science in the management and sustainability of marine resources.
In this regard, Dr. (c) Pedro Romero Maltrana, a researcher in the Management Areas Section of IFOP and instructor of the minor’s course, highlighted the importance of creating these types of training opportunities. In particular, he emphasized the value of students gaining firsthand knowledge of the research vessel’s capabilities and infrastructure, as well as access to presentations by high-level specialists on how scientific evidence contributes to the SSPA’s decision-making processes.
He also stressed that addressing the current challenges of the fisheries and aquaculture sector in Chile requires strengthening the training of professionals from diverse disciplines, capable of operating in an increasingly dynamic and complex environment.
Press related links:
