1 October 2026
Between September 21 and 26, researchers Paulo Mora and Andrés Olguín—professionals from the Benthic Crustacean Monitoring Program—carried out an intensive schedule of activities across various locations in Chiloé, including Ancud, Dalcahue, Tenaún, Queilen, and Quellón. Their goal was to strengthen collaborative efforts with artisanal fishers, scientific observers, and organizations linked to the artisanal fishing sector.
The visit included technical meetings and gatherings with artisanal fishing leaders, scientific observers, public institution representatives, and industry stakeholders. These sessions fostered dialogue aimed at sharing results, gathering local insights, and reaching agreements to bolster the monitoring of resources that are economically and socially vital to coastal communities.
A key focus of the initiative was promoting the active participation of artisanal fishers in generating scientific data, acknowledging that their experience and knowledge are essential for understanding fishery realities and improving resource management and conservation processes.
The tour also provided an opportunity to identify operational challenges, review program progress, and strengthen coordination with field teams. These efforts help improve data quality and ensure the continuity of monitoring activities that support decision-making for the sustainable management of benthic fisheries.
The activities concluded with a meeting of the Ancud Crab Fishers Committee Assembly, where the program’s main results were presented and key concerns and challenges raised by sector stakeholders were addressed. This event helped reinforce trust and collaboration between fishing communities and the technical team responsible for scientific monitoring.
Building sustainable fisheries requires quality information, but also participation, trust, and commitment. Therefore, collaboration between the scientific community and the artisanal fishing sector remains a fundamental pillar for the responsible development of benthic resources in southern Chile.
