As part of the celebration of Marine Month and its 62nd anniversary, IFOP is participating in the 8th EXPOMAR, organized by the Marine Biology program at the University of Magallanes. This interactive fair brings together public and private entities connected to the marine and environmental sectors. Its main objective is to showcase the actions and activities they carry out, demonstrating to visitors the wonders of our ocean and the importance of raising awareness about its conservation.
In the Magallanes Region, the Fisheries Development Institute (IFOP) conducts significant research programs that influence the decision-making of sector authorities on a monthly basis. In this context, professionals Claudia Zamora, Roberto Raimapo, and Pablo Salgado from the Aquaculture Research Division presented a booth showcasing IFOP’s ongoing monitoring of marine toxins and harmful algal blooms (HABs). They indicated the locations of monitoring stations, the type of oceanographic data collected, and the collection of vectors and water samples for quantitative and qualitative analysis of harmful phytoplankton. Attendees had the opportunity to interactively observe, under a microscope, the dinoflagellate Alexandrium catenella, identified as the primary source of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP). IFOP specialists also provided guidance on self-care measures.
Meanwhile, Alejandra Valdebenito, Juan Miranda, Alex Oyarzo, Cristian Vargas, and Eduardo Almonacid presented the research and monitoring programs of the Fisheries Research Division. Aquariums and fresh samples were designed featuring emblematic resources for artisanal and industrial fishing, such as the southern king crab (Paralomis granulosa), sea urchin (Loxechinus albus), and Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides), among others. The team of professionals provided attendees with information on the life cycle of these species, current management measures, and the dynamics of the fishery. They also explained the biological and fisheries indicators that IFOP monitors and that are used for decision-making within the fisheries management system.
The fair was held in the covered courtyard of the Faculty of Sciences and Engineering on May 6th in Punta Arenas. Erik Daza, Head of the Campus, stated: “I am proud to highlight IFOP’s participation for the eighth consecutive time in Expomar. This confirms the commitment of our professionals to promote the institution’s role and strengthen the collaborative ties we have with the University of Magallanes. During this day, we set aside our usual responsibilities to carry out educational and outreach activities about IFOP’s scientific work. We welcomed various delegations made up of students from preschool, secondary, and higher education, and we spoke with regional authorities and the general public. We are grateful for the support provided by the Executive Directorate and Technical Departments in making our participation in this event possible.”
Press related links:
