IFOP participated in the 6th Sea Fair organized by PAR Explora Los Lagos and the Austral University of Chile
June 23rd, 2025On May 28, the Fisheries Development Institute (IFOP) actively participated in the 6th Sea Fair, an event organized by the Regional Associative Project (PAR) Explora Los Lagos of the Ministry of Science, Technology, Knowledge, and Innovation, together with the Scientific Outreach Unit of the Austral University of Chile, Puerto Montt campus.
The fair brought together more than 700 participants from 18 educational institutions in the municipalities of Puerto Montt, Calbuco, Osorno, Puerto Octay, Los Muermos, and San Pablo. Children and young people from preschool to high school, along with teachers and the general public, participated in this scientific outreach event focused on the ocean and its resources.
IFOP Participation
IFOP featured four thematic booths, which showcased various aspects of the scientific work of the various departments of the Aquaculture Research Division. From the Department of the Environment, two projects participated, exhibiting small organisms using observation facilities with optical instruments. Representing the study in question, professionals Pamela Ramírez and Sandra Silva exhibited a space dedicated to benthic macroinfauna, organisms that go unnoticed by most people because they live buried in marine sediment and are indicators of environmental quality. Attendees were able to observe fixed and dissected marine organisms using stereoscopic magnifying glasses and a guide on environmental monitoring in aquaculture. On the other hand, researchers José Videla and Macarena Herrera offered an interactive booth, presenting the Endemic Seed Digital Platform. This platform focused on the scope of mussel mussel farming, a bivalve of great commercial interest at the local and national levels. This platform included an educational experience that explored the macro and microscopic world of this benthic resource, using an aquarium and a microscopy station.
Representing the Department of Hydrobiological Health, technologist María Paz Navarrete demonstrated the work carried out on parasites in wild fish.
The Department of Repopulation and Culture was represented by professionals Daniela Uribe and Karla Álvarez, who explained the operation of a hatchery for bivalve culture and discussed larval development, seed production, and growth in the laboratory and at sea of bivalves such as the northern oyster and the Japanese oyster.
A Contribution to Scientific Education
IFOP’s participation was highlighted by the event organizers, as it significantly contributed to enriching the students’ educational experience through scientific content presented in a fun, accessible, and relatable manner.
This work is part of the Permanent Research Program of the Undersecretariat of Fisheries and Aquaculture, which funds a large part of the studies and monitoring conducted by IFOP.
The Institute appreciates the invitation from PAR Explora Los Lagos and values the large turnout and interest shown by the educational community. Events like this strengthen the shared commitment to a scientific culture oriented toward the conservation and understanding of our oceans.
IFOP reaffirms its commitment to scientific outreach and environmental education and hopes to continue participating in initiatives that promote knowledge of marine ecosystems throughout the country.