As part of Marine Month, staff from the Fisheries Development Institute (IFOP) conducted various science outreach activities to bring knowledge of the marine ecosystem closer to the community of the Arica and Parinacota region.
The first activity took place on Friday, May 15, at the Ricardo Olea Guerra Special School in Arica, where students participated in an educational exhibit about marine species found along the northern coast of Chile. Through taxidermied specimens, the children were able to observe and learn about various marine species, particularly sharks and rays, which sparked great interest among the students. During the event, IFOP scientific observers explained characteristics of the species and answered questions from the attendees.
The school principal praised the initiative, highlighting that “Our school seeks to develop an inclusive education, and one of our hallmarks is environmental stewardship. We fully agree with IFOP on this, and we are deeply grateful for this opportunity that allowed our students to learn, be amazed, and enjoy discovering our sea,” she stated.
Later, on Friday, May 23, IFOP participated in the Maritime Fair organized by the Chilean Navy at Mall Plaza Arica. This event brought together institutions linked to the regional maritime and fishing sectors, including Sernapesca (National Fisheries Service), Empresa Portuaria Arica (Arica Port Authority), the Museum of the Sea, and the Yacht Club.
At the fair, IFOP presented an exhibit of marine fish from its collection, focusing on species that can enter the northern coast of Chile during El Niño events, an oceanographic phenomenon that alters marine environmental conditions.
The institute’s professionals explained how rising sea surface temperatures favor the presence of tropical and more oceanic species in coastal areas, a topic especially relevant given projections of an intensified El Niño event in Chile during the upcoming spring and summer.
IFOP emphasized that these initiatives are part of its institutional commitment to scientific outreach, environmental education, and community engagement, promoting knowledge and appreciation of regional marine biodiversity through open and inclusive educational experiences for the community.
