14 February, 2025

Knowledge Exchange between INVEMAR and IFOP: Strengthening Fisheries and Aquaculture Research in the Pacific Alliance

February 17th, 2025 Periodista Gabriela.Gutiérrez

In March 2023, the city of Santa Marta, Colombia, was the setting for the meeting of the Network of National Fisheries and Aquaculture Research Institutions of the Pacific Alliance (IIPA/AP Network), where significant links were established between the Institute for Marine and Coastal Research (INVEMAR) and the Fisheries Development Institute (IFOP). This collaboration seeks to develop information exchange processes that benefit both institutions in their areas of mutual interest.

In this context, the visit of the DAF Division, headed by Jorge Miranda, together with the ICT Department and the Systems Section, represented by Jaime González and Graciela Manquehual, respectively, took place in the last week of January. The objective of this visit was to identify opportunities for improvement in the administrative, financial, technological, and data and information management processes at INVEMAR. During this interaction, crucial issues were addressed such as financing models, the impact of processes on institutional management and the proper administration of scientific data.

During our visit, the Fisheries Development Institute (IFOP) was received in a protocolary and cordial manner by the Director General of INVEMAR, Francisco Arias Isaza. The IFOP delegation had the opportunity to hold various meetings with part of the INVEMAR staff, made up of members of the strategic, support and mission groups, namely:

• Mario Enrique Rueda Hernández, Coordinator of the Program for the Valuation and Use of Marine and Coastal Resources.

Host of the visit.

• Isabela Katime Arroyave, Head of Scientific Communication at INVEMAR
• Diana Patricia Carvajal Martínez, Management Systems Professional
• Catherine Alexandra Beltrán Cruz, in the Communications Coordination
• Laura Andrea Correa Rodríguez, in the Academic Coordination
• Liseth Carolina Castillo Mahecha, Support Professional – Scientific Communication
• Oswaldo De Jesús Zúñiga Escalante, from the Financial group
• Raúl Nicolás Carrera Valencia, from the Systems and Telematics group
• Paula Cristina Sierra Correa, Coordination of Research and Information for Marine and Coastal Management – ​​GEZ
• Jhonny Humberto Garcés Ortega Head of the Information Services Laboratory – LABSIS

Although both institutions share a similar purpose in promoting scientific research in their respective countries, distinctions also emerge that highlight their organizational singularities. However, the exchange of ideas and experiences during the visit was enriching, allowing the identification of tools and methods that can be adopted by IFOP to optimize its procedures and practices.

A relevant aspect of the meeting was the observation of operating paradigms based on modern technology, as well as the emphasis on the continuous improvement of procedures and the custody of scientific data. These elements are crucial in the framework of efficient management and are aligned with IFOP’s current efforts. Specific areas of interest were also outlined, such as the adoption of innovative technologies and the strengthening of information management, indicating the formulation of corresponding action plans.

The exchange of experiences and benchmarking is essential for the development of IFOP, since its organizational structure and financing model deviate from traditional approaches, presenting both challenges and opportunities. This process of collaboration and mutual learning promises to generate significant advances in the mission of both institutions, thus consolidating their commitment to fisheries and aquaculture research in the Pacific Alliance. In short, the progress made indicates that, although progress has been made, there are still considerable areas for improvement that will be a priority in IFOP’s future efforts.