The distinguished researchers Vivian Montecino (University of Chile) and Doris Oliva (University of Valparaíso) participated in the XXI edition of the International Conference on Harmful Algae (ICHA 2025), held in Punta Arenas from October 20 to 24.
During their stay, they visited the facilities of the Fisheries Development Institute (IFOP) in Punta Arenas and, together with professionals from IFOP, the University of Magallanes, INACH, INIDEP, portal communities, and members of the Science and Art Group, presented their book:
“Two Women in an Ocean of Stories and a Sea of Changes”, a work that spans more than five centuries of marine science development in Chile and highlights the legacy of the women who shaped the history of national oceanography.
The book, published by the University of Chile Press and developed with support from the Ciencia 2030 and InES Género projects of the University of Valparaíso, was conceived during the pandemic and took more than four years to complete. It brings together testimonies, archives, and narratives that reconstruct the personal and professional experiences of researchers and academics who were part of the evolution of Chilean marine sciences.
Gemita Pizarro, researcher at IFOP Magallanes, mentioned:
“This event gave us a pleasant moment to share and discuss contemporary aspects of the book’s content, since we are, in one way or another, part of the development of Marine Sciences in our country. It was an opportunity to highlight the contribution from a gender perspective and to address some of the challenges ahead. In summary, I can say that the book is a compendium of milestones that helps us reflect and look at our sea with less fear and greater wisdom.”
Professor Anelio Aguayo Lobo, member of the Scientific Department of the Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH), who attended the ceremony, stated:
“This book is a jewel that promotes the dissemination of scientific studies of the Chilean sea, carried out by two women researchers who have humanized marine sciences in our country. I had the opportunity to know much of its content in an earlier version that was later complemented with other oceanic topics. Therefore, being able to appreciate its final version now in Punta Arenas is a pleasure — it represents the first female review of studies on oceanography, biology, marine ecology, as well as microbiology and the evolution of part of the marine biodiversity of our sea. For all these reasons, let us thank Vivian and Doris for this literary gift.”
In one of the audiovisual records shared by the authors, Vivian Montecino expressed:
“We wanted to tell how oceanography has developed in Chile and how women have been integrating into science as drivers of transformation. We made an effort to come to Punta Arenas to share our work with the researchers and staff of IFOP and other institutions such as the University of Magallanes, INACH, and the portal communities. We felt very welcomed at the southernmost headquarters of Chile. Thank you for your support. It was an unforgettable day filled with affection and interest. Many thanks to all attendees, including the artists of the sciences.”
Finally, Erik Daza, Head of IFOP in the Magallanes region, stated:
“We, together with the Executive Directorate, prepared this ceremony where we value and appreciate the visit of Vivian Montecino and Doris Oliva — first, for their outstanding professional careers and human quality, and secondly, for sharing in such a close way the origins and foundations of their book. In this context, we also created an opportunity to discuss the importance of science in the sustainable development of our maritime territory, the relevance of having planned research strategies in coordination with public services, and the fundamental role of IFOP in generating scientific information for decision-making.”
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