Within the framework of the current scientific observers (SO) exchange agreement between IFOP and the National Institute for Fisheries Research and Development (INIDEP), Argentina, the second deployment of an SO from our institution was recently carried out on the cruise, ‘Survey for the evaluation of the abundance of Argentine anchovy (Engraulis anchoita) of the Buenos Aires stock’. A prospecting survey to estimate the resource stock, jointly developed by INIDEP and the National Directorate of Aquatic Resources (DINARA) of Uruguay, between October 22 and November 14.
On this occasion, the assignment corresponded to Senior SO of the Sampling Management Department (DGM) at the Coquimbo regional office, Alberto Olivares. A biologist and Master in Applied Statistics, who has extensive expertise in sampling and the biology of the nationally distributed engraulid, anchoveta (Engraulis ringens).
Regarding this major experience of around 24 days of navigation aboard the research vessel Víctor Angelescu, Alberto stated that from the first day on board, the cruise leader, Lic. Claudio Buratti, quickly integrated him into the fisheries biology work group in field tasks that he routinely performs in our country, such as proportion and length sampling, extraction and preservation of otoliths, as well as stomachs, and everything related to recording this type of information. Additionally, he supported the primary production area during the different sampling stations. This performance allowed him to fulfill the main objective of the agreement, aimed at internationalizing competencies and sharing specialized knowledge that helps consolidate standards of fisheries observation for the benefit of both institutions.
Alberto highlighted that beyond the strictly technical aspects, it was the pleasant environment generated on board, the cooperation from each member of the scientific crew as well as the vessel’s crew, which left him with the feeling of having contributed and at the same time gained a different and enriching experience as a scientific observer. He returned to Chile with new skills and renewed motivation to continue improving his duties. He appreciated being selected for this important instance, which he considered not just recognition but a real opportunity for training and growth.
From this same perspective, Mg. Gonzalo Muñoz, general coordinator of the DGM and currently acting head of the IFOP Regional Office in Coquimbo… positively evaluated this second participation of an SO in this agreement, indicating that this type of arrangement strengthens cooperation between both institutions, whose components of various sampling types form the fundamental basis of their applied research aimed at the sustainability of fishery resources and their ecosystems.
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