Working meetings between academics from Hiroshima University and Chilean Fisheries Development Institute researchers
December 6th, 2023
Between November 10th and 12th, after Harmful Algae International Conference (ICHA 2023) twentieth version held in Hiroshima Japan, thanks to a kind invitation from Prof. Dr. Fumito Maruyama from that University, work meetings linked to recently completed MACH IN CHILE (Algae Monitoring in Chile) study developed between April 2018 and March 2023 post-project actions were held; which was aimed at incorporating molecular techniques use (metabarcoding: metabarcoding) in microalgae assemblages and associated bacteria to achieve a better understanding of these microorganisms dynamics, in addition to developing certain harmful blooms prognostic skills.
This research was supported by Japan´s Cooperation Agency (JICA) and JST (Japan Science and Technology Agency), an equivalent to Chilean National Research and Development Agency (ANID). The University of Hiroshima, the University of Kyoto, the University of Okayama and Fisheries Research and Education Agency participated on behalf of Japan, while Chile was represented by Universidadde Antofagasta, Universidad de la Frontera, Universidad de Los Lagos and Fisheries Development Institute. Researchers from this last institution are precisely Dr. Oscar Espinoza, Dr. Gonzalo Fuenzalida and Dr. Leonardo Guzmán, who participated in working meetings with Prof. Dr. Ichiro Imai, Dr. Fumito Maruyama, Dr. Ishara Perera and Dra So Fujiyoshi.
The central theme was to address progress in research developed together using EDM approach (empirical dynamic modeling), using different databases, to obtain a microalgae assemblages better understanding associated with harmful algae and weigh this tool potential for certain blooms predictive purposes. On the other hand, a working meeting was also held with Dr. Ryuichi Hirota from the same university, who will travel to Chile in May 2024, who works on phosphorus metabolism in bacterial populations of marine sediments.
The occasion was conducive to evaluate post-project progress achieved during 2023 and schedule work for the fall of 2024, an opportunity in which Dr. Maruyama and Dr. Fujiyoshi will travel to Chile.
Financial support for Chilean researchers, both to attend ICHA 2023 and Hiroshima University, was covered by resources provided by CORFO, IFOP and FONDEF.