Over 200 participants in the first artisanal fishermen and women gathering in the Valparaíso Region

More than 200 Chilean fishermen participated in the first Artisanal Fishermen and Women of the Sea gathering, presided over by Julio Salas, the representative of the Undersecretariat of Fisheries and Aquaculture (Subpesca).

Representatives from 11 fishing coves in the region presented their main aspirations and challenges to the authorities and organizations in attendance, aiming to improve the management of artisanal fishing in their communities and marine management areas.

"This first gathering represents an important opportunity for open and active participation between members of the fishing community in the Valparaíso Region and the authorities. We believe that directly and frankly expressing our hopes and concerns is the way to build bridges that foster greater understanding, growth, and the sustainable development of the fishing industry, which is so important in this part of the country," said Salas.

Additionally, attendees discussed the new regulations published in February by Subpesca, which set catch limits for recreational and underwater fishing activities in national marine waters.

The event was also attended by Rodrigo Mundaca, Regional Governor of Valparaíso; Soledad Tapia, National Director of Sernapesca; and representatives from the Chilean Navy, the Directorate of Port Works, and INDESPA.

Finally, on behalf of Universidad Andrés Bello, Dr. Gerald Pugh Olavarría, Vice-Rector of the Viña del Mar campus, and Dr. Claudia Navarrete, head of the project leading the event, participated in the gathering.