News

Scientific research links Algarrobo’s “green tides” to natural conditions and environmental degradation: findings were delivered to the Municipality of Algarrobo

The three-year report, carried out by national universities and scientific centers, reveals the presence of an algal species not previously recorded in Chile and analyzes oceanographic, geological, and environmental factors that may explain the persistence of the phenomenon in the bay. The results were delivered...

27 November, 2025

Latin American Scientists Warn Political Leaders at COP30: Ocean Acidification Threatens Food Security and Coastal Economies in the Region

A document backed by the Millennium Institute SECOS, the CEAZA Science Center, and other institutions of the Ocean Acidification Alliance urges governments across Latin America and the Caribbean to adopt science-based policies, strengthen monitoring, and mobilize financing to confront one of the most silent yet...

25 November, 2025

Microplastic Pollution Found in the Lenga and Tubul-Raqui Estuaries in Biobío

A study by the Millennium Institute SECOS reveals the first evidence of microplastics in estuarine sediments in southern Chile. Although concentrations are low compared to highly industrialized estuaries around the world, scientists interpret this as an “early warning” that calls for preventive action to protect...

25 November, 2025

Analysis of Presidential Programs Reveals Lack of Proposals on Sustainability, Fisheries Management, and Coastal Governance

A report from the Millennium Institute SECOS revealed some consensus on water infrastructure and permit streamlining, but major gaps in sustainability, marine resource governance, and coastal ecosystem protection. Only two presidential candidates include concrete measures on climate change, while five present no proposals for fisheries...

04 November, 2025

Science, Art, and Community Intertwined in Tongoy: Students Create a Ceramic Mural Inspired by Their Coastal Environment

At the Carmen Rodríguez High School in Tongoy, the school community, researchers, and artists from the Millennium Institute of Coastal Socio-Ecology (SECOS) held workshops that combined art, science, and local memory. The activities included the creation of a ceramic mural made with clay from the...

16 October, 2025

Heavy metals and seasonality compromise the reproduction of black kelp in Quintero-Puchuncaví: new study warns of ecological and productive impacts

A study led by researchers from the Millennium Institute of Coastal Socio-Ecology (SECOS) revealed that pollution, together with seasonal effects, impacts the early reproductive stages of black kelp, a key resource for artisanal fishers. The findings warn of ecological and economic impacts in the Quintero-Puchuncaví...

03 October, 2025

Informa sensible fallecimiento de investigador SECOS Rodrigo Wiff

Desde el Centro de Ecología Aplicada y Sustentabilidad (CAPES) y el Instituto Milenio en Socio-Ecología Costera (SECOS), lamentamos profundamente la repentina partida de nuestro investigador y colega Rodrigo Wiff Onetto. Rodrigo, oriundo de Conchalí, región Metropolitana, estudió Biología Marina en la Universidad de Concepción y más...

22 September, 2025

Santiago Gets Ready for Another Winter Full of Fun Science

The second edition of the science outreach fair “Winter with Science” at the Library of Santiago is back—this time with more than 40 institutions offering interactive stands, board games, popular science books, and audiovisual materials. Save the date: July 31, 2025! Imagine a single knowledge-filled space...

11 August, 2025

Study Reveals Mussel Farms May Act as a “Genetic Filter” for the Species in Seno del Reloncaví

A recent and unprecedented discovery published by researchers from the Millennium Institute SECOS has revealed genetic differences between mussel (Mytilus chilensis) populations in aquaculture farms and those in natural beds. According to the authors, this is the first reported evidence of adaptations that enhance the...

22 July, 2025

When Science Is Painted on the Sea Walls: Art as a Driver of Coastal Justice in Chile

In Chile’s Gulf of Arauco—shaped by the scars of extractive forestry and seismic memory—a groundbreaking project by the Millennium Institute for Coastal Socio-Ecology (SECOS) is redefining the boundaries of research and social action. Scientists and artists, in close collaboration with coastal communities, have found in...

22 July, 2025

Report reveals 32% fulfillment of Government commitments in Small-Scale Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Coastal Development

The Public Policy Observatory of the Millennium Institute for Coastal Socio-Ecology (SECOS) analyzed the level of fulfillment of 44 commitments made by the current government. Among the advances are initiatives related to the new SBAP law, the Benthic Law, the Quota Allocation Law, gender equity,...

09 July, 2025

The International Society for Social-Ecological Systems is Born: A New Platform to Drive Global Sustainability

The new international scientific society seeks to bring together researchers, institutions, and networks from around the world who study the interactions between people and nature, promoting sustainability, justice, and global collaboration. This Tuesday marked the official launch of the International Society for Social-Ecological Systems (SocSES), a...

26 June, 2025

Choro Zapato: A resilient ally for aquaculture in the face of climate change

A recent study by the Millennium Institute SECOS and Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez (UAI) analyzed the remarkable abilities of the choro zapato—also known as the giant mussel—to adapt to the impacts of climate change, positioning it as an attractive and nutritious alternative for national aquaculture. Researchers...

17 June, 2025

World Oceans Day: Chile’s commitment to marine health resonates at world congress

  As part of World Oceans Day, Chile celebrates its prominent role in global marine science. Researchers from the SECOS Millennium Institute and the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile actively participated in the recent One Ocean Science Congress in Nice, presenting innovative solutions to critical challenges...

08 June, 2025

Public/private partnership advances nature-based solutions for shell management in shellfish farming

In a workshop led by U. Santo Tomás and UCN with the support of AmiChile among other public and private institutions and held in Chiloé, key aspects in the management, innovation and regulation of shell waste and its potential in ecological restoration processes in marine...

06 June, 2025

Progress on activities of the “Tiempos de Muralismo” project and integration of arts and science with the Tongoy High School

Exploring from an Arts+Science approach with participatory methodologies is one of the objectives of the project “Tiempos de Muralismo: Patrimonios Socio-Ecologicos y Memoria”, which the SECOS Millennium Institute is developing together with the Carmen Rodríguez Henríquez High School in Tongoy and the Brisas del Mar...

06 June, 2025

“Nature as an ally”: Online meeting seeks to make visible how nature contributes to human wellbeing

The GEF Incentives for Biodiversity Conservation project, SECOS Millennium Institute and Fundación Bariloche will present the “Ecosystem Services Manual for Planners” on May 28. The document provides practical tools for professionals and technical teams working in planning, conservation and territories, to apply the ecosystem services...

06 June, 2025

Conference brings together academia, Parliament and science to strengthen evidence-based decisions

During the Meeting of CRUCH Vice-Chancellors of Research held at the Universidad Católica del Norte, the activity focused on how to bring academic knowledge closer to the legislative and public policy processes. The activity was organized by UCN and the Vincula platform and included a...

08 May, 2025

Concepción prepares to experience the 3rd International Sea Film Festival

With 17 documentaries from around the world in competition, an expert jury and free screenings at various venues, the festival seeks to connect science, art and ocean culture with the community. The city of Concepción is preparing to host the third version of the International Marine...

08 May, 2025

Key differences discovered in the adaptation of mussels seeds to climate change

A recent study has revealed that mussels, the second most cultivated aquaculture species in Chile, depending on the environmental conditions from which it originates, would have different adaptive capacities in the face of extreme events produced by climate change. Through a detailed analysis of oceanographic...

23 April, 2025

Increased demand for seafood during Easter: what science says about sustainable consumption

The increase in demand for fish and seafood at this time of the year is well known, with species such as king mackerel, mussels, lobster and hake playing a leading role. Studies led by the SECOS Millennium Institute and Advanced Conservation Strategies show the keys...

23 April, 2025

University of Wisconsin academic presents her research on the link between science and public policy in Chile

Within the framework of the CRUCH Meeting of Vice-Chancellors of Research, the Universidad Católica del Norte (UCN) and the network of Universities Vincula, defined as a meeting space between Universities and Congress, invite to a keynote lecture by the outstanding American researcher Dr. Karen Bogenschneider,...

23 April, 2025

Collaboration Between SECOS and SERNAPESCA Promotes Implementation of a Compliance Management Model for Fisheries Sustainability

A strategic workshop brought together scientists and fisheries authorities to design a model aimed at shifting punitive enforcement toward a compliance management approach. Focusing on education, community dialogue, and voluntary compliance, the primary goal is to protect marine ecosystems and their resources. Non-compliance with fishing regulations...

31 March, 2025

New SECOS report analyzes 2024 legislation in coastal areas with a focus on the new Fisheries Act

The 4th version of the Legislative Report of the SECOS Millennium Institute highlights the fractioning of catch quotas, equality in management committees and the processing of the new fishing law, among others. The document also recorded the participation of key actors in the legislative process...

31 March, 2025