15 Dec New Poster Showcases the Richness of Chile’s Coastal Fish: A Tool for Marine Education and Conservation

The SECOS Millennium Institute, The Nature Conservancy Chile, and Fundación Oceanósfera present a new educational poster that features the main species of coastal bony fish found along mainland Chile. The initiative aims to bring scientific knowledge closer to coastal communities, schools, and the general public, strengthening appreciation for the country’s marine heritage.

Coastal bony fish—those that inhabit the zone between the low-tide line and depths of up to 30 meters—represent a fundamental component of Chile’s marine biodiversity. With more than 1,200 species recorded along the country’s coastline, they are key to coastal ecosystems, local economies that depend on small-scale fisheries, and even recreational diving. However, limited public awareness of these species and the lack of effective regulations have hindered their protection and sustainable management.

In this context, the new poster “Coastal Bony Fish of Mainland Chile” emerges as a visual and educational tool designed to bring marine science closer to coastal communities, students, fishers, and ocean enthusiasts. Developed jointly by the Millennium Institute in Coastal Socio-Ecology (SECOS), The Nature Conservancy Chile (TNC), and Fundación Oceanósfera, and illustrated by marine biologist and scientific illustrator Verónica Ortiz, the poster brings together the scientific illustrations included in the coastal fish guide published in 2024, complemented with information on species’ geographic distribution and ecological relevance.

A Bridge Between Science, Art, and Education

This new poster stands out for its detailed illustrations by Verónica Ortiz, from the Socioecology Laboratory at the Pontifical Catholic University, who worked closely with subject-matter specialists. Each drawing was created based on photographs, field observations, and taxonomic references, achieving a high level of visual accuracy that allows viewers to recognize anatomical and behavioral traits.

When asked about the creative process, Ortiz explained that the main challenge was to represent the species as accurately as possible in their habitat—“how they look when you are diving and observing them underwater, where they display all their colors and, in many cases, unique color patterns for each individual, as seen in species such as the Bilagay, the common cabrilla, the red vieja, the Tomoyo, or the trombolitos—along with extensive study of their morphometry so that each species would be visually well represented and proportionate.”

In this way, the artist highlights the transformative power of this fusion of disciplines: “Art has the power to change the way we perceive things… our relationship with the sea and its diversity—specifically with fish—is not that close. When you see this poster, you realize that there are very colorful species with very different and attractive shapes, and this, especially for children, will spark questions and contribute to greater knowledge of our sea, generating more respect and balance between humans and marine nature.”

The material is designed for use in both formal and informal educational settings—from school classrooms to interpretation centers and fishing coves. It is also available for free download on the websites of the participating organizations, as part of the ocean literacy and outreach efforts led by TNC, SECOS, and Oceanósfera.

A Conservation Perspective

For The Nature Conservancy Chile, this new resource is part of a broader strategy for the conservation and sustainable management of coastal fish—a group historically underrepresented in public policies related to fisheries and biodiversity. Natalio Godoy, lead scientist for the Oceans team at TNC Chile, emphasizes the importance of this tool for coastal management: “A new educational resource focused on the conservation of coastal fish emerges as a strategic tool to strengthen sustainable management in Chile’s coastal zones. By integrating scientific evidence, local ecological knowledge, and responsible fishing practices, this resource seeks to empower coastal communities, small-scale fishers, and institutional stakeholders to make informed decisions.”

Godoy notes that the material goes beyond awareness-raising by promoting recognition of these species as key management units, which can “help close gaps in national fisheries regulation.” Moreover, to advance conservation legislation, he points out that “strengthening the link between science and management by incorporating scientific evidence into decision-making is essential… Replicating this approach in other fisheries would make it possible to move toward more sustainable and informed regulation.”

In line with this approach, Carolina J. Zagal, founder and president of Oceanósfera, explains that these resources strengthen sustainable management processes: “Through this type of educational resource, we contribute to the knowledge and care of Chile’s natural marine heritage and its diversity. Through education, communication, and collaboration with different communities, we can foster a rich dialogue between formal scientific and educational processes and the knowledge and experiences of local communities to ensure a sustainable future for Chile.”

The poster “Coastal Bony Fish of Mainland Chile” will be distributed free of charge to coastal schools, cultural centers, and organizations linked to the sea, and will also be available for online download.