Main benthic invertebrates managed in the Benthic Resources Exploitation Management Areas AMERB in Central and North of Chile
These species, representative of Management and Exploitation Areas for Benthic Resources (AMERB) in the zone between O’Higgins and Atacama in northern Chile, are the focus of three studies being conducted across these regions by researchers from SECOS. These studies aim to understand the connection between artisanal fishers and the species they co-manage, the vulnerability of artisanal fisheries to global change, and the role of cooperation and equity in scenarios of uncertainty. The initiatives seek to generate knowledge for the sustainable management of marine resources within the social-ecological system of artisanal fisheries.
Illustrations and design: Francisca Veas Carvacho
Exploring social and ecological connectivity in benthic invertebrates in northern Chile
Pilar Haye, professor at the Faculty of Marine Sciences of the Universidad Católica del Norte and alternate director of SECOS, studies the spatial and temporal genetic structure of marine species. Currently, she is investigating socio-ecological connectivity, considering how ecologically connected exploited marine species are—estimated using DNA markers—among AMERBs, and how socially connected fishers are across more than 30 AMERBs in the regions of Atacama, Coquimbo, and Valparaíso.
The project focuses on the management of the three main hard-bottom species exploited by shellfish divers in AMERBs: loco (Concholepas concholepas), black limpet (Fissurella latimarginata), and red sea urchin (Loxechinus albus); as well as on the people whose work involves harvesting these resources. The initiative also includes participation from: Stefan Gelcich, professor at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and director of SECOS; Andrés Marín, professor at Universidad de Los Lagos and collaborating researcher at SECOS; and Pablo Romero, sociologist and SECOS support professional.
Illustrations and design: Francisca Veas Carvacho
Coastal Ecosystem Services and human well-being
Marine-coastal ecosystem services are defined as a wide range of benefits these ecosystems provide to society, contributing to human well-being.
These benefits include the role of marine ecosystems as essential habitats for the breeding and reproduction of marine biodiversity species, coastal erosion protection and control, flood regulation, water cycle regulation, climate regulation and carbon sequestration, food from fisheries, recreation and scenic beauty, opportunities for shorebird watching, sense of place, connection with the landscape, and their role as a source of inspiration, heritage, and cultural identity, among other benefits.
This poster has been a valuable visual tool for sharing this information across various regions and was made possible thanks to FAO, GEF, the Chilean Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry of National Assets, Coastal Marine Governance, the Conservation and Human Well-being Laboratory, IEB Chile, UPWELL, and SECOS.
Illustration and design: Francisca Cárcamo (panchulei)
Social perception on Ocean Health in Chile
The study conducted by the IDEAL Center and the Millennium Institute SECOS shows how citizens engage with marine ecosystems and how they perceive the health of the ocean from their local territories. The results reveal a strong link between the perception of a healthy ocean and the happiness of the respondents, along with a high appreciation for the benefits the ocean provides. Additionally, respondents identified industries and individuals as the main contributors to ocean degradation. This survey helped develop the country’s first Ocean Health Index—an international tool that enables the monitoring of ocean conditions and the tracking of national efforts to meet sustainable development goals.
Illustration and design: Teresita Melo Gaymer @estacionflora
Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals and impacts on marine biodiversity
Various studies led by UNAB and SECOS researcher Loretto Contreras-Porcia have identified the effects of marine pollution on marine organisms such as algae and sea urchins, and their impacts on the food chain, reproduction, growth, and the transfer of heavy metals. This infographic illustrates some of these impacts in the Quintero-Puchuncaví area.
Credits to SECOS researcher Fernanda Oyarzún, with the support of researcher Loretto Contreras and communications director Fernando Mejías.
Illustrations and design: Alonso “Loncho” Salazar.