Chile is host to a workshop on the improvement of small-scale aquaculture through the collection and use of data

The event takes place in Puerto Varas, from September 2 to 4, 2025, in collaboration with the Chilean Subsecretariat of International Economic Relations (SUBREI) and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

The Los Lagos region in Chile is the setting for a three-day workshop led by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum. The event, taking place from 2 to 4 September 2025 in collaboration with the Chilean Subsecretariat of International Economic Relations (SUBREI) and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, aims to improve small-scale aquaculture through the collection and use of data.

The event, titled "Improving small-scale aquaculture through the collection and use of data," brings together experts and representatives from APEC economies, including Chile, the United States, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.

The value of data for food production

Small-scale aquaculture plays a crucial role in food security and economic development in the Asia Pacific region, providing sustenance and employment to millions of people in coastal and rural communities. However, this sector often faces challenges in management and food safety, mainly due to the lack of appropriate tools for data collection and analysis.

"This workshop is a fundamental opportunity for APEC economies to share experiences and challenges. The aim is to develop a set of practical tools and recommendations that support small aquaculturists in making better decisions, improving the safety of their products, sustainability and improving their access to markets," says Constanza Vergara, Project Overseer of SUBREI.

For his part, Rolando Ibarra, from the Monterey Bay Aquarium and co-host of the initiative, highlights that Chile's experience in this area is a valuable model for other countries. "Participants will be able to adapt and apply similar approaches to their own contexts, thus promoting more efficient and sustainable aquaculture practices," he comments.

A key point of the workshop is the recognition of the role of women and gender dynamics in aquaculture. A special session, led by Dr. Daniela Farías and Dr. Birgitte Paulsen, both from the Monterey Bay Aquarium, will explore the important contributions of women in this sector.

The event, proposed by Chile and funded by APEC, hopes to lay the foundations for significant development of small-scale aquaculture throughout the region.