Marine life on the coast of Santiago: Sighting and conservation
Marine life on the coast of Santiago: Sighting and conservation
Marine protection on the coast of Santiago is still inferior to terrestrial protection in terms of size and diversity of ecosystems represented. This situation has led to the collapse of thousands of fisheries around the world, including the Patagonian Sea, an ecosystem of great biological richness but also fragility. To address this issue, WCS Chile's Marine Conservation Program is committed to working with government, communities and other stakeholders to meet international conservation standards. Through research, education and conservation practice, we seek to create a conservation model for the existing biodiversity in Almirantazgo Sound and other high value areas of the Channels and Fjords Ecoregion of Southern Chile.
General conclusions
- Marine protection on the coast of Santiago is insufficient compared to terrestrial protection.
- The collapse of fisheries in the Patagonian Sea is a direct consequence of this lack of protection.
- WCS Chile's Marine Conservation Program seeks to meet international conservation standards and work in collaboration with the government and communities.
- The goal is to create a conservation model for biodiversity in Almirantazgo Sound and other high value areas in the Channels and Fjords Ecoregion of Southern Chile.
Historical context and evolution
The Almirantazgo Sound is a strip of Patagonian sea that bathes the coasts of Karukinka Park to the north and Alberto de Agostini National Park to the south. This fjord is home to a great variety of species, such as elephant seals, black-browed albatrosses, rock cormorants, Magellanic penguins, caracaras, southern pilpilenes and leopard seals. These species give the fjord significant biological and economic value but also make it fragile.
WCS Chile's Marine Conservation Program has carried out scientific expeditions in the Magellan Sea to research and conserve the region's marine fauna. These expeditions have allowed the generation of spaces for integration and cooperation between researchers and institutions, with the objective of positioning this territory as a national priority in terms of coastal conservation.
Almirantazgo Sound has become a natural laboratory to conserve ecological and cultural processes, as well as to test conservation models for sustainable development in the Magallanes Region.
Analytical perspectives
The analysis of data relevant to marine life off the coast of Santiago allows us to identify significant trends. Some of the most relevant analytical perspectives are presented below:
| Aspect | Trend |
|---|---|
| Marine protection | Lower than terrestrial |
| Collapse of fisheries | Consequence of lack of protection |
| WCS Chile Marine Conservation Program | Committed to international conservation standards |
| Objective | Create a conservation model for biodiversity in Almirantazgo Sound and other high value areas. |
Future perspectives
The future of marine life off the coast of Santiago depends on actions taken today. It is critical to improve marine protection and work in collaboration with government, communities and other stakeholders to meet international conservation standards.
In addition, it is necessary to continue researching and generating knowledge about the region's marine fauna. This will allow us to develop more effective conservation strategies and promote sustainable development in the Magallanes Region.
In summary, marine life off the coast of Santiago faces significant challenges, but also offers opportunities for conservation and sustainable development. With the commitment and collaboration of all stakeholders, it is possible to protect and preserve the biodiversity of this unique region.
