Chile is the second-largest salmon producer and the largest mussel exporter globally, providing over 50,000 jobs and more than 5.6 billion in export revenues. In 2011, CONICYT (ANID) defined sustainable aquaculture as a priority area, leading to the establishment of the Interdisciplinary Center for Aquaculture Research (INCAR) in 2012. The center aims to generate high-level scientific knowledge to address urgent problems and challenges in national aquaculture.
Since its establishment, at INCAR we recognized the significance of collaborating with Technical Professional Public Education to promote sustainable aquaculture. As a result, INCAR promoted the involvement with Aquaculture Technical High Schools from mid-2013. Ten years after this, INCAR achieved one of the most significant milestones in the strengthening of technical and vocational education by promoting a National Meeting of Aquaculture Teachers in Valdivia. This event saw the participation of 30 teachers from 17 out of the 21 institutions that offer the Acuaculture specialty in our country.The event aimed to share experiences, discuss curriculum relevance, and improve technical training in aquaculture. The event led to the establishment of a national network of aquaculture teachers, with a board of directors from different regions working together to develop the network.
A national network for sustainable aquaculture in Chile is essential for the professional growth of teachers and students. The initiative aims to exchange ideas, projects, and experiences, enhancing the formative process and positively impacting the sector. Collaborative work between academia and technical schools is crucial for achieving sustainable aquaculture in Chile. The INCAR Center’s mission is to generate knowledge and train individuals for environmentally, ecologically, socially, and economically sustainable aquaculture.
