Oceana has worked in different areas of Chile during the last 10 years, conducting in-depth studies of marine ecosystems that must be protected. Each expedition is a story you will get to know here.
Pisagua
Huara, Región de Tarapacá
Not much research has been conducted on the marine ecosystem of the North of Chile. With the purpose of knowing more about this area, in 2018 Oceana conducted the first of two expeditions in this small fishing bay, gaining on-site confirmation of its unparalleled richness and great potential for protection.
Desventuradas Islands
Desventuradas Islands, Valparaiso Region
Barely unexplored by human beings, the pristine quality of these islands drove Oceana's team and National Geographic to perform a joint expedition in which scientific data was first gathered, which led to the creation of the Nazca-Desventuradas Marine Park, the largest in Chile.
Humboldt Archipelago
La Higuera, Coquimbo Region
One of the richest and most diverse marine ecosystems of the Humboldt Current can be found off the coast of communes Freirina and La Higuera, between the Atacama and Coquimbo Regions. One of its natural emblems is The Humboldt Penguin National Reserve and each expedition has confirmed the need to preserve this area.
Rapa Nui
Rapa Nui, Valparaiso Region
No island in the world is as distant from a great continent as Rapa Nui. Its former inhabitants were aware of this, which is why they called it Tepito o Te Henua, "the world’s belly button". In order to discover more about this ecosystem, Oceana participated in five expeditions between 2011 and 2018.
Salas & Gomez Island
Salas y Gomez Island, Valparaiso Region
Between 2010 and 2011, Oceana and National Geographic, along with the Chilean Navy conducted two scientific expeditions in the marine ecosystems that surround the Salas and Gómez Island. This unprecedented collaboration resulted in the creation of the Motu Motiro Hiva Marine Reserve.
Juan Fernandez
Juan Fernandez, Valparaiso Region
A high percentage of endemic fish, corals and other species coexist in a unique marine environment, where seamounts provide perfect conditions for the development of incredible ecosystems and allow local inhabitants to be an example of how to fish in a sustainable manner.
Caleta Tortel
Caleta Tortel, Aysen Region
In 2008, Caleta Tortel was in danger because of the potential arrival of salmon farming to the area. Oceana carried out five expeditions to document the unique ecosystems that would be threatened. After 10 years of scientific work, Caleta Tortel was finally protected, preserving its marine richness and enhancing the sustainable development of this community.
Katalalixar
Katalalixar, Aysen Region
The National Reserve Katalalixar, located in the Kawesqar marine eco-region is surrounded by the sea, but only its terrestrial portion is protected. Oceana has carried out three expeditions in the area to develop a baseline on the marine biodiversity that also needs to be preserved.
