The ecosystem anomalies observed in Chilean coastal waters in recent years, especially outbreaks or harmful algae bloom (HAB). The HAB are currently a threat to the Chilean aquaculture industry, as well as to the marine ecosystem of a larger area. Episodes of large-scale fish mortality caused by HAB occurred in the Los Lagos region during March and May 2016, where the accumulation of paralyzing toxin in filtered seafood from natural and farmed shallows caused by a HAB was almost observed, damaging both to artisanal fishing and aquaculture, generating public health alert. In this way, it is urgent to carry out detailed investigations to counteract these damages, particularly those related to […]

   On the first half of January 2020, we held a two-week summer course of genomic informatics entitled “Introduction to Microbial Genomic and Metagenomic Analyses” at University of La Frontera (UFRO). Prof. Andrés Ávila (UFRO) and Dr. Mikihiko Kawai (Kyoto University) of this project collaborated to create a program and organized the course. Lecturers were Prof. Ávila, Assistant Professor So Fujiyoshi (Kyoto University), Assistant Professor Michel Abanto (UFRO), Dr. Kawai, and Giovanni Larama (UFRO), who in total provided a comprehensive course covering basic topics ranging from biology to informatics as well as practical content of microbial genomics.    This summer course was carried out as a UFRO graduate course subject, […]

　　　On December 9, 2019 the project server for analyses of microbes including harmful algae has finally arrived and installed at UFRO. The opening ceremony was organized at Center for Modeling and Computer Science (CMCC), with the presence of authorities of UFRO, along with the project members and other Japanese research members. The server was presented as “Soroban” (Japanese term for Abacus), Prof. Ávila expressed our gratitude to UFRO authorities (Dr. Hunter, vice rector of UFRO) 　　　This server is financed by SATREPS MACH project and will be maintained and operated by UFRO. The main purpose of this server is to conduct sophisticated DNA analysis of all the samples that have been […]

    　　During November 11th to 13th, 2019, four laboratory assistants of the MACH project participated in a training seminar organized by IFOP-CREAN (Instituto de Fomento Pesquero- El Centro de Estudios de Algas Nocivas) in Puerto Montt city. The main goal of this training was to standardize and improve the knowledge of the assistants on microscopic microalgae identification required for their sampling. Also, this meeting was very important for these assistants to meet together for the first time and to discuss various problems they have encountered during sampling. 　　　To initiate the activities, Dr. Leonardo Guzman and Dr. Oscar Espinoza presented the role of IFOP and their work on HABs (Harmful Algae […]

　　On October 10, we have participated a seminar in Castro city, Los Lagos Region (Chiloé Island) , co-organized by  Technological Institute of Mitilicultura (INTEMIT)  and CETMIS (Centro de Extensionismo Tecnológico para una Mitilicultura Sustentable) for local mussel farming producers. Audiences included local mussel farmers, local National Fisheries Service office (SERNAPESCA), local aquaculture companies and local high school students from Castro, Chonchi and Quemchi, gathering more than 200 people. 　　This seminar is held every October by INTEMIT for Los Lagos mussel farmers, aiming to promote information sharing among researchers and local industries with the latest information on mussel culture and this year marks 5th event.   As a result, there was a […]

     On September 4, we have co-organized a public seminar at Temuco city, Araucanía Region with Universidad de La Frontera (UFRO). Audiences included local regional Araucanía government, Temuco Municipality staff, researchers and students and staff from UFRO. Main objective of this public seminar was to inform to citizens and public sectors of Temuco city and surrounding area a progress of ongoing project and its potential benefit to their community.     First, Professor Milko Jorquera, director of MACH project, overviewed the ongoing progress in its second year of 5-years project: monitoring and sampling through all part of Chile (link:), that is, Antofagasta, Puerto Saavedra, Bahía Mansa, Puerto Montt, Calbuco, Cucao, Quellón, […]