The Antarctic expedition aboard the icebreaker "Almirante Viel" marks a significant step in marine research, particularly in the Weddell Sea region. The expedition supports logistical operations for national bases and conducts ice testing and scientific research.
Dr. José Luis Iriarte from the IDEAL Center at the Universidad Austral de Chile collaborated with researchers from the National Antarctic Science Program (PROCIEN), coordinated by the Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACh), as well as professionals from the NODO Antártico project, the University of Chile, the Millennium Institute BASE, and Universidad Mayor.
Dr. Iriarte expressed that participating in this inaugural campaign of the "Viel" was a privilege, recalling his involvement in the last Antarctic oceanographic campaign for INACh in 1990-91. He emphasized the importance of this new opportunity for Antarctic science.
During the expedition, samples of water were collected for pigment analysis across various regions of the Southern Ocean, including Drake Passage, Bransfield Strait, Fildes Bay, and Weddell Sea.
Dr. Iriarte urged for a coordinated effort among institutions like INACh, the Chilean Navy, and ANID to finance focused and multidisciplinary scientific programs in Antarctica over the next three decades.
This initiative is funded by the National Agency for Research and Development (ANID) through its Priority Research Areas Funding Program (FONDAP). The Universidad Austral de Chile leads the project, with the Universidad de Concepción as an associated institution. INACh provides logistical support for Antarctic research, aiming to develop excellence in marine socio-ecological systems in two strategic areas for Chile: southern Patagonia (sub-Antarctic zone) and the Antarctic Peninsula.
The IDEAL Center collaborates with various national institutions and international partners from Germany, South Korea, the United States, and Argentina.