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INCAR²Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología, Conocimiento e Innovación · ANID — Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo

RL5

Dr. Renato Quiñones Bergeret

Principal Investigator

Biography

Dr. Renato Quiñones Bergeret is a Marine Biologist from the University of Concepción and holds a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolution from Dalhousie University, Canada. In 1992, he joined the Fisheries Development Institute (IFOP) as an Associate Researcher, and since 1995 he has been a faculty member of the Department of Oceanography within the Faculty of Natural and Oceanographic Sciences at the University of Concepción. He led the Interdisciplinary Center for Aquaculture Research (INCAR) from 2012 to 2026 during its FONDAP phase and currently serves as Principal Investigator of INCAR² Research Line 5 (RL5), which focuses on the impacts of aquaculture on ecosystems. At the international level, since 2022 he has been a member of the United Nations Group of Experts for the Third World Ocean Assessment (WOA III). Between 2025 and 2026, he served as one of the two Joint Coordinators of the expert group responsible for leading the preparation of this global assessment of the state of the oceans, which was officially presented by the United Nations in 2026. Since 2026, he has served as Director of the Oceans Institute at the University of Concepción, an entity that coordinates and integrates the University's scientific and technological capabilities in ocean research. That same year, he was appointed Director of the South American Hub of the international UN Global ONCE (Ocean Negative Carbon Emissions) network, an initiative aimed at strengthening research and scientific cooperation to develop ocean-based solutions to climate change. His career has been marked by significant contributions to marine ecology, ocean sustainability, environmental governance, marine ecosystem assessment, and sustainable aquaculture, leading interdisciplinary research initiatives with both national and international impact.

Degrees and Academic Qualifications

  • 1992 Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolution, Dalhousie University, Canada.
  • 1984 Marine Biologist, University of Concepción, Chile.
  • 1983 Bachelor's Degree in Marine Biology, University of Concepción, Chile.
  • 1992 Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolution, Dalhousie University, Canada.
  • 1984 Marine Biologist, University of Concepción, Chile.
  • 1983 Bachelor's Degree in Marine Biology, University of Concepción, Chile.

Selected Projects

  • 2023-2025 Interdisciplinary Center for Aquaculture Research (INCAR). Project Code: 1523A0007 . Funding Source: FONDAP .
  • 2022-2024 Strengthening the Sustainable Development of the Ñuble Coast: Integrated Management, Productive Linkages, and Conservation of Natural Heritage (Sustainable Ñuble Coast). Innovation Fund for Competitiveness (FIC), Regional Government of Ñuble. Executed by the University of Concepción, Chillán Campus.
  • 2022-2024 Enhancing the Competitiveness of Fishing Communities in the Biobío Region. Project Code: BIP40040409-0 . Funding Source: Regional Government of Biobío (GORE Biobío) .
  • 2021-2022 Risk Analysis as a Tool for the Prioritization of Secondary Environmental Quality Standards in the Main Tributary Rivers to the Fjord System of Northwestern Patagonia Under Hydrological Drought Scenarios. Project Code: FSEQ210030 . Funding Source: Networks, Strategy and Knowledge Program .
  • 2018-2019 Systematization of Tacit and Explicit Knowledge for the Promotion of Sustainable Aquaculture in the Biobío Region: An Approach Based on the Application of Fuzzy Logic. Project Code: FIC 40000116 . Funding Source: GORE Biobío .
  • Optimization of Public Resource Allocation for the Mitigation of the Common Hake Crisis in the Biobío Region. Fisheries Administration Fund, Ministry of Economy, Chile. Co-Investigator .
  • Technological Research Project: “Degradation of β- Sitosterol by Marine Fungi.” Department of Oceanography, University of Concepción. Funding Source: BIOFOREST S.A. Researcher .
  • 2019 Project 19IS-111287. Circular Aquaculture in Caleta Tubul. Pablo Carrasco, Director; Renato Quiñones, Consultant .
  • 2018-2020 FAO-GEF Project 9-2018. Design and Implementation of a Training Program on Climate Change Adaptation in Fisheries and Aquaculture for Public Officials, National Experts, and Decision-Makers at National, Regional, and Local Levels. Funding Agency: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) . Principal Investigator .
  • 2018-2019 World Wildlife Fund (WWF). An Ecosystem Approach to Salmon Production in Southern Chile: Integrating Salmon Farming into the Seascape with Other Users and Ecosystem Services. Principal Investigator .
  • 2017-2020 FONDECYT Postdoctoral Project 3170529. Anticipating Crises in Stressed Socio-Ecological Systems: Developing Fractal Early-Warning Indicators for Aquaculture and Fisheries in Chile. Postdoctoral Researcher: Dr. Rodrigo Montes. Academic Sponsor .
  • 2017-2018 Systematization of Tacit and Explicit Knowledge for the Promotion of Sustainable Aquaculture in the Region. FIC-R Project No. 40000116 , Regional Government of Biobío. Researcher .
  • 2017-2018 Assessment of Vulnerability, Exposure, Sensitivity, and Adaptive Capacity of Communities Associated with Selected Fishing Coves Under Climate Change Scenarios. Fisheries and Aquaculture Research Fund (FIPA
  • 2017-08), Ministry of Economy, Chile. University of Concepción. Researcher .
  • 2017-2018 Proposal for a National Aquaculture Policy for the Next Two Decades. Fisheries and Aquaculture Research Fund (FIPA
  • 2017-17), Ministry of Economy, Chile. Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso and University of Concepción. Researcher .
  • 2017-2018 Grant No. 106030-2017. Harmful Microalgae Abundance and Oceanographic Conditions in the Pest Emergency Area (Gulf of Penas, Aysén Region) and Adjacent Areas. Commissioned by SERNAPESCA . Project Director .
  • 2017 Harmful Microalgae Abundance and Oceanographic Conditions in the Emergency Area (Gulf of Penas, Aysén Region) and Adjacent Areas. Client: National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (SERNAPESCA) . Director .
  • 2016-2018 Generation of Scientific and Technological Knowledge to Increase the Productivity of TURFs (AMERBs) and Other Aquaculture Activities of Fisher Associations in Arauco and Laraquete. Gulf of Arauco Ecosystem Studies Program (PREGA), University of Concepción. Funded by Celulosa Arauco y Constitución S.A. Director .
  • 2016-2017 Sustainable Small-Scale Aquaculture Development in Coastal Areas of the Maule Region. SERCOTEC and the Territorial Management Program for Lagging Areas. Researcher .
  • 2016 Pre-Feasibility Analysis for the Creation of a Demonstration Center for Aquaculture and Aquaponics in Caldera. Client: Minera Candelaria . Project Director .
  • 2015-2016 Study for the Integrated and Sustainable Strengthening of Small-Scale Aquaculture (SSA) in the Maule Region. Funded by the Regional Corporation for Productive Development of Maule. Researcher .
  • 2012-2022 Project No. 15110027. Interdisciplinary Center for Aquaculture Research (INCAR). FONDAP Center Program for Research Excellence. Director .
  • 2012-2017 Project No. 15110027. Interdisciplinary Center for Aquaculture Research (INCAR). FONDAP Center Program for Research Excellence. Director .
  • 2011-2012 Productive Diversification Program for Artisanal Fisheries in the Aysén Region (Patagonia). Subcontracted by the Patagonia Ecosystems Research Center (CIEP). Funding Source: Regional Government of Aysén . Researcher .
  • 2010-2011 Evaluating Climate Change Impacts on Fisheries and Aquaculture in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Executed by COPAS Center . Funding Agency: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) . Principal Investigator .
  • 2008-2013 Environmental and Productive Characterization of the Bajos de Mela Area, Biobío Region. Funded by Celulosa Arauco y Constitución S.A. Faculty of Natural and Oceanographic Sciences, University of Concepción. Director .
  • 2008-2013 Ecology and Biology of the South American Sea Lion (Otaria flavescens) in the Cobquecura Sea Lion Islet Sanctuary. Approved by the National Monuments Council and CONAMA. Funded by Celulosa Arauco y Constitución S.A. Director .
  • 2008-2012 COPAS Sur-Austral Program. National Development Plan for Centers of Scientific and Technological Excellence (Project B0731). Principal Investigator .
  • 2008-2010 FONDECYT Regular Project No. 1080623. The Role of Methane in the Coastal Ocean as an Alternative Carbon Fuel for the Microbial Community and Secondary Production. Principal Investigator: Dr. Silvio Pantoja. Co-Investigator .
  • 2008-2010 Social Sciences and Humanities Research Ring Project SOC-28. Social and Environmental Impacts of Global Climate Change in the Biobío Region: Challenges for Sustainability in the 21st Century. Funded by CONICYT through the Bicentennial Science and Technology Program (PBCT). Associate Investigator .
  • 2007 Socioeconomic and Productive Diagnostic Study Related to Local Development in the Fishing Communities of Cocholgüe and Coliumo. University of Concepción. Researcher .
  • 2006-Present Marine Research Program of Excellence (PIMEX-Nueva Aldea). A basic and applied scientific research program aimed at increasing scientific knowledge of the coastal marine ecosystem and continental shelf of the Biobío Region, particularly the area adjacent to the mouth of the Itata River. Director .
  • 2006-2007 Social, Economic, and Productive Diagnosis of Fishing Communities at the Mouth of the Itata River and Adjacent Areas (Project No. 206.42.14-3). Funded by the Nueva Aldea Fisheries Social Dialogue Roundtable. Researcher .
  • 2005-2008 European Network of Excellence for Ocean Ecosystems Analysis. European Union FP6 network involving over 60 research institutes and universities across 25 countries. Co-Principal Investigator .
  • 2004-2005 Socioeconomic and Productive Characterization of Razor Clam Fishing Communities in the Municipality of Cañete, North of the Paicaví River. Regional Development Fund Project No. 30027032-0. Director .
  • 2003-2006 FONDAP Program. Center for Oceanographic Research in the Eastern South Pacific (COPAS), University of Concepción. Phase I. Principal Investigator .
  • 2002-2011 FONDAP Program. Center for Oceanographic Research in the Eastern South Pacific (COPAS), University of Concepción. Principal Investigator and Associate Director .