Guzmán, L.¹ , F. Garcia², S. Zunino³, A. Atalah⁴, E. Almonacid¹, R. Rivera⁵, H. Pacheco¹, S. Quiroz⁵, C. Alarcón¹ M.I. Banciella² & G. Pizarro^1
1Instituto de Fomento Pesquero, Punta Arenas, Chile. lguzman@ifop.cl, ²Servicio de Salud Magallanes, Punta Arenas, Chile, ³ Museo de Historia Natural, Valparaíso, Chile, ⁴ Universidad de Magallanes, Punta Arenas, Chile, ⁵ Universidad de Playa Ancha, Valparaíso, Chile

Abstract

Impact of Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB) associated to Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) to coastal communities are diverse depending on geographic features, importance to local economy of fisheries and aquaculture activities and cultural background of key groups and community in general. Prevention can be strength not only by a PSP monitoring programme but also through a strategy of specific training to objective groups and a suitable and opportune information dissemination.

Strategy applied in southern Chile (Magellan region) since 1997 is presented, which includes a) Training workshops orientated to diverse groups as physicians, nurses and assistant personnel of local Health Service, independent fishermen, students of tourism, infirmary and social working, risk prevention technicians, journalists, radio and TV speakers, persons linked to neighbours juntas and other community groups; b) Design and dissemination of key information about HAB and its effects, orientated to community in general, by using radio capsules, TV spots, WEB page, posters and other printed material; and c) Specific activities with low and high school teachers and students, which have included workshops, production of 2 videos and Web page, didactic manuals for teachers and students of low and high education levels, besides didactic modules to reinforce manuals application. Previously students knowledge and attitudes were measured and teachers needs were evaluated.

All activities have been assessed through focus groups, objectives enquiries, specific tests and opinion enquiries, to apply an adaptive strategy to reach objective groups and community in general, reinforcing specific subjects, reorienting determined matters, deleting others, as well as improving methods and techniques utilised.