Santiago, Chile — November 25, 2025. Canadian and Chilean marine science organizations have signed a new agreement aimed at strengthening collaborative ocean research and education across the Pacific and polar regions. Canada and Chile together represent more than one-fifth of the world’s coastline, and both countries conduct extensive research in their respective Arctic and Antarctica regions. 

The Pacific Marine Science Alliance (PMSA), a consortium of five western Canadian universities, formalized a statement of intent with the Chilean Océanos Institute at the University of Concepción, marking a significant step toward a broader ocean research collaboration between Canada and Chile. The Océanos Institute is leading the formation of a new National Consortium of Ocean Science, uniting more than ten Chilean institutions with marine research programs. The consortium drew inspiration for their governance from PMSA’s multi-university model in Canada, which has gained attention as a way to support large-scale ocean observation and training networks. 

The coastlines of western Canada and Chile, situated at opposite ends of the eastern Pacific Rim, share many remarkable similarities. By working together, across countries and cultures, they will be able to better understand global-scale ocean challenges and their associated local impacts on marine systems and the people who depend on them.  

“These new agreements mark a significant step forward in our efforts to build a large-scale ocean research program across the Pacific Rim. Canada and Chile share many ocean challenges, and with that, a responsibility to provide global leadership in the protection and sustainable development of ocean resources and coastal communities”– Dr. Phillipe Tortell, UBC & PMSA Board Member

The collaboration between PMSA and the Océanos Institute builds on more than a decade of collaborative research led by UBC’s Dr. Phillipe Tortell, and was supported by the Pacific Rim Initiative for Sustainable Marine Systems (PRISMS), a project resulting from a new partnership between the PMSA and MEOPAR (The Marine Environmental Observation, Prediction and Response Network)

“The Pacific Marine Science Alliance’s partnership with Chile is a powerful demonstration of how Canadian collaboration models can inspire global action. MEOPAR is proud to support this connection which exports a proven framework for large-scale scientific cooperation. By linking our researchers with their Chilean counterparts, we are ensuring Canada remains a central architect in the future of Pacific and Polar ocean science. This strategy is central to the MEOPAR strategic plan and supporting Government of Canada priorities.” – Dr. Jamie Snook, Executive Director, MEOPAR

The signing follows a visit by a Canadian research delegation from the PMSA and collaborating PRISMS partners, hosted by three Chilean universities; the Catholic University of Chile, the Catholic University of Valparaíso and the University of Concepción. The group visited these universities and affiliated marine stations, meeting more than 50 Chilean scientists to learn about opportunities for joint scientific programs and student training. The new agreement will support collaborative research and teaching on shared ocean challenges. 

“[The] Chile-Canada collaboration in marine sciences and technology is essential for promoting the sustainable use of marine resources, addressing global ocean challenges, and fostering innovation in ocean stewardship.” – Dr. Osvaldo Ulloa, Director, Océanos Institute UC Chile

The PMSA – Océanos agreement was formalized alongside a Memorandum of Understanding that was signed between Canada’s Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and Chile’s national research agency, ANID, establishing a framework to foster broader research collaboration between the two nations. Officials attending the ceremony included representatives from both countries’ science ministries, the President of ANID, the President of NSERC, and the Canadian and Chilean ambassadors

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“Working together as a consortium allows us to do things that no individual institution can do alone. Here we see a marvelous opportunity to use basic ocean science to aid in economic development, national sovereignty, and security.” – Dr. David Turpin, Board Chair, PMSA

Both Canadian and Chilean groups say the partnership represents a major milestone for Pacific Rim Ocean Science under the UN Ocean Decade. Planned next steps include coordinated ocean observation, infrastructure planning, and expanded international student mobility, beginning in 2026. 

Photos: Claudio Concha Avello