Fourth Edition of the National Congress of Fishing Engineering

Abstract

The Fourth Edition of the National Congress of Fishing Engineering (CONIPE, by its Spanish acronym), held in Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina on 27, 28, and 29 August, constituted a significant meeting point for the academic, scientific, industrial, and local communities. The event coincided with the 40th anniversary of the arrival of the National Technological University (UTN) in the Province of Chubut. This volume brings together the contributions presented at the Congress, which reaffirmed the importance of building collective spaces for dialogue, professional training, and personal exchange, to strengthen both the Fishing Engineering field and the development of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
CONIPE is a biennial convention that rotates among the three UTN faculties where the degree programme is offered: Chubut, Mar del Plata, and Tierra del Fuego. This rotation reflects the University´s federal character and its long-standing commitment to educating professionals oriented towards the sustainable development of each region. Fishing Engineering has forged a distinctive identity grounded in innovation, close links with industry and coastal communities, an ecosystem-based approach, and the integration of technical, environmental, and productive knowledge.
The 2025 edition brought together hundreds of participants from universities, research institutions, government agencies, private companies consortia, trade unions, and the media. The academic agenda comprised one plenary lecture, five panel discussions, four workshops, five technical sessions, five pre-congress courses, and 45 scientific abstracts, enabling a multifaceted approach to the challenges and opportunities facing the fishing and aquaculture sector in the country nowadays.
A particularly noteworthy feature of this edition was its integration into the “Sustainable UTN” Programme, through the implementation of concrete practices related to social inclusion, bioeconomy, waste reduction, and responsible resource management actions throughout the event. These initiatives reflect an institutional commitment that extends beyond declarative statements and is instead expressed through actions that align the University with the sustainability principles it promotes.
Student involvement was once again strongly evident at the XI Fishing Engineering Workshop, held in parallel with the Congress. Students from different cohorts presented projects developed primarily within their coursework, alongside research activities and technology transfer experiences. This workshop consolidates the integration between academia, the local community, and industry, positioning future professionals as key actors in shaping the sector’s development.
The Congress also provided a platform for cultural expressions linked to maritime life and fishing. A performance by a local quartet of the song "Lord, You Have Come” (composed by Cesáreo Gabaráin Azurmendi), together with the TRA.MAR art exhibition, offered a sensitive and humanistic perspective that complemented the academic and professional discussions. These activities enriched the overall experience of the Congress, connecting science and technology with the identities, histories, and cultural expressions of coastal communities.
The 4th CONIPE 2025 deepened key discussions on public policy, environmental sustainability, digital transformation, emerging technologies, value-added products, productive diversification, and gender diversity perspectives. This comprehensive approach reflects the conviction that the sector requires professionals capable of integrating technical knowledge with environmental, digital, and socio-economic competences, as well as strengthened institutions that promote applied research and public-private partnerships contributing to the development of a sustainable, inclusive, and federally recognised blue economy.
This Congress was made possible thanks to the allegiance of the entire university community, including academic staff, students, graduates, and administrative personnel, as well as collaborating institutions, stakeholders from the productive sector, and technical teams who supported every stage of its organization. To all those who contributed with their time, experience, and dedication, we extend our sincere gratitude.
The 4th CONIPE 2025 not only brought together experiences and knowledge; it consolidated a community that reflects upon, debates and actively builds the future of Fishing Engineering and of the nation's fisheries and aquaculture activities.