Original article: Microdocumental aborda el cambio climático desde la mirada de la pesca artesanal

Microdocumentary Explores Climate Change Through the Lens of Artisanal Fishing

An idea conceived by students from the University of the Holy Conception (UCSC), driven by the desire to communicate science from a unique angle, culminated in a microdocumentary presented to the national scientific community.

Led by Felipe Cárdenas, along with Matías Ariz and Gabriel Mazo, the initiative aims to address the effects of climate change not just through scientific data but through the experiences of those who have a daily relationship with the sea.

One of the project’s key milestones occurred during the 2026 Marine Sciences Congress Video Night, where the work developed in the first semester was showcased.

The project emerged from the students’ interest in this form of outreach as well as experiences witnessed in previous iterations of the scientific gathering.

Added support came from Dean Dr. Florence Tellier, who provided guidance and ideas from the outset. Additionally, Dr. Iván Hinojosa encouraged them to develop an audiovisual proposal.

Although the team initially envisioned a broader initiative, they decided to focus geographically to create a narrative that would deepen the experiences of coastal communities.

The Faculty of Sciences at UCSC also supported the development of the project from its early stages.

Science and Audiovisual Communication

A distinct aspect of the initiative was the collaborative effort with audiovisual students from UCSC. Felipe Cárdenas coordinated with the program to present the proposal and explore the possibility of developing this project collaboratively.

This collaboration allowed for the incorporation of knowledge and tools from another discipline, enriching an initiative that originated in marine sciences. In April, the focus was primarily on management and coordination, with recordings taking place in May 2026.

For Felipe, this partnership also represented an opportunity to learn how to collaborate with students from other fields and appreciate the contributions that various disciplines can make to the communication of scientific topics.

Artisanal Fishermen at the Heart of the Narrative

The microdocumentary features insights from coastal areas of Biobío, placing artisanal fishermen at the core of the narrative. The aim was to approach climate change through the eyes of those who directly witness its changes in the environment.

«From the beginning, we wanted to address the impact of climate change, a topic that has gained attention recently, from a different perspective. We were used to seeing only data, reports, papers, and articles, but we wanted to hear the views of the people primarily affected by climate change,» Felipe stated.

Thus, the work sought to complement the scientific view with a social dimension, connecting a global issue to the experiences of communities whose lives and activities are closely tied to the ocean.

However, challenges arose in the development of the microdocumentary. Weather conditions forced the cancellation of some field outings and required modifications to the planning. Despite this, the team managed to progress and present their work at one of the country’s leading marine science gatherings.

«I was very satisfied with the work I developed with the team. It wasn’t all perfect; there were cancellations due to the weather, so there were always obstacles, but we kept moving forward and succeeded,» remarked the UCSC Master’s student in Marine Ecology.

One of the aspects the young creator valued most was the audience’s response to the audiovisual piece. He explained that there was some anticipation regarding how the message would resonate with the public, but feedback after its presentation was overwhelmingly positive.

The experience also provided insights that extend beyond academic training. For Felipe, participating in a project like this fosters skills related to collaboration, interdisciplinary connections, and, importantly, innovative ways to communicate scientific knowledge.

«I believe it contributes from several angles, particularly in terms of multidisciplinary collaboration, working with other fields, and how we communicate scientific results. We aimed to blend the social with the scientific,» he emphasized.

Science that Engages with Communities

The presentation of the microdocumentary at the 2026 Marine Sciences Congress marked the conclusion of the first phase of an initiative that began as a concern among students and ultimately intertwined science, audiovisual communication, and experiences from coastal communities.

Moreover, the project underscores the importance of creating spaces where university education can engage with other disciplines and the local environment. This experience encourages considering climate change beyond numbers, graphs, and scientific publications, incorporating the voices of those who daily witness the transformations of the ocean and its shores.

Thus, the initiative demonstrates that communicating science also means listening, connecting, and crafting narratives capable of bringing knowledge closer to people, reinforcing a professional training committed to the environmental and social challenges of the regions.