Conferences
19–24 October 2025, Punta Arenas, Chile
ICHA Conferences Sponsorship Announcement
The conference is scheduled to take place from October 19 to 24, 2025, at the southernmost tip of the Americas, in the Chilean city of Punta Arenas.
From this moment forward, we warmly welcome you to the Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica region, the southernmost administrative division of Chile. This remarkable area boasts a compelling history, reaching its zenith in the early 20th century before the opening of the Panama Canal. It is also home to the fascinating stories of resilience and adaptation by the indigenous peoples who have inhabited this land for over 7,000–12,000 years. The conference logo pays homage to two of these sea nomads’ groups: the Kawésqar, who roamed the northern regions of the Strait of Magellan, and the Yagán, who lived to the south, particularly around the Beagle Channel. You are invited to explore the meaning behind this emblematic logo on the Conference website.
This region is not only culturally and historically significant but also scientifically relevant. Historical records from the late 19th century describe cases of paralytic shellfish poisoning in Yaghan communities in the Beagle Channel after the consumption of contaminated mussels. Furthermore, the first documented instance of a bloom associated with paralytic shellfish toxins in this region occurred in Bahía Bell, in proximity to Punta Arenas, during the early 1970s. The fjords of southern Chile are currently experiencing a proliferation of harmful algal species and associated marine toxins, making Punta Arenas an ideal location for advancing discussions on harmful algal blooms (HABs).
We are confident that ICHA 2025 will provide a unique opportunity for scientists from across the globe to interact, share knowledge, and establish the foundations for future collaborative research. Participants will explore the latest advancements in understanding the ecological, societal, and economic impacts of HABs, with a focus on developing predictive tools, mitigation strategies, and control measures. While marine ecosystems remain central to our discussions, the conference will also open the floor to studies of HABs in freshwater systems such as rivers and lakes, offering a comprehensive perspective on this critical global challenge.
For more information on the speaker line-up, schedule, and further details, please visit the following website:
