What is your first memory of the ocean?
ANSWER
I was born in a small fishing town. My earliest memories are walking along the coastal path with my dad to buy fish at the local market. I remember the smells of the sea, the local market and the fishmeal factories alongside the road. Now I realize that the permanent smell of fish was due to the deep contamination of the coasts by the fishmeal processing plants. Fortunately, we now have strict rules governing those plants.
I also remember my first vacation to the beaches near my home. Chile is a country with a long coast and is very narrow, so reaching the sea never takes more than 2 hours. I have been fortunate to live most of my life near the sea.
QUESTION
What parts of the outdoors/nature do you feel most connected to?
ANSWER
I enjoy the tranquility of the mountain forests and the diversity of ocean landscapes. Patagonia offers many opportunities to experience both. The fjords of Patagonia combine the ocean, forests, marine life, mountains and volcanoes. If you like to be in nature or even enjoy extreme sports, you should visit.
QUESTION
What did you study?
ANSWER
I studied veterinary science and fish pathology in Chile. My kids don’t believe I’m a veterinarian because they’ve never seen me treat a cat or a dog, but veterinarians focused on fish and aquaculture are very common in southern Chile.