Chilean Government Requests Resignation of Sernapesca Director Tapia, Effective October 31

The Chilean Government has requested that María Soledad Tapia Almonacid resign from her position as Director of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (Sernapesca), with her departure to take formal effect as of October 31.

The decision was announced through a brief statement issued by the Chilean Government, the Ministry of Economy, Development and Tourism, and the Undersecretariat of Fisheries and Aquaculture. To date, the government has not publicly explained the reasons for requesting her resignation, nor does the statement mention who will take over Sernapesca after Tapia's departure.

Tapia had served as director of the agency since February 7, 2023, when she was appointed by the President of the Republic following a selection process under the Senior Public Management (Alta Dirección Pública) system, during the administration of then-President Gabriel Boric. Prior to that, she held various positions within Sernapesca, including regional director for Tarapacá and Valparaíso, deputy director of fisheries, head of the personnel department, and director of the inspection school.

In the statement, the government thanked her for "the work carried out during her time as director of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service." Tapia will remain formally in office until October 31.