A lot has happened since my last diary. First of all we celebrated a fantastic year for the ATF team in Brazil! We acheived something we have all been working toward - "zero birds captured" during our ATF trips at-sea in the longline fishery – a huge result! However, our work is not done! We now need to help the entire fleet adopt the measures we have shown work so well.
This year we are also ready for another challenge! An innovative invention called the Hook Pod created by Global Seabird Programme Coordinator Ben Sullivan and developed by an English company called Fishtek Ltd. We were provided with some to test in a commercial setting in the Brazilian longline fleet. The Hook Pod is a capsule that protects the barb of the hook and thus prevents seabirds from becoming hooked during longline line setting operations.
The cunning design behind this device is a mechanism that releases the hook as it sinks below 10m, leaving the hook free to fish for fish. Therefore its use does not disturb negatively influence the fishery and helps the birds fly by in peace.
For the first trials we rented a fishing boat and I went to sea together with Tatiana (Projeto Albatroz, Brazil) and Oliver Yates (ATF - Coordinator). As often happens in sea trips we had to postpone due to a tropical cyclone hitting the coast of Brazil (see the synoptic chart)! We therefore stayed on shore for two days until the cyclone passed, or at least the worst of it.
We eventually headed out in the early morning into some heavy breakers crashing into the bow of the vessel. With all the wind and swell, it was not long before we spotted the first Yellow-nosed albatross, just 20 minutes from the coast.
We spent a whole day steaming out to the fishing grounds and then in the late afternoon we began testing the Hook Pods.
As usual the first day working at-sea is not great fun, especially in some rough seas but it is all part of our work! However, we were encouraged to pass the first few lines without a single problem, the Hook Pods working wonderfully well and fitting into the fishing operation with ease. Most importantly the fishermen liked them and collaborated in spectacular fashion. Finally, after the storm subsided we awoke to calm waters for our last days at sea. The ships’ cook prepared a fantastic barbecue for us which we rapidly and hungrily consumed, as at the beginning of the trip we didn’t have much appetite!
The image shows Fabiano working onboard. Photo: Oli Yates
Last month we had a special visit in Mar del Plata from ATF Chile! After a long trip by plane, ferry and bus Cristián Suazo arrived in our city with the objectives of perfecting onboard safety protocols, discussing the various fishing operations onboard trawl vessels and going over the available materials and construction methods for trawl mitigation measures.
We also took time out to visit the ports and the various different vessel designs we work with, explaining in each case the methods we use in different situations. These kind of trips are often hard work for the person who is travelling but the information sharing aspect of our work is key in developing the knowledge and experience of the ATF Instructors from each country.
We also managed to share a couple of local Argentinean ales – something we found we have in common with our companions in Chile!
Thanks for the visit Cristian, see you again soon!
The image shows Cristian with Nahuel Chavez in Mar del Plata. Photo: Leo Tamini
Wow, what an event it was. The event was so immaculately organised in such a beautiful country like Uruguay. I personally was elated to meet the entire Albatross Task Force (ATF) team for the first time. The event had such an awesome atmosphere with such fascinating people who possess so much knowledge and passion about the conservation of seabirds. One of the objectives of the workshop was to get an overview of the work done in 2010 by the ATF team and also discuss possible future research projects.
Words cannot begin to describe the experience I have had in Piriapolis, Uruguay. Interacting with the team was very beneficial and enlightening because the team was willing to share their experiences in their respective countries. Their extensive knowledge on seabird bycatch mitigation measures and the passion they have shown when talking about them confirmed to me that regardless of how few we are, we are indeed changing the world.
The message I went home with was that I shouldn’t stop trying to do my bit until these endangered seabirds are no longer being killed at all. The workshop left me with much pride, enthusiasm and inspiration to want to do more for seabirds.
Now all that is left for me is to start conducting my line weighting experiment in Richards Bay this month. The objective of the experiment is to investigate the effect of catch rate of target and non-target species (mainly sharks) when using a 60 gram or 150 gram Safe Lead on the branchline. Furthermore, the experiment aims to investigate the effect on the age/class size of sharks caught when using the heavier safe lead (150 gram).
I can’t wait to start, my heart won’t let me and I don’t want to wait……
The image shows Safe Leads being added to longline fishing gear during the first round of experimental trials. Photo by Meidad Goren.
It was one of the most beautiful afternoons and an anxious one for me. The design of a demersal trawler struck my attention. It is such an incredible feeling that one needs to be actually onboard a trawler to begin to comprehend such a euphoria.
The smell of diesel and oil on the vessel couldn’t dampen the elation I had. The slight seasickness tried but without success to deter my excitement. The wobble movement and pitching of the boat were also not going to stop my excitement. In fact, nothing was going to stop me from enjoying my trip.
The sudden appearance of seabirds that were following the vessel just filled me with awe and I was left with nothing but an utmost admiration. The arrival of a ‘wandering albatross’ in two consecutive days made it much more special for me. It was a grandeur arrival, a gentle majestic glide just above our heads.
To be able to interact with at least 30 crew members who have different perspectives of nature and life, was such an awesome experience. They were friendly and very chatty people who harbour great enthusiasm in the work we are doing as ATF team members. We had two gifted and wonderful cooks onboard but one cook (an old man named Aubrey) was very chatty and made jokes that made us laugh every time we went down to the mess hall. It was this kind of experience that made me enjoy the trip and working on demersal hake trawlers.
Every flap of an albatross’ wings has left me with awe. It’s now more than 1 month later, but the impact of that encounter with the ‘’wandering albatross’’ has remained. Indeed, an inexpressible and very emotional experience that I will have to treasure for many more years to come.
In the photo Tshikana starts his first trip with the Albatross Task Force.
During one of my recent sea trips I was very excited to see that one of the skippers that we have been working with for over 3 years had a new piece of equipment. He had a brand new camera and lens! He could not wait to tell me that he has taken up the hobby of photography of all marine life while he has the time and opportunity at sea. He is putting together his own personal collection of photographs of all the fish species caught, cetaceans, and seabirds, as well as any vessels that pass by. He very proudly told me that the reason for his new found interest was his love and fascination of the wandering albatross due to the work of the Albatross Task Force. We spent time in the bridge while he showed me his best shots so far, as well as going through some of the bird species names that he was not familiar with.
About two weeks after returning from this trip I read on the rare birds news that he had managed to get an amazing sighting (and photograph) of a Chatham Albatross – the fourth ever sighting in our waters!
We look forward to seeing some of Wilfred Esau’s photographs in the annual Save Our Seabirds Festival Photograph competition in October 2011. Keep an eye on the BirdLife South Africa website for details (www.birdlife.org.za)!