First, allow me to introduce myself. My background is quite international: I was born in Mexico to a father from Chile and a mother from Brazil. I grew up in Israel, in a kibbutz up north. There I studied at The Environmental High School located in the desert at Sede Boker.
Following military service, I worked for the Society for the Protection Of Nature in Israel as an administrator and field guide, and then later I spent three years working for the Israeli Nature and Parks Authorities as manager of an education and guiding centre in the Negev Desert.
I met my first seabirds working as a scientific observer on fishing vessels off South Africa. Here I gained experience in interacting with crew members regarding bycatch problems. I was so impressed by these birds that when asked if I was interested in working for the Albatross Task Force, I didn't even think twice!
My hobby is birding and as a birdwatcher and conservationist, I am passionate about marine life, particularly seabirds.
Working at sea is a very unique and exciting experience. Spending long periods of time away in sometimes quite small vessels is not easy, but living with these magnificent birds around you all day, you forget all the problems.
I’ve just got back from sea after a two-week trip on a tuna longliner. It was a very interesting trip, though sad as we came back with 15 dead birds (12 shy albatrosses and four white-chinned petrels). We also caught three sea turtles.
One of the hardest things is feeling sad when a dead bird is hauled up. Every time it happens it breaks my heart, but I know I have to be strong and not let my feelings show.
I’m going out to sea again at the end of the week. I will post my diary and pictures on this site each time I return from my trips to keep you informed of our progress. Sometimes, sadly, these may be disturbing, but I only hope that our work at sea will put a stop to such images.