In the Albatross Task Force we have the opportunity to see the world through a different lens. We go to sea on commercial fishing vessels and observe how the marine ecosystem is impacted by industrial fisheries. We can spend anywhere from a few days to over two months at-sea on these floating fish factories, working toward improving the conservation status of seabirds.
It is truly rewarding to witness how boats, birds and beasts interact with each other in the marine world. We temporarily form part of that world as we work side by side with the fishermen, a challenge that is often just as entertaining as it is difficult.
After spending several days aboard, we quickly start to miss our families and loved ones, our home and our own bed. The vessel slowly becomes a replacement home and work space all in one. The company afforded by the crew is pleasant enough and can sometimes provide some cheer. The people who work on these vessels spend the majority of their time at-sea and as such they have come to consider each other as extended family. Many have known each other for many years and share much more than a working environment.
When we climb aboard with the objective to reduce seabird mortality, we are often viewed as that odd person, who has come to perform a strange and unfamiliar job in a world dominated by fish and fishing. However, not all that is caught in the net or on hooks has scales. All too often there are albatross too. When the crew see us working with the birds and see the results for themselves, they begin to understand. That is when an interesting change happens – we find we suddenly have their help to save the albatross.
For this reason we recognise that we cannot do this alone, we need the help of everyone – of the fishermen at-sea who live the reality of seabird bycatch on a daily basis; of the organisations responsible for fishery regulations and conservation measures; of all the people that are interested in saving these amazing birds. Together we can help them survive our impact on the marine world and not perish before their time.
Below: Nahuel Chavez of Aves Argentinas with a Black-browed albatross