As an instructor with the Albatross Task Force in Argentina, I embarked for 45 days aboard a pelagic (mid-water) trawl vessel that targets whip-tailed hake, also known as "hoki" (Macruronus magellanicus). The ship sailed from the port city of Ushuaia - at the end of the world!
On this trip I was conducting work related to seabird interactions with fisheries as part of the process towards this fishery obtaining Marine Stewardship Council certification.
One of the peculiarities of this trip was that I went to sea with two friends: John Paul Romanelli and Jorge Mariño who both work as fishery observers. Part of the work was to discuss the mitigation measure options for this type of vessel and assist in the identification of the different species of seabirds.
Both observers were familiar with the methodologies and criteria used for seabird work thanks to previous courses and talks we had given in the past. We were able to spend some time together practising the collection of morphometric measurements of some albatrosses that were caught during the trip.
Below: Nahuel takes morphometric measurements of an albatross on board a trawl vessel in Argentina
It was enjoyable to share this trip with friends, despite sharing a small cabin and seeing each other all the time for 45 days. We managed by respecting each other’s space and helping each other out. It made for a different experience to the usual trips where typically only a single observer is on board.
For me, having company on board helped keep my motivation high when, despite the cold, I had to return to the platform 8 metres above sea level where I would conduct observations of the fishing operation and interactions amidst strong winds, snow, hail and rain; hostile conditions that are typical of these high latitude seas.
I am pleased to report that both observers and crew members came to the end of their trip with a broader knowledge of seabird conservation and the importance of collaborating to implement mitigation measures and correctly record species that interact with these vessels. I was proud of the work we completed when a sailor came to ask me if he had identified an albatross correctly.
Such was the level of enthusiasm amongst the crew that they actively participated in the talks that I gave on board. They later announced that they "felt they must continue to work and care for these critters." It was very gratifying to share so much time with all these people. As this was our first trip on a pelagic trawler, many of the crew had no idea the "albatross saviours ", as we were known, existed at all.
Below: Nahuel gives an educational briefing on seabird conservation
The best part was the large quantity and variety of questions I received. As I said, this was a new journey for me and quite different from most trips. There were days when I wanted to get away even if it meant swimming ashore, but upon arriving in port I felt nostalgia and a desire to spend more time with the people I had met - people who will now take more care of the albatrosses. It is always worth conducting a long trip as it gives you more time and opportunities to achieve our main objectives and always generates some experiences to take home.
Editors’ note: Nahuel completed his trip on the 21st December 2012 and on the 29th was married to his partner Valeria. His companion at sea, John Paul Romanelli, was his witness at the wedding!
Congratulations Nahuel and Valeria from all the ATF!!