The ATF in South Africa is working to disseminate seabird conservation information and to demonstrate best practice measures on board vessels to reduce seabird bycatch. Conducting research on board local and foreign fishing vessels is a large part of that process. Research findings are made available to the fishing industry, general public and in relevant national and international meetings.
One mitigation experiment currently underway in South Africa is the commercial testing of the ‘Hook Pod’. The ‘hook pod’ is designed to protect the barb of the hook to prevent seabird bycatch. A pressure-release mechanism releases the baited hook at depth once the fishing gear is beyond the reach of scavenging seabirds. An LED light is also fitted to replace disposable chemical light sticks, which are a significant source of marine plastics pollution.
Earlier this year during the austral winter, the first trip was conducted on board a local pelagic longline vessel that targets tuna and swordfish. The experiment was testing hook pods against standard gear.
The trip lasted for 23-days and fishing was great. I was welcomed aboard by the crew and fishing master, with the exception of one guy who treated me with antipathy. Onboard you meet all sorts of people, so I was not deterred from conducting my research and carried on with my work.
Days went by and I continued to receive positive remarks on the performance of the hook pods, particularly the ease of operation. It was a humbling experience to see how excited fishermen were with the hook pods. Unfortunately, not everyone shared the same enthusiasm.
As part of the experiment, I observed and recorded information on the state of each and every hook pod that was set and hauled each day. On one day, I found that 80 hook pods were missing from the spare gear box. We tactfully investigated the loss of gear, searching the vessel from forecastle to stern; the crew even opened their cabins for us. We still couldn’t find a single hook pod. As the reality sunk in, I became distraught but managed to show no emotions to avoid creating tension amongst the crew.
It became obvious that someone must have thrown the 80 missing hook pods overboard. I pondered on what the motive would be to throw away my experimental gear. Then it struck me, could it have been that weird and hostile guy who gave me the ‘cold shoulder’ at the beginning of the trip? Would it be wrong to suspect him?
He had been aggressive during the trip so far, striking me on the left shoulder and right hand with weighted lead swivels when we were on deck hauling the line. I had perceived these incidents as ‘unintentional’ but this guy had given me enough reasons to suspect he was the most likely person to be behind the disappearance of the hook pods.
The fishing master of the boat shared the same view but didn’t want to confront anyone to avoid problems with his crew. I continued to do my work but found it a shame as most of the crew seemed pleased to have me around and sang praises for our work. Most were astonished by our work and the potential difference it makes in their fishing lives. It certainly can take one bad member of the crew to spoil such a wonderful working relationship we have got with other fishermen.
My next strategy is to organise them a little ‘get-together’ party and make them feel appreciated. This party will provide a great opportunity to get to know them better in a less-formal environment. I would perhaps be able to gauge their feelings about issues of conservation and my research in particular. I believe this will loosen things up before my next trip with them.
Things could only be better from this last experience.........
Below: Fisherman hauling a line with a ‘ hook pod’ on it.