This last trip in November was a little adventurous, although it only lasted twelve days due to a dodgy generator causing a number of unexpected events onboard.
We started the trip moving around more than normal, in the search for good fishing grounds. The swordfish were being elusive and simply refused to appear. Half way through the trip one of the generators, which provides power to the winches and starts the main engine, broke down. However, the captain decided to carry on regardless and rely solely on the other generator.
As we tried fishing waters 250 nautical miles off the coast, the second generator gave up, leaving us without all major equipment, such as GPS, radar and radio! Worse still, was the fact that the water pumps relied on this generator and as the vessel had a number of holes in the hull, water was pouring in. The crew had to take turns bailing out manually for 24 hours while we waited for assistance in some pretty bad weather conditions.
When help came, they fixed one of the generators enabling us to return to shore under our own steam. The other vessel stayed close in case we needed further support.
Despite our misfortune, we still managed to set several lines during the trip and I carried out the tori line experiments we are testing in Uruguay. We had some entanglements between the gear and the tori line, which allowed us to observe where and how this was happening so that we can work on improving the design.
Although there were many seabirds accompanying the vessel throughout the trip, including a good number of the big albatrosses such as wandering and royal albatrosses, there was generally less as we set the gear.
We had no incidents of bycatch and despite the difficulties of the trip; having tested the tori lines in all weather conditions pleased us a lot, as did the high level of cooperation between the captain and crew. On balance we believe that the trip was really positive for us, as each trip we learn something new and we feel that the crews are increasingly collaborative and open.