We have arrived in the summer months of December and January and typically the pelagic longline vessels stop their activities and the crew take a well-earned rest. This period lasts until the end of February and in some cases extends to mid-March.
During this time, I have taken the opportunity to meet with colleagues and close friends to discuss the Albatross Task Force and our intentions and aims for 2008 and beyond. A large part of my time has been explaining the mitigation trials we will be conducting this year and many of the guys on the pelagic vessels are interested to know more about it.
The most frequent question is whether or not they will all be affected; of course the answer is that we intend to try out the bird-scaring lines on as many boats as possible and that all vessels use them.
There are two types of vessel in the fishery, the artisan and the industrial, which are separated by size. The fishing method is essentially the same and it will be interesting to see how the bird-scaring lines work on different boats.
Industrial vessels carry a fishery observer who collects biological catch data and who will also help monitor seabird issues. The smaller artisan vessels, however, don't have observers due to lack of available space.
In order to collect seabird data from the artisan vessels, I have been convincing the captains to take data sheets with them to mark down when dead birds are captured and also bring samples when possible so that we can check species identification and take measurements. I am happy to say that there has been a great deal of willingness to cooperate.
As most of the vessels belong to a single company with whom we have good relations, I have been working to increase involvement with another fishing company, Sunrise, who have two vessels and are currently investing in a third to join the industrial fleet. They are showing interest in the mitigation work and seem happy to work with us to reduce the mortality that we have found in this fishery.