When I had started here, working in seabird conservation, I had never even seen an albatross before, never been on a fishing boat before - the challenge was unknown to me.
Now, almost two years down the line, I can safely say that I have achieved what very few people who work in conservation can say they have achieved, at the cold face of the bycatch issue.
I am here to tell you, with a heavy heart, that I am leaving the Albatross Task Force. I am very sad to be leaving, as I have been highly fulfilled working with the force. It has been incredibly dynamic, going to sea, running workshops, working this close with the fishery.
I would not have gained this much experience nor realised my passion for marine conservation as intensely as I do now, if I had not been working with these ancient, majestic and mysterious ocean mariners. I have developed an undying passion for the birds, and look forward to future endeavours with the Meidad and Barry here in South Africa, as well as being reunited with the albatrosses each time I am at sea.
I know the ATF is doing a fantastic and courageous job daily. Additionally, the coverage of our efforts has been tremendous and this work would not be a reality without the campaign.
It has been an emotional time as well, at sea and face to face with the fishers, and as a result, the greatest development and growth period of my life. The ATF was my first ever post and I have been privileged employee of it.
This work, in my eyes, is the closest (emotionally and physically) a conservationist can get to working on such a major threat with opportunities in succeeding and overcoming the problem.
With that, I say goodbye and send thanks and support to these dedicated and passionate people. Best of luck to all you guys up there, ATF in Brazil and here in SA (and anywhere else ATF members start to work).
May the force be with you!