Among the activities that we conduct as ATF instructors, working with the crew aboard fishing vessels is the most difficult to accurately quantify. We can identify a seabird to species or sub-species level, record the exact times of fishing operations, statistically demonstrate the efficiency of mitigation measures but working at-sea with members of the fishing crew is different. It is a deeply social aspect of our work that includes listening as much as talking, understanding as much as convincing.
As ATF instructors we spend a lot of time at the stern of the vessel, and the interaction with these people is continuous. The results are not easily palpable. How successful has our work with a fishing crew been? How can we know that we are achieving our objectives in this regard? Many times we find difficult individuals who are completely sceptical of mitigation measures but also the opposite is true. We regularly find fishers who are willing to listen, to give their opinion and to discuss ideas but above all we find people that respect the sea and its inhabitants.
This is the case of two very different members of two different vessels: Claudio and Pedro. Both occupy the post of ship’s boson, whose duties include directing fishing operations and manoeuvres on deck.
Below: Pedro works the winches on deck with his ATF Argentina cap
With over 22 years of experience on board, Claudio commented that "Many years ago there were many more albatrosses than we see today. It is clear that populations have declined." Pedro has worked at-sea for over 17 years and always wears his ATF Argentina cap on deck. He has learnt to recognise many of the species that interact with the ship and is able to precisely separate the "age class" of many birds and on calm days attracts dolphins by whistling!
During the first days of a recent trip, my colleague Nahuel was astounded by the crew’s collaboration, interest and willingness to learn. Nahuel asked Claudio what drove the interest of the crew to help save the albatross. Claudio explained with a humble look, but the firmness of a worker that: "They also have the right to live"
While we cannot easily or accurately record how the social aspect of our work with fishers, we know that thanks to the ATF there are more Pedros and Claudios. By finding more ambassadors for respecting marine life, we can move toward our main objective - more birds at sea!
Below: Claudio helps ATF instructor Nahuel with a tori line and the off-setting towed device known as the Tamini Tabla