This has not been a good week. I was shocked and angered by events in Westminster and our thoughts are with all those affected by the act of terror. The attack took place on the day that we were due to celebrate the work of 43 MPs - our species champions - who have been prepared to use their political voices for threatened species.
We need democratically elected politicians to speak out and we are always happy to work with those keen to make a difference. And when they do, it's great to be able, as we would have done on Wednesday night, to acknowledge their contribution and applaud their good work.
This week, politicians on the other side of the world have stepped up for nature. The Argentinian Government approved the use of measures to prevent seabird bycatch deaths: the use of bird-scaring lines will become a compulsory mitigation measure in the trawl fishery to protect seabirds. It will be a voluntary measure until May 1, 2018 and mandatory from that date. It is the latest in a long line of successes from BirdLife International's Global Marine Programme (hosted by the RSPB) and its Albatross Task Force.
Black-browed albatross (credit: Stephanie Winnard)
Studies estimate that between 9,000 and 18,000 black-browed albatross Thalassarche melanophrys are killed every year, and this is only taking into account those that are killed by Argentine hake trawlers.
Through the Albatross Task Force, BirdLife Partner, Aves Argentinas has been working with fishermen to recognise and identify the seabird species they encounter every day: black-browed albatross, Cape petrel, southern giant petrel, shy albatross, southern royal albatross and, the king of the seas, the wandering albatross, all inhabit these icy waters.
Over the last few months, the Argentinean team members of the Albatross Task Force, with the support of many organisations including the National Fisheries Secretariat, the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, the National Institute for Research and Fisheries Development (INIDEP), the University of Mar del Plata (IIMyC-CONICET) and Fundación Vida Silvestre developed the draft resolution for the use of bird-scaring lines on trawlers, which was approved unanimously last week by the members of the Federal Fisheries Council.
Many congratulations to all involved including those who ultimately made the decision that will save the lives of thousands of seabirds.
Argentna may be almost as far away from the UK as one can get but with this action by all concerned it offers hope to our besieged international wildlife. Actions like this are so important even though they are so far away.and so grossly under reported by the general media. I know the ultimate driver behind this big conservation effort to save our sea birds and especially, in this case, our South Atlantic sea birds, is the RSPB.
A fantastic ongoing effort deserving huge credit.