In his work in New Zealand, Gap2 project coordinator Steve Mackinson has been meeting with Southern Seabird Solutions Trust, a New Zealand NGO who advocate “conservation through cooperation”. Steve explains “Shared concerns and collaboration among scientists and fishermen lead to win-wins for seabirds and fisheries.”
The Trust empowers commercial fishermen and recreational anglers to reduce harm to seabirds and make a real difference out on the water. The feelings of the fishermen towards seabirds are illustrated in the short promotional video and as one fisher explains on his relationship with seabirds:
“They’re my partners in daily life, they’re with me all the time…I love to see them and I enjoy their company every day.”
This is just one way in which collaborative research can make a difference to those whose lives depend on our seas.
Seabird Smart Fishing from Janice Molloy on Vimeo.