Details of our solution to tackle bycatch: engage, educate and advocate
Our ATF teams work directly with fishers to assess the risk posed by target fishing fleets by collecting data on vessels and supporting the implementation of effective mitigation measures that can reduce seabird bycatch to negligible levels. The measures range from simply fishing at night when fewer birds are around, to using so-called ‘bird-scaring lines’ which act as scarecrows behind fishing vessels, spooking birds out of harm’s way. In Taiwan, we are not able to join the vessels as they spend months at-sea. Instead, we are deploying an in-port outreach approach to ensure there are locally sourced options to provision Best Practice mitigation measures for the fleet. Where mitigation is available, like bird-scaring lines, we are providing advice on the design and materials. Where mitigation is not available, we are assisting in the sourcing of crew-safe measures such as “sliding leads” that prevent potential injury at-sea.
Our teams also work closely with government representatives, helping secure national regulations, requiring vessels to use such ‘bycatch mitigation measures’. In Taiwan, we are promoting and facilitating awareness of RFMO conservation measures that Taiwan has committed to incorporating into national regulations.
At a grassroots level, key to ATF success has been outreach activities including the training of fishing industry personnel (fishers, observers and compliance officers), bycatch education workshops at local schools and the production of reference materials (videos, leaflets) to supplement the wider programme. In Taiwan, we are currently adapting this approach to work within the local culture and structure, liaising with the local fishery observer agency, supporting capacity building activities so that lessons learnt in ATF teams are effectively transferred and incorporated into Taiwanese fleets.
The resultant relationships built with key stakeholders in the fishing industry and national authorities around the world puts the ATF in a unique position to help support Taiwanese fleets transition towards full implementation of bycatch mitigation measures on tuna vessels.
On behalf of the RSPB and Taiwan Wild Bird Foundation, we are grateful for the help from the Planeterra Ocean Health Fund to support Taiwanese fisheries, communities and government to educate and improve understanding of mitigation measures to help protect threatened seabirds and promote sustainably sourced seafood.