The South African ATF team collaborates with fishermen to address the challenges faced at sea, thereby creating opportunities for the exchange of knowledge.
We work primarily with four key fishing fleets: Demersal hake trawl, Pelagic tuna longline, Demersal hake longline and tuna Pole and Line.
At sea, ATF instructors collect data on seabird abundance and interactions, conduct research and work with fishermen to test mitigation measures that do not impact fishing operations.
We do training and awareness work as well as engage internationally and with other ATF teams to advocate for the implementation of best-practice mitigation measures across the Southern Ocean.
Our goal is to find and help implement win-win solutions and compliance measures to the problem of seabird bycatch in line with sustainable fishing practices
Bycatch Solution And Mitigation Measures
Bird-scaring lines act as visual deterrents and are a simple and affordable solution that helps prevent seabirds from colliding with trawl cables or from drowning as a result swallowing baited hooks before these have sunk out of reach (Picture 3, Bird-scaring lines being effective at keeping seabirds away from trawl cables during fishing operations (Picture 3. Bird-scaring lines being effective at keeping seabirds away from trawl cables during fishing operations)
Additional mitigation measures are employed in pelagic and demersal longline fisheries, which include setting fishing lines at night and weighting the fishing lines, so they will sink out of reach of diving seabirds as fast as possible. Hook-shielding devices such as Hookpods are have been developed as stand-alone measures, eliminating the need for nigh-setting and the use of bird-scaring lines.
Our mitigation measures adhere to best–practice guidelines of the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels and have been incorporated into Fisheries Permit Conditions for trawl and longline fleets.
Demersal Longline Project
We are assessed the fleet’s seabird bycatch management strategies to recommend improved measures and increase awareness (Picture 4)
Hookpod project
We tested the new mini-Hookpod a clever device that works by shielding the hooks as they are set, preventing seabirds from getting caught. (Picture 5)
Compliance device project
Trialling the innovative Bird-scaring line compliance device in 2021 were carried out in partnership with Imvelo Blue Environmental Consultancy with funding from ACAP. (Picture 6)
Inshore trawl project
A project funded by the Marine Stewardship Council – Ocean Stewardship Fund, which successfully developed bespoke mitigation measures for the Inshore trawl fleet. (Picture 7)
Bird Scaring Lines Manufacturing Project
A partnership between the ATF and Ocean View Association for Persons with Disabilities producing Bird Scaring Lines (BSL) which are supplied to the fishing industry to reduce seabirds mortalities across the fleet, whilst supporting the local community with their socio-economic needs. (Picture 8)
