In a joint action between the Forum for the Conservation of the Patagonian Sea and Areas of Influence, IBERCONSA SA Group and the technical team of the Marine Program of Aves Argentinas, innovative solutions are being implemented to mitigate seabird bycatch in Argentine fisheries. One of the key strategies in this direction is the installation of an electronic monitoring system on board the fishing vessel CERES, of IBERCONSA SA Group.
This is an initiative developed within the MaRes Project, financed by the European Union, which among other objectives aims to strengthen the resilience of Argentina’s Coastal and Marine Protected Areas (MCPAs), promoting responsible and sustainable fishing practices.
The ongoing work highlights the need to increase collaborative actions between the private fishing sector and organizations dedicated to science and conservation in order to generate relevant results in the protection of marine biodiversity.
This year, as part of a framework agreement between Aves Argentinas and IBERCONSA Group, two cameras were installed on the vessel CERES to monitor the use of bird-scaring lines (BSLs). These lines, equipped with deterrents, are designed to reduce fatal collisions of birds with trawl cables, as is the case of the black-browed albatross. By moving birds away from risk areas during trawling operations, BSLs play a key role in the conservation of these endangered species.
“There is a growing commitment from the fishing sector to implement good fishing practices, especially those aimed at the conservation of endangered species. It is essential that this commitment, and the support from civil society organizations, is maintained over time to achieve significant changes.” Leandro Tamini – Coordinator of the Marine Program of Aves Argentinas and of the Bycatch Mitigation and Good Fishing Practices Component of the MaRes Project.
Encouraging results: 232 albatrosses protected
Until November 2024, images from five fishing trips conducted by CERES have been analyzed, verifying their correct implementation and use and comparing it with the images obtained with the captain’s reports on board. The results have been encouraging:
The use of the bird-scaring lines exceeded 85% of the trawl time on each trip, reaching an average of 96%.
It is estimated that, thanks to this use, 232 black-browed albatrosses have been prevented from impacting and dying when they hit the fishing lines, a figure that underlines the importance of these measures for the conservation of vulnerable species.
“Participatory workshops with crew members are crucial for compliance with the use of mitigation measures. Onboard personnel committed to good fishing practices guarantees the conservation of species.”– Nahuel Chavez, Aves Argentinas Marine Program.
Innovation and continuous improvement
The electronic monitoring system not only verifies compliance with best fishing practices, but also offers the opportunity for continuous improvement. The technical team is currently working with engineers to optimize the angles of focus of the cameras, which will enable more accurate observation of the operation of the BSLs and their interaction with seabirds.
The next steps include the installation of this system on two other IBERCONSA Group vessels, the VENTARRÓN I and the GÉMINIS, thus expanding the scope of the initiative, which reinforces the commitment of the fishing sector to the protection of biodiversity in the Argentine Sea.
“As an entity, our commitment to society is reflected in initiatives that promote sustainability and contribute to local and community development.” Representatives of Iberconsa SA Group.
A collaborative model for marine conservation
Building alliances between fishing companies and conservation organizations is essential to protect emblematic species such as the black-browed albatross, the southern giant petrel, the southern royal albatross and the cape petrel, among other species that inhabit our Sea.
In this sense, the Forum for the Conservation of the Patagonian Sea and Areas of Influence continues to support collaborative proposals in which marine biodiversity and human activities can coexist in balance.