Industrial fishing, historically one of the main economic activities in the region, now faces the challenge of reducing its impact on the sea. Plastic pollution from fishing and bycatch of non-target species have been large-scale problems for years. It is therefore essential to promote and implement capacity building processes to acquire knowledge on these issues in order to promote a more balanced management that understands and respects marine and coastal ecosystems.
In this context, on February 27, the training and exchange day ‘Good fishing practices: plastic waste management and bycatch mitigation’ was held in the city of Rawson, co-organized by the Secretariat of Fisheries of Chubut and the Forum for the Conservation of the Patagonian Sea and Areas of Influence, within the framework of the MaRes Project, whose purpose is to strengthen the resilience of coastal and marine protected areas in Argentina with the financial support of the European Union.
The event brought together technical and administrative staff, on-board observers, port operators and other key professionals from the sector, reflecting the need for a collaborative approach to reduce the environmental impacts of fishing.
Science, conservation and training: pillars of a fishery that minimizes environmental damage
During the event, experts from Aves Argentinas (AA), Fundación Cambio Democrático (FCD), Fundación Vida Silvestre Argentina (FVS) and the Instituto de Conservación de Ballenas (ICB), member organizations of the Forum, shared tools and strategies based on scientific evidence and experiences to address two of the sector’s main challenges: seabird bycatch and plastic pollution from fishing activities.
From this approach, the training sought to promote an ecosystemic vision of fisheries, in which the fishing sector not only takes advantage of marine resources, but also assumes greater responsibility for their protection. Topics addressed included the importance of improving infrastructure and waste management on board and in ports, the adoption of good practices, the implementation of measures to reduce bycatch (bird-scaring lines and effectiveness monitoring), and the importance of ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
