Date:  07 February 2006

Dave Kellian, fisherman, inventor and advocate for sustainable fishing, is going to Peru on the 7th of February to promote what he knows best, seabird friendly fishing methods.

His trip is sponsored by New Zealand’s Southern Seabird Solutions Trust, which is a Government, NGO and fishing industry alliance established in July 2002. Dave will share his technical knowledge and experience to introduce practical actions that Peruvian fishermen can undertake to avoid catching seabirds.

Dave will spend three weeks in Peru working alongside Instituto del Mar del Perú (IMARPE)* and Pro Dephinos staff to determine what support and advice is needed to address seabird by-catch in Peru. During this time he will visit a number of fishing ports, undertake several fishing trips, partake in workshops, and meet with fishing industry representatives, government officials and NGOs as well as taking some time out to enjoy Peru.

Dave has fished in New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, using a wide range of fishing techniques and he is dedicated to reducing seabird captures. He has committed a significant amount of personal time and money to developing new solutions, including his underwater setting bait capsule. He has also developed bird streamer lines (tori lines) that are able to be used by smaller vessels setting at lower setting speeds.

The project is part of New Zealand’s Southern Seabird Solutions’ co-operation agreement, signed with Peru in October to promote seabird safe fishing practices.

Funding has been received from the NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the International Association of Antarctic Tourism Operators, IMARPE and Department of Conservation for this project.

*IMARPE manages scientific research into living marine and inland water resources, and lays the scientific groundwork for fishery resource management.

Please note: Dave is available for interview on location in Peru.

For further information please contact:
Stephanie Rowe
Marine Conservation Unit
Department of Conservation
Email: srowe@doc.govt.nz
Ph: +64 4 471 3095

Joanna Garty
Communications Advisor
NZ Seafood Industry Council
Email: gartyj@seafood.co.nz
Ph: +64 4 802 1841