Providing support in the collection and interpretation of data related to the assessment of the interaction between fishermen and seabirds

As part of the project LIFE Artina – “Seabird Conservation Network in the Adriatic”, which deals with problems in the conservation of seabirds in the middle Adriatic, the Institute conducts research on the mutual influence of fishermen and birds. Through interviews with fishermen in several locations in Croatia (the wider area of ​​the islands of Lastovo, Korčula and Vis), data is collected on the attitudes of fishermen towards seabirds, the interest of fishermen in the use of fishing equipment, tools or measures that reduce the impact on seabirds, and familiarity with the project. LIFE Artina. As part of the project, field research was carried out in 2019 and 2020 on Lastovo, Vis and Korčula. A workshop was held and 29 respondents were surveyed, on the basis of which the leader prepared three reports – one for the area of ​​Vis (Komiža to be exact), the other for the area of ​​Korčula and Lastovo, and one consolidated report. Following the recommendations of expert studies carried out until then on the project, the research client, the Biom Association, accepted the proposal for new research activities and modified the schedule of activities. Namely, in the first round of research, slightly more surveys were conducted than expected and a sufficient number of interested fishermen were found, therefore the scope of activities related to individual work with fishermen related to the implementation of measures to reduce the accidental catch of birds was increased. In agreement with the client, before the end of the project (in January 2023), an annex to the contract with a modified description of the activities was signed.