@jessaddwater takes us behind the scenes to see what the unglamorous side of conservation looks like. Though it's not as exciting as field work it's just as important for biologists to be at these meetings to stand up for wildlife and their ecosystems. | Repost @jessaddwater | This is also shark conservation. Especially when discussing pelagic #sharks. For the past week, I've been sitting in the scientific committee meeting of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC). I'm on the Cook Islands delegation, which sits between China and the EU. This Commission manages the tuna fisheries in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean and comprises the ocean real estate of 16 Pacific Island Countries, plus the high seas. 60% of the world's tuna is caught in the Pacific. . All countries that exist in this region and those that fish in this region, such as the USA, Japan, China, EU, Taiwan, Korea, are here talking about how the populations of tuna, sharks, turtles and other species are faring based on the best available data. . Many pelagic sharks are caught (both as bycatch and targeted) on vessels that fish for tuna. Therefore, if we want to have a voice for how they are managed in these fisheries, then we have to participate in this process. . It is not fun. It is frustrating and slow. Countries with a vested interest make stupid comments to refute science for political reasons (which they shouldn't), masked as scientific reasons. Conservation moves very very slowly. But, being here is still important because you have a chance to learn, to interact and, on occasion, to interject. . This particular meeting is discussing blue sharks, shortfin mako sharks, porbeagle sharks and the safe release of rays. . Throughout the two weeks, the data is presented. And, we make recommendations for another meeting in December, where conservation and management decisions are made. . This is the unsexy, boring, frustrating, long, tedious but important part of my work. But I still love what I do. And, I'm able to build relationships and little by little, try to make a difference. #sharkscience #conservation #RFMO #WCPFC #wildlifeconservation #fisheriesmanagement
