Citizen shark scientists
Volunteers are trained to conduct genetic sampling and necropsies and to gather data by monitoring landings and surveying fisherman. This creates an opportunity for conservationists and concerned citizens to have a positive impact and learn new skills for the benefit of species conservation. This has also enabled the collection over a wide area of a vast amount of viable data for scientific studies. Ultimately it means that Fin Fighters are able to provide a much needed data resource in data deficient areas for poorly understood populations.
The participants are trained to ID species from various body parts and to take ID images for our data bank. Some of our volunteers request to be taught more in-depth collection skills such as sampling either in situ on the ports, or in controlled environments. Others further their involvement by learning how to carry out necropsies and to extract samples of specific material – such as sperm, or stomach contents for later study. The volunteers (or Citizen Shark Scientists) are also taught how to survey fishermen, and fishing equipment, and to understand fishing methods.
It is important that volunteers work well in a team and in high pressure situations to collect data that is controlled and that all reporting is carried out in a reasoned manner – without assumption.
Many of our volunteers have skills that can be useful in an investigation – such as a second language, or a past working in the fishing industry, this enables communication with fishermen and officials easier and helps to build confidence within the voluntary team.
We have learnt that working in this way requires a great deal of patience and understanding of the different ways people process information. It has led to tailoring different learning activities to fit individual’s needs and in doing so has also taught us new techniques of describing the practical elements of our work.
Whilst Fin Fighters operate a democratic and fair approach to our investigative process – including every member’s opinion in our decision making; It is also necessary for the investigation for the director to maintain a leadership role throughout.
Ensuring every members voice is heard is important, but this then needs to be translated in to cohesive action and managed in a safe and proficient way – we found in the field that having a leader in final decision making and implementation way key to the success of the investigation process.