103 



I think there are a number of ways to take advantage of this. 



For example, some animals are reluctant to turn around and face 

 a sunken cork line. Even though they will go over it, they will go 

 over it backwards; and I am suggesting the fleetwide use of an in- 

 expensive tinger or sound force located outside the net at the back- 

 down area, a sort of freedom bell, to be associated with the spot 

 where the animals first feel themselves to be free. 



You can see the changing; behavior when vou know thev are free. 

 We saw this on the film — the splashes as they get out of the net. I 

 would hope after one or two experiences that this sound would be 

 welcomed and would help animals turn around and orient toward 

 the cork line and open water. 



I am sure a lot more small things like this can be put together to 

 make each release easier for each boater and for each animal. I am 

 sure there are a lot more of these little things. 



We have, of course, discussed — and Captain George and Captain 

 Silva made a clear statement that it will take a little time for every 

 boat to get as good as this. The cruise of the Elizabeth C.J. was a 

 model ship. Fine tuning the net, not just having the net, but having 

 it distended perfectly with the skill of the C.J. is a large matter. I 

 would estimate that the training of a skilled raft man could only be 

 done under actual fishing conditions; and would be about the same 

 task in time and difficulty as turning a novice horseman into a good, 

 working cowboy. It cannot be done in a weekend. Your improve- 

 ment will take time. These aprons have to be custom tailored to 

 each net. I think the captains made that point. 



Motivation is also very important. 



James Coe feels that the single most important rescue technique 

 is to continue backdown until it is certain that every live porpoise 

 is out of the net, and as Frank Dobson pointed out. this will elimi- 

 nate the little losses, because they add up statistically. It does require 

 that crews think about porpoise lifesaving techniques with the same 

 responsible care they give to their own life-protective gear and 

 methods on board ship. 



I am confident that the necessary training and motivation will be 

 able to continue taking place throughout the fleet. When I joined the 

 Elizabeth C.J .^ the scientists and the fishermen had already been 

 out at sea working together under strenuous conditions about a 

 month. I was delighted to observe that there was a more than co- 

 operative spirit. Real mutual respect and understanding had grown 

 up between the two groups, and I stepped into a flourishing relation- 

 ship. I would especially like to take this opportunity to thank 

 Captain Manuel Jorges for the courtesies and cooperation extended 

 to me. 



Captain Jorges ran an extra set, which was not a profitable fishing 

 set and which meant about 3 hours of grueling hard work for every- 

 one, just so I could make as many behavioral observations as possi- 

 ble ; and it was invaluable to me. It was really invaluable to me and 

 I may say there was a spirit of courtesy and I think it was the first 

 time they ever had a female scientist under these circumstances. It 

 was really a pleasure to work on the C.J. 



