I am attempting to be the First Person to Solo Sea Kayak around South Georgia Island, in an effort to help save the Albatross.
Behind the scenes of soaring Albatross is the insidiously slow, almost invisible loss of lives, thinning out breeding colonies, emptying skies and threatening the very existence of 19 out of 20 species of Albatross, due to illegal fishing and poor techniques in longline fishing Industry. South Georgia, a Sub-Antarctic island known for its remote, rugged beauty & abundant wildlife, is home to a number of Albatross species.
To attempt a solo sea kayak journey for the Plight of the Albatross can only capture a fascinated audience and encourage the protection of one of the most precious seabirds.
It will be a ‘World First’ accomplishment.
The Cause
Longline fishing is the cause of the 100s of thousands of seabirds that are getting killed when foraging on baited hooks as they sink slowly just after being set. Huge fishing vessels set lines up to 130km long, dropping to 2000 m and carrying 20,000 baited hooks and are hauled numerous times a day attracting thousands of sea birds which attempt to feast on the baited hook buffet.
An estimated 1-3 billion hooks are set each year by the world’s longline fishing fleets. This has made the traditional feeding grounds dangerous places to be for all sea birds. In addition to these numbers, illegal vessels are also fishing and are less likely to use fishing methods which deter the sea birds.
The Plan
- Launch Feb 6, 2009, distance 470 nm, 5 week duration
- Fully self-contained - food, safety and communication equipment, video and photography gear to document carried in kayak.
- Leave no trace’ camping ethics will be performed
- Support vessel - The Northanger is my support boat, it is a 54ft steel ketch, designed to access remote, Polar Regions.
How this expedition will make a difference
South Georgia was first circumnavigated by kayak in 05' by the Adventure Philosophy team, also supported by Northanger. A solo endeavor has not yet been attempted.
This epic adventure will entertain, enthrall and inspire people. The public will be drawn towards this courageous attempt by a solo woman, particularly as it is for a crucial cause. It will be a catalyst in gaining public & media attention for the continuation of fund raising for science and research and simply by spreading the urgent word around.
Where will the funds go?
International Seabird Conservation organizations are joining together to raise funds to implement research which will then create opportunities to alter fishing techniques to reduce seabird by-catch.
SIMPLE MEASURES TO PREVENT SO MANY BIRDS DYING NEEDLESSLY
- Setting the lines at night when fewer birds are feeding
- Weighting lines to make baited hooks sink more quickly
- Coloring the bait with harmless blue dye to put off the keen-eyed birds
- Towing a brightly colored bird-scaring line alongside the baited line
- Employ rules and monitor controlled fishing
- Place conservation officers on board vessels
The public will be made aware of my expedition through TV, radio, newspaper and magazines, with live coverage available through my website. Footage taken during the trip will be made into a documentary and slide show.
I truly believe that my ‘World First Kayak attempt’ will inspire people to do what they can to help Save the Albatross.