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title: "Keeping observers in the loop: a training capacity workshop is held in Chile"
---

# Keeping observers in the loop: a training capacity workshop is held in Chile

A training capacity workshop for observers from the [Instituto de Fomento Pesquero](http://www.ifop.cl/) (Fisheries Development Institute) in Chile was held in Talcahuano in the Institute’s facilities over 23-28 September.

 The three-day course was led by Jorge Azócar (Instituto de Fomento Pesquero) with the participation of Valentina Colodro ([Oikonos](http://oikonos.org/)) and Luis Cabezas, Cristian Suazo and Juan Carlos González (BirdLife's [ATF Chile](http://www.atfchile.cl/))). Observers were trained in the identification of marine birds regularly attending trawlers, in following sampling protocols for birds interacting with the fleet, and in the construction and use of bird-scaring lines.

 The main goal of the workshop was to improve data collection on seabird interactions and mortality in trawl fisheries operating in central-southern Chile. Observers participating in the course were to end it with a field trip aboard a vessel.

 Chile is one of the several South American countries that are Parties to ACAP and which hold a great diversity and abundance of procellariiform seabirds within their waters.  Chile adopted its National Plan of Action-Seabirds ([NPOA-S](http://www.subpesca.cl/template/tablas_chicas/04.asp?IDSECCION=2015%20http://www.acap.aq/en/images/NPOA/chile_pan_aves.pdf)) in 2006.

 The NPOA-S is framed within the FAO's IPOA-S and follows the objectives of the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels.

 ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Chilean observers s.jpg) 

 Chilean observers being trained aboard a vessel, photograph by Jorge Azócar

 With thanks to Jorge Azócar for the information and picture provided.

 *Juan Pablo Seco Pon, ACAP South American News Correspondent, 30 September 2013*