Finding realistic and feasible solutions that both support fishers and reduce bycatch of Endangered, Threatened and Protected (ETP) species is at the heart of CIBBRiNA’s work. Rather than asking fishers to attend project meetings – something that can be difficult during busy seasons – the CIBBRiNA team chose a different approach: going directly to the events where fishers already gather.
The first of these outreach efforts took place at the 2025 DanFish International exhibition where the CIBBRiNA project hosted a hands-on workshop for over 50 participants showcasing potential solutions to reduce bycatch. The goal was not only to present potential solutions but also to create a space where fishers could exchange experiences, give feedback and discuss what works in real-life scenarios.
After short introductions by Jens Schneider Rasmussen (chairman of the Danish Pelagic Producers Organization) and Anne-Marie Svoboda (coordinator of the CIBBRiNA project), participants rotated around the 10 different ‘stations’ where solutions were being displayed including gear solutions, pingers and underwater cameras. Throughout the workshop, conversations were lively and the atmosphere remained engaging and collaborative, with many participants taking the opportunity to ask questions and reflect on how the presented solutions might fit within their own fisheries.
One station invited participants to test their knowledge of bycatch species in support of the new CIBBRiNA Wildlife ID Guide. Here the participants were shown 10 photographs and challenged to identify each one. The quiz brought out a friendly competitive spirit, with Dutch participant Amerik Schuitemaker taking the win with the highest score (9 out of 10 correct), his prize being a CIBBRiNA t-shirt and a printed copy of the ID guide as a reward.
Overall, the event was highly successful, a conclusion supported by a short questionnaire completed by participants. The workshop demonstrated the value of meeting fishers in their own professional spaces and highlighted how practical, dialogue-based engagement can strengthen efforts to reduce bycatch of ETP species. Building on this experience, the CIBBRiNA team looks forward to attending future fisheries events and continuing this practice-driven approach.