Indeed, the knowledge that fishers have of their fishing grounds and a finer scale approach are crucial. We've done some modelling that allows us to compare at a finer scale the position of the whales at the locations where fishing gear is deployed, which allows us to determine what Dr. Brillant would describe as the risk of co-occurrence of fisheries and whales. This fine scale should be used to identify where the risk is lowest. There will always be some risk, but there has to be an opportunity for fishing to occur where the risks are lower and to make conservation gains while allowing the industry to continue.
I think the best allies we have in saving this species are the ones who have the greatest impact on it. Unfortunately, for all their knowledge, it's not the scientists who have an impact on the species, it's the fishers. So we need to have them as allies. For them on board with our vision to protect the species, we need to involve them in the process.