| Fishery Course in Poland 2008 |
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Af Marie L.T. Hansen, Hedelyskolen But for the Russian and the Danish participants this was changed of logistic reasons to 20th to 25th. We therefore had the opportunity to visit or revisit the beautiful and interesting cities of the Gdansk area. Sightseing Sunday we went by local train to Gdansk. A retired Polish teacher had made a walk in the most interesting and attractive parts of this old Hansa-city. Some of us saw the breathtaking view from the famous gigantic church (400 steps up in the tower). On our way home to the hotel we decided to visit Sopot a seaside resort in the middle of Gdansk and Gdynia. Here we could enjoy a fine sandy beach and from a huge pier: the seawater, the colour and transparency. We could also investigate the seaweed on the shore and the general littering. Educational Challenges The next day the seminar started at: X LICEUM OGÓLNOKSZTAŁCĄCE in Gdynia. We were had a very warm welcome by authorities from the city and the school. And a lot of students made different appearances. Among other things we saw students work on experiments of measuring salinity in seawater. After lunch we went to the Gdynia Aquarium. It was an interesting place to visit and we got a lecture on Baltic Sea Ecology. And the students made some practical work on determination of close species of fish from the shallow waters of the bay. Very interesting! On Tuesday we had an early start to catch an early train to Hel at the edge of the peninsular north of Gdansk. This should be a very pleasant and interesting trip. Not only was the transportation a great experience. The nature passing by the train was remarkable and extremely beautiful. After accommodation at “the Marine Station of the Gdańsk University” we went to a sealarium where a seal specie living in the Baltic Sea were feed. The intelligent animals showed that they had learned a specific behaviour to get their food. And later we got insight into the exiting problems concerning tagging of fish. This is a kind of parallel to ring marking of birds. Naturally there is a lot more to consider before going working. And regarding the title of our workshop and the importance of sustainability of our behaviour while fishing the seas – this was an important input. Then we went on an excursion at sea on a former now nicely restored fishing vessel. Some of the participants got opportunity to angel. The weather was very calm and nobody got seasick this time. On solid ground again we went to the coast again. This time with a huge dragnet operated by two students in waders. We were told that we got a better catch than last time the marine station was out on investigation with students! After this we were invited to another lecture about the ecology of the Baltic Sea. In the evening the students had a good time together. After these days all timidity was away and all could enjoy the time together across nationality and linguistic barriers. The teachers experienced a similar cosy evening together at first floor. The next day we went back to Gdynia to learn about: Fishery Monitoring. All countries have difficulties to get valid information about their national fishery. And here in Poland were no exceptions. It was very interesting to learn about the possibility to monitor where the single Polish vessels moved around on the Baltic Sea. Meeting PeopleThe journey home went without problems. We all agreed that we have had another great international workshop. We have learned a lot. Not only facts about sustainability and fishery but also about the culture in Poland and about the nice and hospital Polish people. |