Francisco Blaha
@franciscoblaha.bsky.social
“We have two choices: to abandon hope and ensure that the worst will happen, or to use the opportunities that exist and contribute to a better world. It is not a very difficult choice.”
Fisheries, swimming, bicycles & Dub
http://www.franciscoblaha.info
Fisheries, swimming, bicycles & Dub
http://www.franciscoblaha.info
My Xmas present is ready. Beautiful print by my wife @vibeke.bsky.social base on one we sent in Japan last year. Fish (and my wife) makes me happy 😊
February 19, 2026 at 4:10 AM
My Xmas present is ready. Beautiful print by my wife @vibeke.bsky.social base on one we sent in Japan last year. Fish (and my wife) makes me happy 😊
Uncertainty alone, however, is a poor reason not to act. New Zealand has spent decades making relatively little progress on climate adaptation.
newsroom.co.nz/2026/02/18/c...
newsroom.co.nz/2026/02/18/c...
Climate change is here. NZ isn't ready
Analysis: A serious approach to climate adaptation requires reckoning with the grim reality the future holds: more storms, more floods, more heat.
newsroom.co.nz
February 19, 2026 at 2:16 AM
Uncertainty alone, however, is a poor reason not to act. New Zealand has spent decades making relatively little progress on climate adaptation.
newsroom.co.nz/2026/02/18/c...
newsroom.co.nz/2026/02/18/c...
I was a honor guest in a Afghani wedding with Helen Clark, she was great company, I also spend totally by chance new years 90-91 with Frida (the brunette of ABBA) and her kids on a exclusive cruising ship in Antartica , and also was a attache for 1 day to Brazil’s Lula da Silva at a UN meeting
Ok Bluesky, what are your most low key celebrity interactions? I once shared a lift with Tim Finn and put drinks in Bryan Brown and Rachel Ward’s fridge. My husband sold cheese to John Cleese and my mum delivered groceries to Gough Whitlam. Go!!
February 17, 2026 at 3:10 PM
I was a honor guest in a Afghani wedding with Helen Clark, she was great company, I also spend totally by chance new years 90-91 with Frida (the brunette of ABBA) and her kids on a exclusive cruising ship in Antartica , and also was a attache for 1 day to Brazil’s Lula da Silva at a UN meeting
RIP Jesse Jackson. Your message then, resonates today.
I don’t know who needs to hear Jesse Jackson leading the kids on Sesame Street in this beautiful call-and-response reminding them that every child is somebody, but here it is
February 17, 2026 at 2:59 PM
RIP Jesse Jackson. Your message then, resonates today.
RIP Robert Duval.
You did classics
You did classics
February 17, 2026 at 3:30 AM
RIP Robert Duval.
You did classics
You did classics
Spotted in a Auckland corner
February 16, 2026 at 8:26 AM
Spotted in a Auckland corner
While I’m pleased to see our WCPO fishery remains sustainable in terms of stocks, our IUU fishing estimates are among the lowest globally, and as labour issues are slowly addressed... Once again, I feel like I'm watching a slow-motion train crash.
www.franciscoblaha.info/blog/2026/2/...
www.franciscoblaha.info/blog/2026/2/...
Wee need to start seeying dFADs as a waste crisis in the WCPO — Francisco Blaha
As I mentioned last week, I have been in Tahiti at the International Workshop on Mitigation of FAD Loss and Abandonment in the Pacific Ocea n. It has been a great and impactful experience. Since part...
www.franciscoblaha.info
February 16, 2026 at 12:12 AM
While I’m pleased to see our WCPO fishery remains sustainable in terms of stocks, our IUU fishing estimates are among the lowest globally, and as labour issues are slowly addressed... Once again, I feel like I'm watching a slow-motion train crash.
www.franciscoblaha.info/blog/2026/2/...
www.franciscoblaha.info/blog/2026/2/...
Households don’t use LNG. Industry uses LNG. Specifically, people like Fonterra. Specifically in winter, doing things like drying out milk powder. They need huge amounts of energy from the grid for this process, and that’s why there’s a general shortage come Augusy.
www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360...
www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360...
Ready to feel $4 richer a month as the planet burns?
It takes some chutzpah to sell a new tax to an exhausted, broke country in an election year.
www.stuff.co.nz
February 15, 2026 at 9:41 PM
Households don’t use LNG. Industry uses LNG. Specifically, people like Fonterra. Specifically in winter, doing things like drying out milk powder. They need huge amounts of energy from the grid for this process, and that’s why there’s a general shortage come Augusy.
www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360...
www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360...
Happy to have provided the pictures and some technical editing to my friend Bubba’s excellent Op Ed.
I know a tuna industry without fisherman’s exploitation is possible, and I’m working towards that. news.mongabay.com/2026/02/sust...
I know a tuna industry without fisherman’s exploitation is possible, and I’m working towards that. news.mongabay.com/2026/02/sust...
Sustainable fisheries can’t be built on exploited labor (commentary)
For decades, the global fisheries conservation community has rightly focused on the health of fish stocks, the integrity of management systems, and the long-term sustainability of ocean resources. But...
news.mongabay.com
February 13, 2026 at 5:32 AM
Happy to have provided the pictures and some technical editing to my friend Bubba’s excellent Op Ed.
I know a tuna industry without fisherman’s exploitation is possible, and I’m working towards that. news.mongabay.com/2026/02/sust...
I know a tuna industry without fisherman’s exploitation is possible, and I’m working towards that. news.mongabay.com/2026/02/sust...
Reposted by Francisco Blaha
To call the government’s idea of an LNG terminal a stupid idea is an insult to actual real life stupid ideas. It makes zero economic sense now, and it will make even less economic sense every year hereafter
February 10, 2026 at 6:59 AM
To call the government’s idea of an LNG terminal a stupid idea is an insult to actual real life stupid ideas. It makes zero economic sense now, and it will make even less economic sense every year hereafter
Reposted by Francisco Blaha
All this means that an LNG terminal is - surprise surprise - an insanely stupid idea in both pure economic and energy economic terms, even before we go anywhere near the emissions disaster that is fossil fuels
February 10, 2026 at 6:56 AM
All this means that an LNG terminal is - surprise surprise - an insanely stupid idea in both pure economic and energy economic terms, even before we go anywhere near the emissions disaster that is fossil fuels
Not much or security strategist my self. But energy “import” does not sound as secure as energy “self reliance”. And if security is the objective LNG transport vessels are the most dangerous and exposed craft in the world, basically undefended floating mega bombs 🤔
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/...
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/...
'Strategic energy security asset': Govt reveals plans for $1b LNG import facility
Luxon warned New Zealand is experiencing swiftly declining gas supply.
www.nzherald.co.nz
February 9, 2026 at 8:22 AM
Not much or security strategist my self. But energy “import” does not sound as secure as energy “self reliance”. And if security is the objective LNG transport vessels are the most dangerous and exposed craft in the world, basically undefended floating mega bombs 🤔
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/...
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/...
This Tahiti workshop focuses on practical alignment rather than theoretical commitments. From design and deployment to loss, stranding, and recovery, they want to bring together everyone in the Pacific dFAD fishery for a responsible and sustainable fishery.
www.franciscoblaha.info/blog/2026/2/...
www.franciscoblaha.info/blog/2026/2/...
From Fishing Grounds to Shorelines: Rethinking dFAD Loss and Recovery in the Pacific — Francisco Blaha
I have been fascinated by the impact that drifting Fish Aggregating Devices (dFADs with sonar buoys) have had on the purse seine fishery since I was fishing in the 90s. It has significantly changed th...
www.franciscoblaha.info
February 8, 2026 at 6:54 PM
This Tahiti workshop focuses on practical alignment rather than theoretical commitments. From design and deployment to loss, stranding, and recovery, they want to bring together everyone in the Pacific dFAD fishery for a responsible and sustainable fishery.
www.franciscoblaha.info/blog/2026/2/...
www.franciscoblaha.info/blog/2026/2/...
In 2024, ACC helped people recover from more than 31,000 cycling-related injuries across New Zealand. It cost $115 million to help people recover from these injuries. Research shows car drivers are at fault in 90% of accidents at urban intersections.
www.acc.co.nz/newsroom/sto...
www.acc.co.nz/newsroom/sto...
Julie’s story: ‘You don’t plan for these things’
After being hit by a car while cycling, Julie Fairey is still going through months of recovery. She’s keen to get back on her bike but is urging all road users to ‘Have a hmmm’ and help reduce cycling...
www.acc.co.nz
February 7, 2026 at 5:47 PM
In 2024, ACC helped people recover from more than 31,000 cycling-related injuries across New Zealand. It cost $115 million to help people recover from these injuries. Research shows car drivers are at fault in 90% of accidents at urban intersections.
www.acc.co.nz/newsroom/sto...
www.acc.co.nz/newsroom/sto...
I see my friends and colleagues in the Pacific working REALLY hard… doing a great job managing their fisheries… yet the whole setup is that their efforts are not to be believed unless “certified” by private organisations from rich colonial countries.
www.franciscoblaha.info/blog/2026/2/...
www.franciscoblaha.info/blog/2026/2/...
Tuna Industry and Trade Dynamics in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean — Francisco Blaha
Here is another update to this seminal FFA publication … I remember the 1st version commissioned by my good departed friend, Hugh Walton, in 2011 and written by Amanda Hamilton and the now departed A...
www.franciscoblaha.info
February 6, 2026 at 5:39 AM
I see my friends and colleagues in the Pacific working REALLY hard… doing a great job managing their fisheries… yet the whole setup is that their efforts are not to be believed unless “certified” by private organisations from rich colonial countries.
www.franciscoblaha.info/blog/2026/2/...
www.franciscoblaha.info/blog/2026/2/...
Perfect way to start a long solo swim… for me, enjoying the ocean is best with no ulterior reason and no motorised support at all
February 5, 2026 at 5:10 AM
Perfect way to start a long solo swim… for me, enjoying the ocean is best with no ulterior reason and no motorised support at all
Reposted by Francisco Blaha
Luxon says hes been meeting
iwi up n down the country
lets see his track record
Ratana 2026 ❌️
Ratana 2025 ❌️
Waitangi day 2026 ❌️
Waitangi day 2025❌️
Maori king tangi ❌️
Maori queen coronation❌️
Last interview with moana 2023❌️
Last interview mihi forbes 2023❌️
iwi up n down the country
lets see his track record
Ratana 2026 ❌️
Ratana 2025 ❌️
Waitangi day 2026 ❌️
Waitangi day 2025❌️
Maori king tangi ❌️
Maori queen coronation❌️
Last interview with moana 2023❌️
Last interview mihi forbes 2023❌️
February 4, 2026 at 7:55 AM
Luxon says hes been meeting
iwi up n down the country
lets see his track record
Ratana 2026 ❌️
Ratana 2025 ❌️
Waitangi day 2026 ❌️
Waitangi day 2025❌️
Maori king tangi ❌️
Maori queen coronation❌️
Last interview with moana 2023❌️
Last interview mihi forbes 2023❌️
iwi up n down the country
lets see his track record
Ratana 2026 ❌️
Ratana 2025 ❌️
Waitangi day 2026 ❌️
Waitangi day 2025❌️
Maori king tangi ❌️
Maori queen coronation❌️
Last interview with moana 2023❌️
Last interview mihi forbes 2023❌️
The main issue I have with Distant Water Fishing Nations (and their subsidies) is that they blur the boundary between commercial activity, feeding people, and geopolitics, and, in general, the consequences are borne by others.
www.franciscoblaha.info/blog/2026/2/...
www.franciscoblaha.info/blog/2026/2/...
It’s not just about fishing, is also geopolitics. — Francisco Blaha
I have insisted for the last couple of decades that the biggest shift I’ve seen in my 40 years of fishing is that it used to be about catching fish to be eaten by people… while now a whole parallel dy...
www.franciscoblaha.info
February 4, 2026 at 2:59 AM
The main issue I have with Distant Water Fishing Nations (and their subsidies) is that they blur the boundary between commercial activity, feeding people, and geopolitics, and, in general, the consequences are borne by others.
www.franciscoblaha.info/blog/2026/2/...
www.franciscoblaha.info/blog/2026/2/...
Interesting case, even if RNZ is sensationalising the headline, Cooks is acting in accordance to UNCLOS, and at cost for sure as the Aviatu wharf is small.
Togo is a very dodgy flag state… I think that vessel will become a bit of a logistical nightmare there
www.rnz.co.nz/internationa...
Togo is a very dodgy flag state… I think that vessel will become a bit of a logistical nightmare there
www.rnz.co.nz/internationa...
Cook Islands authorities say departure date 'unknown' for cocaine-tainted vessel
The MV Raider, which was intercepted by French authorities with 4.87 tonnes of cocaine on board mid-last month, entered Rarotonga waters last week under a distress call for engine repairs.
www.rnz.co.nz
February 3, 2026 at 5:51 PM
Interesting case, even if RNZ is sensationalising the headline, Cooks is acting in accordance to UNCLOS, and at cost for sure as the Aviatu wharf is small.
Togo is a very dodgy flag state… I think that vessel will become a bit of a logistical nightmare there
www.rnz.co.nz/internationa...
Togo is a very dodgy flag state… I think that vessel will become a bit of a logistical nightmare there
www.rnz.co.nz/internationa...
U.S. Territories Under Colonial Rule: Taxed Without Representation, Denied Self-Government, Federal Benefits, and Self-Determination
www.justsecurity.org/130478/green...
www.justsecurity.org/130478/green...
The Shortcomings of Being a “U.S. Territory”
The relationship between the U.S. and its island territories should concern anyone who believes in “consent of the governed” and equality.
www.justsecurity.org
February 3, 2026 at 5:23 PM
U.S. Territories Under Colonial Rule: Taxed Without Representation, Denied Self-Government, Federal Benefits, and Self-Determination
www.justsecurity.org/130478/green...
www.justsecurity.org/130478/green...
You can add the Road Cone hotline (150K), the iReX Ferry Project cancellation (approximately $671 million), and the Auckland light rail, which had already incurred millions in planning and preliminary works.
The Atlas Network's satrap here in Aotearoa,the Taxpayers "Union" is calling for nominations for the most wasteful govt expenditure this year.
I helpfully nominated David Seymour's MINISTRY FOR REGULATION,for wasting our money.
Happy to help.
(Lets do it!)
www.taxpayers.org.nz/jonesies_202...
I helpfully nominated David Seymour's MINISTRY FOR REGULATION,for wasting our money.
Happy to help.
(Lets do it!)
www.taxpayers.org.nz/jonesies_202...
NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN FOR THE 2026 JONESIE WASTE AWARDS
Championing Value For Money From Every Tax Dollar
www.taxpayers.org.nz
February 2, 2026 at 10:51 PM
You can add the Road Cone hotline (150K), the iReX Ferry Project cancellation (approximately $671 million), and the Auckland light rail, which had already incurred millions in planning and preliminary works.
Remote monitoring should be viewed as a component of a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to fisheries management. We can utilise technology effectively, provided we base our analysis on operational knowledge and verify findings with ground-truth sources.
www.franciscoblaha.info/blog/2026/2/...
www.franciscoblaha.info/blog/2026/2/...
Fisheries Surveillance Requires Context, Not Merely Data — Francisco Blaha
Further from a blog from a couple of days aho where i tranalated an article on “Desk Experts” by my colleage Captain Sergio Almad a, the Coordinator of Argentina’s Interdisciplinary Working Group f...
www.franciscoblaha.info
February 2, 2026 at 2:19 AM
Remote monitoring should be viewed as a component of a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to fisheries management. We can utilise technology effectively, provided we base our analysis on operational knowledge and verify findings with ground-truth sources.
www.franciscoblaha.info/blog/2026/2/...
www.franciscoblaha.info/blog/2026/2/...
Sorry to say, but the BBNJ Agreement does not specify fisheries management measures, yet it introduces new processes and obligations that intersect with the mandates and operations of Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs)
A United Nations agreement to protect the open oceans from unsustainable fishing practices has now taken effect, in a huge win for marine conservation
First treaty to protect the high seas comes into force
A United Nations agreement to protect the open oceans from unsustainable fishing practices has now taken effect, in a huge win for marine conservation
www.newscientist.com
February 1, 2026 at 4:53 AM
Sorry to say, but the BBNJ Agreement does not specify fisheries management measures, yet it introduces new processes and obligations that intersect with the mandates and operations of Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs)
Reposted by Francisco Blaha
Hope the fire guy doesn’t get in trouble but 🤣🤣🤣🤣😊🤣😊😊😊🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 (watch the fire guy at the end)
January 30, 2026 at 10:56 PM
Hope the fire guy doesn’t get in trouble but 🤣🤣🤣🤣😊🤣😊😊😊🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 (watch the fire guy at the end)
Nevermind the jobs you had, tell me five classes you took in college:
Physical Oceanography
Ecological Biochemistry
Evolution
Fishing gears
Food Antropology
Physical Oceanography
Ecological Biochemistry
Evolution
Fishing gears
Food Antropology
Nevermind the jobs you had, tell me five classes you took in college:
Environmental Economics
Intro to Feminist Theory
Music Appreciation
Detective Fiction
Positive Psychology
Environmental Economics
Intro to Feminist Theory
Music Appreciation
Detective Fiction
Positive Psychology
Nevermind the jobs you had, tell me five classes you took in college:
Comic Fiction
Seminar in World Music (learned to play music from Indonesia and Ghana, got into ethnomusicology)
Italian
Intro to Philosophy
Artificial Intelligence /ducks
Comic Fiction
Seminar in World Music (learned to play music from Indonesia and Ghana, got into ethnomusicology)
Italian
Intro to Philosophy
Artificial Intelligence /ducks
January 31, 2026 at 4:46 AM
Nevermind the jobs you had, tell me five classes you took in college:
Physical Oceanography
Ecological Biochemistry
Evolution
Fishing gears
Food Antropology
Physical Oceanography
Ecological Biochemistry
Evolution
Fishing gears
Food Antropology