TRAWLING OFF N.Z. COAST

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28451, 4 December 1957, Page 16

TRAWLING OFF N.Z. COAST

Japanese Boats i Sighted (New Zealand Press Association) ’ WELLINGTON. December 3. | The Japanese fishing vessel. Ahihiro Tsushima, which called at Gisborne last Thursday to land a badly-injured member of her crew, is probably one of a fleet of such vessels operating in the region of New Zealand, but well outside territorial waters. This is indicated by the fact that five Japanese fishing craft were sighted by the Navua. which arrived here about a fortnight ago from Suva.

The master of the Navoa. Captain A. S. Key worth, reported that on Sunday, November 17, he passed close by the five vessels strung out on a north-south line within 100 miles-of the New Zealand coast north of East Cape. I On her last voyage from the Pacific Coast of North America the freighter Waitemaia passed close by a fishing vessel of unknown nationality, but probably Japanese, on the night of October 8, about 100 miles north of the Equator. The Waitemata at the time was on her way from Los Angeles to Papeete. The master of the Waitemata reported that the fishing vessel was using a long line, the position of which was indicated by a line of lighted buoys. The vessel was probably fishing for :uns Provided Japanese fishermen work outside the Territorial limit of three miles there is nothing to stop them operating in New Zealand waters.

The position is being watched closely by the Marine Department. and the naval authorities are advised of any sighting? of Japanese fishing csaft.