Fishing-boat import scheme extended

Press, 14 April 1980, Page 10

Fishing-boat import scheme extended

PA' Wellington Support for New Zealand’s fishing industry would flow ifrom a decision to extend [the duty-free import scheme for fishing vessels and an instruction to the Industries {Development Commission to prepare a development plan for the domestic shipbuilding industry, the Minister of Fisheries (Mr MacIntyre) has said.

The Government was committed to the principle of seeing New Zealand’s fishing resources fully used by efficiently trained and 'equipped local fishermen. The duty-free scheme had enabled local fishermen to obtain suitable vessels for working the resources of the

continental shelf. In deciding to extend the scheme to next March 31 prime consideration had been given to encouraging the exploitation of resources further offshore.

Amendments to the criteria for granting import licences would encourage the entry of a selected range of vessels suitable for deeperwater fishing and on-board processing. To qualify a vessel had to have refrigeration equipment and be more than 35m long. Vessels of more than 21m would still be eligible for duty-free importation so long as they were longliners, tuna trailers, pole and line vessels, or squid jiggers. The age of vessels would

no longer be a criterion for granting duty-free entry. Used fishing vessels were readily available overseas. Removing the age restriction from the list of criteria reflected’ the Government’s desire to see New Zealand purchasers taking advantage of the full range of market prices. It was also important that New Zealand’ should maintain a viable shipbuilding industry of its own. The longterm future of the industry was tied only in part to the requirements of the fishing industry. The Industries Development Commission had been asked to prepare the plan for the shipbuilding industry by September 30.