Trawler to start new fishing era

Press, 19 April 1982, Page 6

Trawler to start new fishing era

PA Dunedin The first of the large trawlers ordered by Fletcher Fishing, Ltd, arrived at Dunedin from Britain yesterday to start a new era in New Zealand fishing. The 80m Otago' Buccaneer arrived at the Port of Otago to join Fletcher’s Dunedinbased fleet. Hundreds of people lined the harbour to welcome the trawler, which tied up about 11 a.m. A sister ship, the Otago Galliard, is due at Dunedin on Wednesday. Together the trawlers represent a $l5 million investment in the deep-sea fishing industry by Fletcher’s. Otago Buccaneer's English skipper, Mr Michael Langrick, and the first mate, Mr Tony Tuton, said that they were looking forward to starting work in New Zealand waters.

Mr Langrick, aged 29, has had 12 years' experience in the industry. He said that the six-week delivery voyage was uneventful, with fine weather most of the way. The Otago Buccaneer and the Otago Galliard will begin fishing in New Zealand waters on May 1, seeking orange roughy in areas from 25 to 400 nautical miles off the east coast of the South Island. The two trawlers, formerly regarded as the pride of the British deep-sea fleet, are the largest New Zealand-owned trawlers. They cost about $lO,OOO a day to run and when on the grounds will fish 24 hours a day. Eventually both ships will be manned by New Zealand fishermen, but for the next two years a core bf experienced Hull fishermen, will form the basis of the three

crews — one a relief crew — while the New. Zealanders are trained. Initially, 24 Hull men will be the core of each crew, with up to 10 New Zealanders working in the engine room, on the deck, or on the bridge of each trawler. The use of the Hull men has been necessary because of the complexity of the ships and the way they work. Although New Zealand fishermen are experienced in inshore fishing, few have the skills needed to work these trawlers, which even by European standards are very sophisticated. The two trawlers, both of 1660 tonnes, were built in Poland in 1975 for the Boyd Line, of Hull. Between now and May 1 they will be fitted with new heading and gutting equipment, as well as grading, washing, and other gear.