Vessel To Combat Illegal Fishing

Minister for Primary Industries, Katrina Hodgkinson, commented: Fisheries officers are the front line in protecting our States fisheries resources.

The purpose-built 6.8 metre vessel will be utilised across the region to detect and deter anyone engaged in illegal fishing activity."

It has been fitted with the latest technology and safety equipment and will help the vital work of our fisheries officers, Ms Hodgkinson said.

The vessel will be utilised in the ocean trawl, ocean trap and line, rock lobster, ocean haul and recreational fisheries to conduct compliance checks and surveillance operations.

It is capable of being launched from ocean beaches and can cross bars at river mouths.

Member for Coffs Harbour, Andrew Fraser, said the patrol vessel was equipped with a state-of-the-art navigation system for accurate recording of offence locations at sea and many other enhanced safety features.

The vessel will be based at Coffs Harbour, and with its exceptional range will be patrolling waters as far north as Tweed Heads and down to South West Rocks, Mr Fraser said.

The vessel is to be named the FPV Peter Angel in memory of the late Peter Angel, who recently passed away following more than 40 distinguished years as a fisheries officer.

The new vessel features twin Yamaha 150 HP engines that are fuel efficient and provide high speed capacity for ocean patrols.

Illegal fishing activity can be reported to local fisheries offices or by calling Fishers Watch on 1800 043 536.