10 | “The technology has changed the way we fish and we’re getting better all the time. I see a great future for young fishers who show the necessary initiative and drive.” Support lines - page 12 Talley’s fishers embracing change Greymouth owner-operator Craig Jones says New Zealand’s Quota Management System (QMS) is outstanding and ensures sustainable fish stocks are maintained. FISHERIES SECTOR Talley’s Limited South Pacific Turbochargers Ltd is your one stop solution for all your turbocharger requirements. Based in Nelson, we have more than three decades of turbocharger experience in the area of mechanical engineering within the power technology and automation industry. ONE STOP SOLUTION FOR YOUR TURBOCHARGERS 03 545 8506 | www.spturbos.co.nz | service@spturbos.co.nz 027 225 8486 | admin@seinelson.co.nz | PO Box 1746, Nelson Proud to be associated with Talley’s Limited As the owner-operator of the 60ft steel trawler FV Donna Maria, Ant Smith recognises just how important it is to put the effort into training and new technology so as to look after the local marine environment as much as possible. Based out of Carey’s Bay, Port Chalmers, Ant can look back with some satisfaction on a 33- year career in the region’s fishing industry that began with him filling in on a boat with a skipper he remembers as being one of the best in the bay. Today, he has his own team of three, all Dunedin locals, regularly going out to bottom trawl for ling, gurnard and flat fish. Ant has long had a focus on better net and cod-end configuration and, in October 2019, was selected by Talley’s as one of 10 skippers to undertake a sustainable fishing course in Newfoundland. All of this has transformed how the crew of the Donna Maria fish at sea. “What we get in the nets now is just so much better,” says Ant. “By-catch is minimal, the fish are better quality in the net and it’s much easier on the gear. But most importantly, it means that fishing has a future.” Investment in sensors and monitors means the trawl net can be adjusted for each tow. “We often fly just above the seafloor and the net doors typically run quite lightly along the bottom. Talley’s bought even better 5-inch cod-ends for its owner-operators and made sure we use them too.” Over the last three decades, the number of in-shore boats and the areas in which commercial fishers trawl has decreased significantly in line with changing fishing practices and regulations. Those making up the fleet today are committed to the industry’s sustainability goals. West Coast owner-operator Craig Jones, who runs the FV Cook Canyon from Greymouth with wife Penny, is an inshore fisher for Talley’s and shares their enthusiasm for New Zealand’s Quota Management System (QMS). “Overall, the system is outstanding and ensures we maintain sustainable fish stocks,” says Craig, who supports on-board electronic monitoring to provide the data that can inform QMS adjustments. His own operation runs inshore fishing trips up to 25 nautical miles from shore, with new deck crew able to learn on the job with the addition of specific courses such as MarineSAFE. He has also put new crew through the Westport Deep Sea Fishing School before sending them to sea. “The technology has changed the way we fish and we’re getting better all the time. I see a great future for young fishers who show the necessary initiative and drive.” Kim Newth
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