22 | FISHERIES SECTOR Independent Fisheries IFL integral to Lyttelton’s prosperity Kim Newth Along with land store facilities, Independent Fisheries has its own New Zealand flagged fleet of three factory vessels. In the port town of Lyttelton, Independent Fisheries Ltd (IFL) is a major contributor to the local economy with its integrated deep sea fishing operation benefiting both the town and wider region. Along with land store facilities, the company has its own New Zealand flagged fleet of three factory vessels. Investing to buy the fleet from 2012 also led to investments in new plant and equipment, with all the refurbishment completed by local contractors. Today, IFL is one of New Zealand’s largest deep sea fishing companies. Working the quota from as far south as the Auckland Island to as far north as Raglan, IFL has a consistent focus on catching fresh fish, sustainably. In fact, fisheries that IFL operates in, such as for hoki and southern blue whiting, are Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified for sustainable management. Once caught, fish are packed and frozen and then sent to various markets and processing facilities. IFL operates a fully integrated chain from holding quota, to harvesting the fish using their own vessels, storing their own fish and then distributing their product in New Zealand and around the world. The IFL fleet is a good fit for New Zealand’s deep sea fishing grounds. The 104m BATM trawlers are of a class that is tried and true and very well suited to IFL’s quota parcel of 46,000 to 50,000 tonnes a year. “The Quota Management System we have in place has proven to be really good,” observes IFL Managing Director Mark Allison. “It is constantly reviewed by industry and the government and is going well. We’ve had a pretty positive season with good catches of mackerel, barracouta and squid. Of course, if the fisheries show any sign of being under pressure, then the QMS responds accordingly.” With boats out at sea for a month at a time, good provisioning is essential. Mark is proud to stand by Lyttelton’s provedores and local suppliers who, in turn, rely on fishing vessels to help support their own businesses. On top of this, Independent Fisheries directly employs around 100 full-time and casual employees in Christchurch and Lyttelton. As well, IFL has a generous tradition of supporting worthy community initiatives that goes back more than 60 years. Hundreds of thousands of dollars annually have been given to various non-profit community organisations. “We are strongly committed to the local economy – and the local community – and we to page 24 20 Norwich Quay, Lyttelton • 03 3288 598 • +64 21 325 389 Winsome Dormer info@indprov.co.nz • Independent Provedoring New Zealand Independent Provedoring Co Ltd is a ship supply business begun in Lyttelton port of Christchurch in 1989 and now 33 years later operates in all ports throughout NZ. With a sta of six, IPL is heavily involved in the year round provision of all grocery, dry goods, fruit and vegetables, deck, engine technical and bunkering supplies. We have a variety of clients, particularly for the international and local shing industry. Expeditions to the Italian base in Terranova Bay, Antarctica have been supplied by Independent Provedoring since 1990. NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL - WE DELIVER THE GOODS 7 DAYS AWEEK 24 HOURS! We are proud suppliers to the Independent Fisheries Fleet F.V. INDEPENDENT; F.V. MAINSTREAM and F.V. IRVINGA www.indprov.co.nz hope to ride through this inflationary situation we’re in now.” However, Mark warns that rising fuel costs, coupled with ETS costs and other pressures, are having a significant impact on the economics of fishing. “We are strongly committed to the local economy – and the local community – and we hope to ride through this inflationary situation we’re in now.”
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