Fisheries Minister Norman Moore named a new patrol vessel which will extend compliance capacity and provide extra Government resources off the Mandurah coast. He said the name of the $520,000 patrol vessel (PV) Armatus came from the scientific name for breaksea cod, one of the many popular demersal fish species targeted by recent management strategies aimed at reducing overfishing.
Moore opines that PV Armatus, and the fisheries and marine officers who work from her, will play an important role in protecting breaksea cod and other vulnerable demersal species. Besides, PV Armatus will also perform ongoing compliance activities related to the commercial and recreational fishing sectors off the Peel Region coast, says Moore.
The Minister informed that the new boat has a range of 350 nautical miles at its cruising speed of 25 knots, but capable of a top speed in excess of 40 knots when required. It can carry six people (including two crew). The patrol boat will be used in joint operations with other agencies such as the local Water Police and the Department of Transport – so it will not only assist with Fisheries compliance but also marine safety and other tasks.
