Chartering Ocean Dawn, a larger vessel fishing company Sealord is eyeing higher hoki quota. The 64m-vessel was built in Norway in the early 1990’s and the invest tment will last for the next three years. The Ocean Dawn will replace the freezer-trawler Independent 1, which will be returned to its owners, and create up to four new fishing jobs.
Sealord’s General Manager Harvest Operations Colin Williams said that the present rise in TACC (total allowable commercial catch) and current survey data signalling another increase in October have reinforced Sealord’s confidence in the sustainability of Hoki fishery and this investment is a direct result.
Sealord is feeling positive about the news, as hoki fishing, processing and export contribute powerfully to New Zealand’s seafood export market. William informed that New Zealand seafood is globally recognised as being sustainable and our hoki fisheries are certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). The Ocean Dawn will make its first fishing trip for the fishing company in late July or early August, following sea trials and work to ascertain that the vessel meets New Zealand Food Safety Authority, Maritime New Zealand and Ministry of Fisheries requirements.
