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Crayfishing can be a lucrative business, but not if one obeys the Marine Department edict that the crays are, not to be tailed at sea. Then, if you're based at Nelson and fishing off the West Coast close to the northern tip of the island, there are many uneconomic miles and hours of sailing to bring the crays home for tailing. A group of seven Nelson fisherman solved this problem by buying the hulk Kohi and towing her to her last resting place at the old wharf in West Haven inlet. Here the crays are tailed and frozen, awaiting shipment to Nelson and thence overseas. Also at the old wharf is another fisherman, and independent fisherman, Peter Terry, his wife and little girl, Serene Joy. Peter has also established a little industry here, the fruit of his labours ending, mainly, in the Wellington district. Above is a view of the inlet showing the Kohi beached at the wharf.

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Little Serene Joy Terry has no fear of crayfish.

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Some of the men working the area: John McPherson, Ron Henderson, Lionel Orchard and Bill Coulter.

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Crays go into the huge stainless steel tub to be cleaned and tailed.

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The two big fuel tanks on the Kohi are anxiously sounded (this is also a refueling point for trawlers of the group).

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Ready for Nelson, a bag of deep-frozen cray-tails.

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Boats are reached by a narrow, floating boardwalk.

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Peter Terry packing his favourite catch for the Wellington market, dogfish ("delicious", he says).