facebook   twitter   mail  

The Nelson Photo News

 

80

New Zealand's Biggest Trawler Operating

With the arrival of the first of the 138ft stern trawlers, Sea Harvester 1, the stage was set at Nelson for the final act in the development of the New Zealand factory of New Zealand Sea Products Ltd, at Port Nelson. Shortly after the arrival of this, the biggest trawler operating in New Zealand, the factory was officially opened, the trawler carried out fishing trials and its catch was processed in a trial run in the factory. The company's second trawler, Sea Harvester 11, was on its way to Nelson when we went to press. The most modern fishing and processing techniques are embodied in the trawlers which will fish around the clock. Even waste products from the fish are utilised. These are converted into "fish meal. Among the modern equipment installed on the bridge are radar, echo sounders for locating fish shoals, automatic pilot and stabilising unit.

×

The Sea Harvester 1 tied up at the company's wharf

×

Looking towards the stern, up which the huge nets are drawn (the catch is dropped through a hatch to the chiller floor)

×

The first box of fish comes ashore on the huge conveyor belt and enters the holding chamber.

81

×

On the bridge the officer on watch is surrounded by a mass of detection and direction finding equipment

×

There is scarcely room to swing a mouse, let alone a cat in the engine room (waste space on the trawler has been kept to an absolute minimum).

×

The chartroom, attached to the bridge, also contains the latest in radio and direction finding equipment.

×

The chiller floor, on the lower deck, on which the catch is sorted, cleaned and packed ready for taking ashore for final processing