The only specialised marine publication in Oceania that focuses on the maritime industry, from super yachts to small craft to large commercial ships, including coastal shipping, tugs, tow boats, barges, ferries, tourist, sport-fishing craft
Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/39567
LETTERS Letters to the editor are encouraged from readers who wish to say nice things, raise an industry concern or even get something off their chest. Letters are published in good faith and may be abridged if too verbose or on the edge of being libellous. In fact, in 15 years we have only refused to publish two letters. For this reason, while we will protect an author's identity if requested by "name withheld on request", letters must be clearly marked by name and address, signed or emailed as verification of authenticity. Letters not clearly signed may not see the light of day. SEAFOOD BOSSES Dear Sir I write as we hear the good news breaking that the seafood fishing bosses are calling for the Minister of Fisheries to carry out an enquiry into poor conditions and wages for sailors on foreign charter vessels (FCV). They are now trying to distance themselves from their very bad members who do bad things for money to treat fishermen so poorly to make big, fat profits. Professional Skipper has had a hand in forcing this good outcome and for this we thank you. Maybe the truth will now come out and the men can speak without fear of beatings or harm to their family at home. Terima kasih. Mrs Mili Tan, Auckland REPLACEMENT SHIP Dear Sir Good to learn from your July/ August edition of the progress on a replacement for the tanker HMNZS Endeavour. It is arguable that this venerable ship has been the most successful and appropriate of the fleet in her 23-year history. All the more important that the replacement continues and even broadens her invaluable contributions made through the years. The Royal New Zealand Navy (and the Ministry of Defence) need not look much further than the Berlin class fleet auxiliary vessel. With her ability to carry 84 shipping containers and two helicopters, plus her two cranes and a hospital ward, this auxiliary would act as a fitting addition to the work of HMNZS Canterbury. R Smith, Manukau, Auckland CHANGING ATTITUDES Dear Sir Charter boat operator Richard Abernathy of Te Anau complains SUBSCRIBE NOW! in the July/August issue about filling in fishing reports. He says his clients "Don't give a toss about the accuracy". Says something about the culture, doesn't it? Perhaps Richard could spend time educating his clients. Sure, the reporting system may need adjusting, but nobody argues with the need for better information. It's the attitude which worries me. With good science, good data and good decisions, there just might be a few fish around for future generations. Richard also says of his clients: "I defy any skipper to keep an eye on so many people catching and throwing back fish and keeping an accurate record." If Richard can't put systems together to do this with the willing cooperation of his clients, I'd be happy to come aboard and help. Again, it seems we need a change in attitude for sustainability. Kevin McCready, Auckland Kevin, You raise some interesting points, most without argument. But I have to agree, when you have up to 15 anglers on board catching and releasing fish it is actually hard to keep tabs on them when the fishing is hot. So please do not scoff at this real concern. Ed… TUNA FISHERY Dear Sir You sure know how to rattle an official cage with your last editorial on West Coast tuna. I am one of your operators who has suffered from past Maritime New Zealand bullshit, when all we want to do is get on and develop a fantastic fishery. You are correct when you say the window of opportunity evolves around the commercial hoki boats, but not entirely, as we have been able to target and catch fish away from these vessels. But you have to be where the hoki are aggregating and the fishing is not as intense. This means when the fish move north we are up to 50 miles out from Cape Foulwind, maybe a bit more at times. I have spoken with these wankers from Maritime NZ and Be sure to get your copy of Professional Skipper direct by mail Please include NZ Workboat Review for 2007 @ $10.50 available now Please include NZ Workboat Review for 2006 @ $5.00 available now ■ Please include NZ Workboat Review 2008, 2009 & 2010 @ $5.00 available now Visa/Mastercard (other cards not accepted) Card Number __________________________________________________________________ Card Name ___________________________________________________________________ Signature _________________________________________________ Expiry date _____/_____ ■ $65.00 1 year – includes NZ Workboat Review 2012 ($105 Australia + Asia, $145 Rest of World) ■ $125.00 2 year – includes NZ Workboat Review 2012 & 2013 ■ Please include NZ Workboat Review 2011 @ $11.50 available now $65.00 1 year – includes NZ Workboat Review 2009 ($98 Australia + Asia, $135 Rest of World) $125 2 years – includes NZ Workboat Review 2009 & 2010 Please include NZ Workboat Review 2008 @ $10.50 available now Please include NZ Workboat Review 2007 @ $5.00 available now GST No: 68-684-757 Name _______________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ Postal code ________ Email _______________________________________________________________________ ENCOSE A CHEQUE FOR __________________________________________________________ Be in the draw for a fine oil painting of the Top Sail Schooner Huia 1894-1951 artist value $1000 by our marine artist Paul Deacon www.marineartgallery.net.nz September/October 2011 Professional Skipper 3