Adam Meyerson arrived in Hobart yesterday from Williamstown on board the fierce-looking ship, and is ready to head south to try and stamp out illegal fishing of the Patagonian toothfish.

‘‘We’re just getting the ship ready and the crew ready to go back down,’’ Mr Meyerson said.

The crew will begin preparations for a two-month patrol mission, departing on December 1.

Provided there is no whaling this year, the mission dubbed ‘‘Operation Icefish’’ will target the poaching of Antarctic and Patagonian toothfish.

Ship manager Lex Rigby said about six vessels were operating illegally in the Southern Ocean.

‘‘It’s hard to judge who is doing it because it can be vessels flying flags of convenience,’’ Ms Rigby said.

The crew will confiscate long lines, and pirate fishing boats will be blocked from operating.

The crew said Sea Shepherd would work with the relevant authorities to have any illegal vessels confiscated, and the crew arrested.

The ship will join the Sam Simon departing from Wellington, New Zealand.