THE controversial new super trawler is set to call Brisbane home, as its Tasmanian operator downgrades Devonport to one of a ``number of ports'' to be visited.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Seafish Tasmania director Gerry Geen said paperwork to re-flag the FV Margiris as an Australian vessel and renamed the Abel Tasman was complete.
The 142-metre long vessel is berthed at Port Lincoln where it has enjoyed a relatively welcome reception compared to the big protests that had been planned for its arrival in Devonport.
Seafish Tasmania had touted the economic benefit the vessel would bring to the state's North-West by making Devonport its home, but yesterday backed away from those plans.
``We have lodged the application for Brisbane to be its home port. However, that does not mean it will be based in Brisbane. It may not even visit Brisbane,'' Mr Geen said.
``During operation the Abel Tasman may visit a number of ports, including Devonport, as was our original plan, to offload our catch, resupply the ship and change work crews.''
About half of the 45 Tasmanian crew members already employed were flown to Port Lincoln to join the ship yesterday.
Once the Federal authorities give it the final go-ahead, the factory ship will leave Port Lincoln to fish the Great Australian Bight.
Anti-super trawler campaigner John Edwards said forcing the vessel to stay away from Tasmania was no reason to celebrate.
``It doesn't matter where this fishes from, it is the size of the quota and the size of the vessel that's our main concern,'' Mr Edwards said.
