asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the number and type of vessels operated by his Department for fisheries inspection, the year of construction, the principal dimension, displacement and complement of each vessel with similar details of any other vessels operated by his Department, the number of crew personnel required for each vessel, and the details of any other vessels to be acquired in the coming year.
Written Answers. - Fisheries Inspection.
198.
1. My Department do not operate any vessels for use in fisheries inspection.
2. There are four small boats—all under 17 ft. in length in use by the scientific staff of my Department. Each vessel would be operated by one man.
3. It is expected that work on the construction of a new fisheries research vessel will commence later this year. Present plans are that the vessel will have an overall length of 47.50m., and will be slightly less than 500 gross registered tonnage and fitted with 1.500 hp engine. The design of the vessel provides for a crew complement of 14 with additional accommodation for at least six scientific staff.