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Local name for new Fisheries vessel

Wednesday, 26 May 2010

PIRSA Fisheries has thanked the Limestone Coast community for their involvement in a recent competition to name its new patrol boat.

Senior Fisheries Officer Barry Tarr said that the competition attracted more than 100 entries from across the local community, with the majority coming from local students.

“We were really happy with the broad range of ideas put forward. It made it quite difficult deciding a winner from all the fantastic names submitted,” he said.

“We were looking for something symbolic to the Limestone Coast, be it in regards to local flora and fauna, famous landmarks, or historical figures.

“Once we collected all the entries, Fisheries officers came up with a shortlist of names which we then took to students at Reidy Park Primary School and Mount Gambier High School to vote on the winner.

“Unfortunately there can be only one winner and we are pleased to announce that the new vessel will be called the Fisheries Patrol Vessel Canunda.

“The name Canunda is synonymous with the Limestone Coast with the popular Canunda National Park and the wind farm at Lake Bonney of the same name.

“What makes the name even more symbolic is the fact that Canunda comes from the Boandik (Aboriginal) word Coonunda, which is believed to mean water.

“I’d like to congratulate Joshua Thomson, a Year 10 student from Mount Gambier High who submitted the winning name.”

Joshua will receive a small prize and be invited on board the vessel when it is launched later in the year.

Mr Tarr said that the 8.5 metre Niaid inflatable vessel is currently being built in Fremantle and is due to be shipped to Mount Gambier in September for an official launch.

“The new boat is going to significantly boost our officers’ capability to protect our local fish stocks, so it’s fitting that the local community played such a key role in naming the vessel,” he said.

Anyone can report illegal fishing activity through the 24 hour FISHWATCH number on 1800 065 522.  Callers can choose to remain anonymous.