Friday wrap: Rec fishers reel in a tuna tagged 27 years ago

The tuna was first tagged by CSIRO scientists in the Great Australian Bight in 1994 when it was a 97cm juvenile fish. When fisher Jason Garling (pictured, centre) reeled the tuna in on the southern NSW coast late last month it measured 185cm and 148 kilograms – a potential record by weight if an earlier recapture of a 155kg tuna can be verified.

“This fish is a CSIRO record; the oldest SBT ever recaptured after tagging and longest days at liberty for a tagged fish,” the research group said in a blog post.

“ [It’s] not just a boon for the lucky anglers – who, by the way, had the battle of a lifetime landing it – but also for science and future management of this valuable fishery.”

Charter Fish Narooma said the tagged tuna was the smaller of two fish it had hooked up and fought for about four hours before the larger fish was bitten off by a shark.

Gold Coast’s The Boat Works has officially launched the third stage of the marina’s $30 million makeover this week.

The stage-three works will develop another 10,000-square-metre section of the marina as 12 marine workshops, and marine retail showrooms.

The workshops will comprise flour new high-bay “super sheds” as controlled workspaces for larger boats up to 55 metres, including a dedicated sandblasting bay.

“We have fast-tracked stage three due to demand following the new superyacht yard that officially opened in February and has been operating at capacity since May,” The Boat Works general manager Shane Subichin said.

The Boat Works has seen a rush of work as superyacht owners take advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions.

The US-based National Marine Manufacturers Association has talked up boating as the perfect activity to escape the growing COVID-19 pandemic.

“As springtime came to a close, fears of a ‘lost summer’ echoed throughout the country,” NMMA president Frank Hugelmeyer wrote in an opinion piece written this week for Fox Business.

“Thankfully, our natural resources are wide open for the recreational activities that have long been a hallmark of the season, and this year, a growing number of people are turning to a longstanding American pastime – recreational boating.

“First-time boat buyers are on the rise as Americans are recognizing that boating is one of the safest and most accessible atmospheres to enjoy quality time with their loved ones and improve their mental health outlook during the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

“Since the founding of our great nation, boating has been a favourite American pastime. At this critical time, we look forward to playing a restorative role in the health and wellness of our country’s citizens and welcoming more people to the lifestyle in the months and years ahead.”

Queensland-based Twin Disc Pacific has announced it will officially start distributing Veith Propulsion products for pleasure in Australia.

“Twin Disc acquired Veth in 2018 and we’ve been reviewing when we would commence representation in the Pacific market,” Twin Disc Pacific managing director Glenn Frettingham said.

“Veth Propulsion has extensive experience in engineering and product development that will enhance our current product portfolio.

“Innovations like Veth Propulsion's industry-recognised Hybrid Drive and Integrated L-Drive will open new markets and opportunities for growth for Twin Disc Pacific.”