Experimental trawling off New Zealand, 1901

The object of the 1901 expedition was to continue the experimental survey of the coasts of New Zealand which was commenced the previous year, with the object of ascertaining what extent of trawling grounds exist in certain localities off the coast of the North Island, and to acquire information on the distribution of food-fishes, and assist the fishing industry by placing the information gained on record for the guidance of those interested.

The expedition took place from February to May 1901 and covered the North Island and the northern part of the South Island. The steam-trawler "Doto" (C. A. Nielsen, captain and trawling-master), which had been used for similar experiments in 1900, was chartered from the Nelson Fishing Company for a period of eight weeks initially, but extended to four months. The "Doto" was originally built for a steam-yacht, but was subsequently bought by Captain Nielsen, for Messrs.