Experimental trawling off New Zealand, 1900

The object of the expedition was to make an experimental survey of the coasts of the New Zealand, especially in the neighbourhood of the more thickly populated centres, to ascertain what extent of trawling-grounds existed, what varieties of marketable fish were obtainable in the different localities, to prove whether the conditions necessary for carrying on successful trawling existed in certain localities within workable distance of the best markets; and, if so, to place the information on record for the guidance of those interested in the trawling industry; and generally to acquire information on the distribution of food-fishes, etc., in the sea surrounding these Islands.

To carry out the experimental trawling operations the Government chartered the steam-trawler "Doto" owned by B. A. Petersen and Co., of Napier. The "Doto" was originally built for a steam-yacht, but was subsequently bought by Captain Nielsen, for Messrs. Petersen and Co., in Sydney and taken over to Napier, where she was fitted out and used as a trawler.