Fed: Lena to become dive wreck
A Russian-owned boat seized after its crew was caught poaching the protected Patagoniantoothfish in Australian waters in February is to be sunk for a dive wreck.
The 55-metre LENA has been towed today from Fremantle to Bunbury, 180 kilometres southof Perth, where it will be stripped and sunk next year.
The boat was confiscated by the commonwealth after its skipper and two crew memberswere convicted and fined $100,000 for illegally fishing 80 tonnes - or $1 million worth- of Patagonian toothfish.
Federal Fisheries Minister IAN MACDONALD says the boat will become a valuable tourist attraction.
Mr MACDONALD says today's announcement sends a clear message to pirate fishermen thatthe government will do everything in its power to prevent seized boats from ever operatingillegally in Australian waters again.
AAP RTV sd/ldj
KEYWORD: LENA (PERTH)
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