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. Petersen and Co., in Sydney and taken over to Napier, where she was fitted out and used as a trawler. She is a composite vessel of 28 tons gross register, 66 ft. in length, 12 ft. beam, draught 6 ft. 6 in., and fifteen horse power nominal. The vessel was fitted with the otter-trawl, which while quite as effective can be much more easily and quickly put down and picked up than the beam trawl, and is therefore altogether better suited for the short tows required for experimental work.
Fishing gear carried onboard included: trawl-nets—one manila-twine net, 60 ft. head-line, 45 ft. spread, and 65 ft. length; two cotton nets, 70 ft. head-line, 60 ft. spread, and 85 ft. depth; one pair of spare otter boards; one purse Seine net; one bottom dredge; hooks and lines.