The Special Adviser to the Executive Governor on Aquaculture and Deep Sea Fishing Hon. Kurotamunoye Briggs has commended the Managing Director and members of Staff of Petroquip Nigeria Limited for a successful sea test run of the Rivers State owned fishing trawler boats.

Hon. Briggs made the comment at the Borikiri fishing terminal when inspecting the fish brought in by the trawler boats which had gone to sea for a test run.

He commended the determination of Petroquip Nigeria Limited, the core-investor at the Borikiri fishing terminal and managers of the boats in actualising the purpose for the fishing trawler boats scheme of the State government.

The SA who expressed joy over by the large haul of fish, prawns and crabs brought in by the trawlers, commended the crew for their labour, and implored them to take advantage of the opportunity to learn even more processes involved in deep sea fishing.

He assured that the fishing boats, when fully operational would meet the fish supply requirements of the State, provide employment, generate revenue for government and enhance economic activities in the State.

In his own remark, a representative of Petroquip Nigeria Limited, Mr. Henry Saka, thanked the State Government for the partnership geared towards achieving food sufficiency for the State.

He recounted the challenges faced by the crew during the voyage which he said included damage to the fishing net, damage of the haul, weather and un-removed wreckages along the water ways.

Mr. Saka said that it was the beginning of a new chapter in the fishing sector in Rivers State. He went on to add that despite the challenges, it was a worthwhile experiment assuring that the next voyage of the fishing trawler boats is slated for Monday, the 25th day of June, 2012 will be a better one.