Southern Ranger Fisheries Boat: Ron takes to the high seas in the Fleurieu Peninsula region of South Australia
We take our unlimited access to our spectacular coastline and ocean for granted. But plenty of wild catch fisheries the world over are reeling - leaving a sorry legacy for generations to come. In the battle to protect our wild fish stocks - the South Australian Fisheries Department has enlisted some heavy artillery - none heavier than the Patrol Vessel, The Southern Ranger.
This $4 million 24 metre vessel, commissioned back in 2005, contains the latest in surveillance equipment and can cover huge areas of the State's coastline in double quick time. The patrol boat was specially-designed to respond quickly - and the boys on the Southern Ranger have this caper down to a fine art.
We're in the middle of Backstairs Passage, between Cape Jervis and Penneshaw and watch as officer James Sheppard conducts a quick check on a commercial operator running a long line for gummy shark.
Kane Slater, Southern Ranger: "Most times we can get someone on board. We've got the capabilities of boarding vessels from this size right up to larger vessels."
Soon we're on our way again, thundering through Investigator Strait which takes its name from the vessel Matthew Flinders used to chart the coastline back in 1802. Truth be known - great stretches of the coastline have changed little in more than 200 years.
Les Parsons, Southern Ranger: "The reason we're out here is to get to the remote areas that can't be policed by any other methods. We get out here and make sure that everything is OK and why wouldn't you want to be out here looking after areas like this? It's so pristine."
Over the years skipper Les Parsons and colleague Michael Cresshull have kept the digital camera handy providing a remarkable photographic record of encounters with whales in winter and white pointers while on patrol. From underwater caves to remote islands - crew members have enjoyed the lot, as they keep tabs on us all.
In the bridge, sophisticated technology provides a three dimensional image of the coastal topography and Southern Ranger's place in it. At the same time it highlights the location of other vessels.
Throughout its journey, Southern Ranger will criss cross our waters - with the tender crew zipping off to explore hidden coves which includes some of the most spectacular scenery in South Australia.
New Zealand Fur Seals, dolphins and even mountain goats - they're all part of the North Coast's charms. Some may seem a little underwhelmed by all this magnificent scenery and others don't get to see it all - hunkered down as they are in the bowels of Southern Ranger.
This is the domain of engineer Steve Kempster whose job it is to keep the boat purring along through all weather.
Steve Kempster, Southern Ranger: "It's a twin turbo. There's about a thousand and fifty horse power each. They can push the boat along at a cruising speed of about 20 knots and just shy of 30 knots at full speed. That's about 50 kilometres an hour which is pretty good for a 50 tonne boat."
Southern Ranger can cover 17,000 kilometres in a year and has clocked up 80,000 since 2005. Since it's commissioning the crew has boarded 1,250 vessels. Most do the right thing but it's those who don't who should fear a visit from Les and his crew.
Les Parsons, Southern Ranger: "There are some rogues out there who will bend the rules and we've been involved in many apprehensions over the years amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars in seized vessels and vehicles and contraband over that time."
By the end of the week, crew members are capturing the hearts and minds of Port Vincent school kids - selling the message of sustainability and 'doing the right thing". If you want to the Southern Ranger's crew to drop in on your school contact 8347 6100. The vessel will be open to the public later this year as part of Public Service Week. And should you want to explore the spectacular North Coast of KI then contact Gavin Solly from Kangaroo Island Fishing Adventures on 8559 3232. If you have any further questions please email info@postcards-sa.com.au
The Southern Ranger Fisheries Department
For school visits contact 8347 6100Kangaroo Island Fishing Adventures
Contact Gavin Solly on 8559 3232Published 30th May 2010
