| April-May 2001 |
| StarKist Sells Tuna Purse Seine Fleet |
| On April 20, TriMarine International, Inc. announced that it had formed Cape Fisheries Holdings, LP to acquire and operate tuna purse seine vessels. Tri-Marine Group of Companies already controls 4 vessels. Three of these of the National Fisheries in the Solomon Islands and the M/V Caribe. With this new partnership, TriMarine will have control over a fleet of 12 vessels. It is also widely believed that they are negotiating to move the 2 large processor vessels (the "white elephants") from Europe to the Western Pacific. With the lucrative contracts to supply StarKist from the 8 "Cape" vessels and the existing contract for the procurement of tuna and loins to the Bolton Group/Trinity Alimentary that is increasing its control over European canneries, TriMarine will be in a key position to influence the world markets. Mr. Renato Curto, president of TriMarine said that, "TriMarine is a strategic supplier of raw materials to the tuna industry worldwide. To maximize the reliability of supply to our customers, it is important that we increase the size of our fishing fleet as well as our operating resources." |
| Mr. Kenny Alameda, partner, president and Chief Operating Officer of Cape Fisheries Holdings LP has been a part of the tuna industry all his life. His father was a pioneer of the San Diego tuna fishing industry. His company, Clipper Oil, is the major supplier of fuel, oil, and salt to the American tuna fleets. According to Mr. Curto, "his sound judgment, leadership skills and integrity will help Tri Marine achieve its goal of being a leading owner and operator of tuna fishing vessels". |
| The French newspaper, "Le Marin' reported that the "Rospico" and the "Trevignon", 2 French tuna purse seiners have been sold to a company in Iran. Both vessels are still going to catch tuna in the Indian Ocean waters and will be managed by a Swiss Company. Cobrecaf will keep a role of technical assistance. The actual crews will be paid off, a move that will concern some 22 men (half of them French) for each vessel. The Scarnon's Union asked Cobrecaf to propose to the new Iranian owners to keep a French staff on each vessel, that is to say, 8 per vessel, while the other sailors will be transferred to other vessels of the company. In 2000, Cobrecaf already had an operation in Iran waters with some good results. Majority of the Yellowfin tuna catches in that area are within the country's Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ). Iran only owns 3 old tuna vessels, and one cannery. Domestic market is estimated to be 60 million consumers. Cobrecaf is consequently looking for some form of association to renew and develop the Iran tuna fleets. |
| In a separate report, Le Marin also reported that the "Avallonne Fisheries" of Setes confirmed the order of the new "JeanMarie Christian VI" for delivery in February 2002. This is to replace an older vessel which is 25 meters in length. The new vessel will be a 40-meter-long purse seiner and capable of 20 knots speed. These owners have a lot of experience on the Mediterranean Bluefin tuna fisheries for which quality is a very essential factor. |
| Early this year, the organizations: ANABACOPTUC/OPAGAC for the fisheries side and ANFACO ... formed "INTERATUN" or (translated) "Organization Interprofessional of the Tuna Fisheries Concerns" was formed to defend the Spanish tuna sector and its reputation. The organization wants to be recognized by the Spanish government and the MAPA (Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food of Spain). Many other items are contemplated, such as: the promotion of tuna, the knowledge of its specific nutritional value, and the upgrade of its quality and presentation. INTERATUN Chairman is Mrs. Marta Calvo Ramirez (daughter of Manuel Calvo), vice presidents are Jose Maria Borras and Juan Vieites, directors are Benito Portuondo, Jose Angel Angulo, Moises Perez, Gabriel Sarro, Juan Alonso Escuris, Estanislao Garavilla, and Jorge Carregal. |
| The war of the pouches has now reached the UK, John West of the StarKist/Heinz group introduced its pouch in the UK at the end of March with contemporary flavors such as: Lime and Black Pepper; OvenDried Tomato; and a Frenchstyle dressing. Tuna in a pouch is not just a "makeover" of an old classic. The pouch is easy to carry and easy to use. Just tear it off and pour the contents into a slice of bread. No more mess. The new flavors sound hip and healthy attracting a generation of eaters that may have missed the canned version. The war of the pouches has indeed brought out an endless sense of possibilities that we all thought was gone a year ago. |
| NEW PRODUCT: Casamar's SIMPLE GREEN® for FISHING VESSELS & MARINE APPLICATIONS. All-purpose CLEANER/DEGREASER/DEODORIZER. Sold as a concentrate that can be diluted (up to 150 times) with water for various cleaning and DEGREASING applications. Authorized by the USA for use in Federally inspected meats, poultry, and other food plants. Excellent product for cleaning fish wells, engine rooms, decks, kitchen, and other cleaning and deodorizing applications. Removes Fuel Odors. For engine room applications, it washes out oils, grease, ... without heavy scrubbing that can ruin surfaces. Safe alternative to hazardous chemicals and can replace most cleaners and degreasers. NONTOXIC. NONFLAMMABLE, NONABRASIVE. Available at CASAMAR in Guam and American Samoa February 2001. More details can be found at it at www.TunaPort.com |
| Crow's NEST is provided by CASAMAR to its customers for their information only. CASAMAR is not responsible for any errors or delay: in the content or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. |
| This publication is provided by CASAMAR to its customers for their information only. CASAMAR is not liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Trademarked names are used in an editorial content with no intent in trademark infringement. |
| If you would like to discuss issues affecting the Tuna Industry, please visit our new Discussion Board by clicking here. |
| For more information on the Tuna Fishing Industry visit the Casamar Home Page at www.casamarintl.com for the nearest full-service and sales facility in your part of the world or the latest product designed specifically for the Tuna Fishing Industry. |
| Also, please visit Tuna Port. |
| Crow's Nest is the first monthly in-depth report on the status of the Tuna Industry. For a printed copy of the publication, please e-mail your name and address to: Casamar Group, Inc., and advise them that you would like to get a hard copy of the report. |
| If you would like to discuss this or other issues affecting the Tuna Industry, please visit our new Discussion Board by clicking here. |
| On May 1, 2001 all 8 StarKist Super Seiners had new names painted on them. The M/V Fetu has been renamed Cape Elizabeth, the M/V Masina Cape Hatteras, the M/V Tifaimoana Cape Finisterre, the M/V Fuiono Cape Creton, M/V Toaimoana Cape Ferrat, M/V Auro Cape Blanco, M/V Penina Cape May, M/V Taimane Cape Mendocino. |