A visit to the town last week by Australian Fisheries Management Authority CEO Dr James Findlay has coincided with some readers voicing confusion over details surrounding the ship.

Before his visit to the Merimbula Big Game and Lakes Angling Club, Dr Findlay said he was driven to meet concerned public members to “bust a few myths” and provide information on the science behind fisheries’ policy making.

“I had heard through the media that the community had concerns and I think it’s important for people to do the research and know the facts,” he said.

“I think there’s been lots of misunderstanding about the boat and the science. 

“We use international benchmarks and look at mistakes made in other parts of the world.

“If you’re not sure, don’t rush,” he added, regarding sustainable stock levels.

He described the mistakes made in Europe, where fish stocks dwindled from the use of too many fishing boats in low fish stock areas.

According to tracking website fleetmon.com the Australian registered ship was three kilometres off the Eden coast seven days ago, before moving out of range.

The ship was built in 1983 by Harlingen Scheepswerf & Reparatiebedrijf in Harlingen in the Netherlands, is currently owned by Triabunna-based wholesaler Seafish Tasmania and managed by Dutch fishing and processing company Parlevliet & Van Der Plas.

Seafish Tasmania was in the news last year when it pleaded guilty in the Tasmanian magistrates court to dumping truckloads of fish-processing waste water into an unnamed creek on Crown land in 2012 and 2013.

The ship has had multiple names over the last five years including the Dirk Dirk and Naeraberg before being named the Geelong Star in February 2015.

Dr Findlay said the Geelong Star is the most heavily regulated boat in the Australian fishery.