waters for species used in sushi dishes was expected to dock in St. George's late yesterday.

Over the next six months, the Anna C will be allowed to fish within the Island's 75-mile exclusion zone to ascertain whether there are substantial quantities of fish available outside the traditional fishing grounds of local fishermen.

A Bermuda fisheries official is currently on board the 75-foot vessel, collecting data and ensuring that all rules and regulations attached to the permit are complied with.

The species being sought by the ship are ones which are not normally taken locally such as big-eye tuna, blue-fin tuna and swordfish, which are prized in Japan's sushi restaurants.

Government is hoping the experiment will pioneer a new offshore industry for Bermuda fishermen, which would cater to overseas markets.

The Anna C , hired by Ignis Foods in the UK, is equipped with the high-tech refrigeration demanded by the Japanese, and is custom-built for long line fishing.

Although she may explore Bermuda's entire 200-mile fishing zone, the ship cannot operate near the traditional areas frequented by local fisherman, and the vessel's catch is banned from sale in the Islands.

An invitation to go aboard the Anna C was extended to all local fishermen through the Fisheries Department and thus far, approximately a dozen have expressed interest.