big-money sushi market.

They have a chance to go on board a foreign ship given special permission to search for the kind of fish prized by the Japanese.

The American-flagged Anna C , hired by a British company, will be allowed inside the 75-mile zone normally closed to foreign fishing vessels.

Government is hoping she will pioneer a new offshore industry for local fisherman based on new species and new markets, such as the sushi restaurants of Japan.

The Anna C is equipped with the high-tech refrigeration demanded by the Japanese, and is purpose-built for long-line fishing.

Although she will be allowed inside the 75-mile zone, she will not be allowed near traditional local fishing areas like the Challenger and Argus Banks.

And all the fish she takes will be banned from sale in Bermuda.

The ship's experimental permit was granted after a year of consideration by fisheries officials.

It was granted to the UK firm Ignis Foods for six months.

Announcing the scheme, Environment Minister the Hon. Ann Cartwright DeCouto said: "The experimental project is intended to evaluate the potential for the taking of pelagic species, primarily big-eye tuna, that are suitable for overseas markets.

"The species being sought are not normally taken locally but may offer an opportunity for further diversification of Bermuda's fishing industry.'' She added that although the ship would explore the 200-mile exclusion zone, it could pinpoint fish stocks nearer the Island suitable for exploitation by local vessels.

The Anna C's American skipper, Captain Junior Cross, is experienced in offshore fishing in both the Atlantic and the Pacific, she said.

The 75-foot steel ship could carry eight people on trips of around seven days.

Under the conditions of the permit, the Department of Fisheries could choose one or two observers per trip who would take part in the fishing.

Mrs. Cartwright DeCouto said she hoped the opportunity would be taken up by local fishermen or entrepreneurs hoping to exploit the 200-mile exclusive fishing zone.

"This research programme will serve as an acid test of the feasibility of operating a profitable high-seas fishing venture from Bermuda, as well as providing a first-hand opportunity for locals to experience this industry at no financial risk to themselves.'' Apart from big-eye, the Anna C will also be searching for blue-fin tuna and swordfish. It may also take albacore and possibly yellow-fin tuna.

Most of its target species have oily, dark meat, for which there is not yet much of a market in Bermuda.

Fish that meet the taste of Japanese consumers can fetch big prices, around $30 or $40 a pound wholesale for tuna.

Officials do not want the ship to compete with local fishermen yet. But they are hoping Bermudians will learn about its high-tech methods and pick up the skills involved in the scrupulous handling of fish bound for Japan.

Agriculture and fisheries director Mr. John Barnes said Government's view was "very much wait and see what we get''.

"We're very pleased it's worked out as well as it has done. We've had quite a number of operators who wanted to take part and we wanted to go with someone who was reputable.'' The Anna C is now at Beaufort, South Carolina, and will sail for Bermuda later this week with a fisheries official on board. She may do some trial fishing on the voyage.