Tuna Poler, Port Lincoln Foreshore
Tuna poling was exciting and often dangerous work, performed in open wild seas. The ‘Tuna Poler” sculpture commemorates all who took part in this pioneering form of fishing for Tuna that paved the way for innovation and transition to aquaculture in the late 20th Century.
In this life size work, Ken has encapsulated the essence of that moment when the sea releases the fish. Tuna , the fastest fish in the sea may strike the line at 70 km per hour , here the beautiful streamline Bluefin Tuna in full flight challenges the fisherman who is expected to toss the tuna over his shoulder. onto the deck of the boat.
The ‘Tuna Poler” sculpture commemorates all who took part in this pioneering form of fishing for Tuna that paved the way for innovation and transition to aquaculture in the late 20th Century. This was a remarkable period in Port Lincoln’s history that has played an enormous role in forging the spirit and foundation of the region.
Ken: When composing this study some of the key elements considered were as follows: * ‘Boat’ represented by a section of the hull. * ‘Rack’ which hangs over the Port-side of the boat- for fisherman to stand in. * ‘Fisherman’ wearing waders * Bluefin Tuna the predominant tuna species caught in these waters. * ‘Pole’ a traditional Rangoon cane pole * ’Pad’ strapped around the fisherman’s waist (typically made of green hide) the pad serves as a seat for the butt of the pole. * ‘Squid’ the name given to the lure which consists of a weighted barbless hook and shimmering neck feathers of roosters, imported from America - strapped to the shank of the hook to attract Tuna. * ‘Fisherman’ typically fit strong young men who may be expected to pole up to 10 tonne of fish in a single day.
At life size the water form of the base is 210 cm in diameter and if the fisherman is 190 cm tall (when standing). The pole depicts a traditional Rangoon cane pole and the tuna is equivalent to a 35 kg tuna- fish larger than this would be double poled i.e. 1 line two fishermen with a pole each
This scene acknowledges the Southern Bluefin Tuna ‘Thunnus maccoyii’ and reflects on the lives and contribution of Polers, Crew and land based Supporters.
