The American-registered ship which has been given special Government permission to fish in Bermuda waters arrived in St. George's yesterday -- and sailed into a storm of controversy.

The Anna C , under lease to Ignis Foods of the UK, has six months to conduct long line fishing within the Island's exclusion zone.

This includes the 75-mile area around Bermuda -- normally off-limits to all foreign fishing vessels.

While the experimental project is meant to acertain whether a new offshore industry based on new species and markets is viable for Bermuda, a number of local fishermen cried foul yesterday.

The fish being sought by the ship -- big-eye and blue-fin tuna -- are not normally caught locally, but which command premium prices in Japan.

These oily, dark-meat species are prized by connoisseurs of the raw fish delicacy sushi, and can fetch up to $25 per pound and more on the wholesale market.

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

Swordfish and albacore will also be taken by the ship, and possibly yellow-fin tuna.

All fish taken by the Anna C are banned from sale in Bermuda, to avoid competition with locals.

But some Bermudian fishermen still see the project as a threat to their livelihoods.

When the permit was announced last month, leader of the Island's unionised fishermen Mr. Danny Farias said: "Here we have a British company using an American vessel to fish up against our shores. There is something seriously wrong -- this should be Bermudian oriented.'' But Fisheries director Mr. John Barnes said the whole point of the project was to ultimately build a new industry for Bermudians.

Setting up a long line fishing business in the Island would cost around $500,000, he said.

"We don't want someone to spend that kind of money only to find out there aren't substantial amounts of fish to make the business profitable,'' Mr.

Barnes said.

Mr. Barnes said it is hoped Bermudians will learn the ship's high-tech methods and pick up the skills needed to handle fish bound for specialised markets such as the Far East.

He added that invitations to go aboard the Anna C were extended to all local fishermen and about 12 expressed an interest. Two, Mr. Alan Edness and Mr.

Robert Lambe, went on board yesterday for a preliminary tour.

Mr. Farias and other disgruntled fishmen and supporters had their own look around from Penno's Wharf where the vessel was docked.

Local fisherman Mr. Alan Bean Sr.. insisted there were already local boats which could be easily modified for long line fishing.

"We don't need a whole boat and crew coming down,'' Mr. Bean said. "All we need is just one person to take us out and show us how to do it -- just one person.'' He said the Anna C situation was just another example of Government not communicating with the Island's fishermen before going ahead with a new policy.

But he said "the worst part'' was that he heard the Anna C has been given Government permission to purchase fuel on the Island at prices drastically below what local fisherman pay.

Mr. Bean said the duty tacked onto the Island's marine fuel should be reduced or taken away completely for commercial fishermen.

"People who come to my boat at the Flag Pole always complain bout the price of the fish.'' he said. "The cost of fuel alone leaves me Experimental trawler caught in storm with nothing. I've got one foot in jail already because I can't pay my bills.'' Mr. Barnes said the Anna C filled its tanks in North Carolina before heading for Bermuda, and can go 70 to 80 days without refuelling.

Because the ship is not competing in the local market, it is in a position similar to an exempt company: "They're here, but they're not''.

Ignis Foods director Mr. Richard (Dick) Shrimpton, said: "We're not here to cause trouble, but to gain knowledge and help each other. I feel bad about the conflict that has arisen, but I'm looking forward to working with local fishermen.'' And should any of them decide to take up long line fishing in the future, Ignis Foods would consider purchasing their catch, he said.

Mr. Shrimpton said in addition to expanding the local fishing industry, long line fishing would spawn new onshore jobs and increase business for air freight companies and marine service stations.

"It's going to help the country as a whole,'' he added. "It will mean dollars coming into the Island, not going out.'' The Anna C's skipper, Capt. Junior Cross, said he was "extremely surprised'' at the amount of controversy the project has stirred up.

"I really thought the (Bermudian) fishermen would be delighted to have us here,'' he said.

He said while the actual length of time the Anna C will spend in the Bermuda area depends on the amount caught, the ship is committed to a minimum of six weeks, "win, lose or draw''.

The vessel's trips will generally last between three to ten days, although 14 days at sea would not be unusual.

The ship departed yesterday afternoon with the Fisheries Department's head warden, Mr. Brian Malpas, aboard. It is expected back in port on Monday.

A Bermuda Fisheries official is required to be on board for each of the 75-foot vessel's trips, collecting data and ensuring that all rules and regulations attached to the permit are complied with.

These conditions include staying outside the traditional fishing grounds of local fishermen, such as the Challenger and Argus Banks.

line fishing trips around Bermuda.