Welcome to the Tacoma Preservation Society website

The Tacoma Preservation Society (TPS) is undertaking a complete restoration of the Motor Fishing Vessel (MFV) Tacoma. It is Australia’s first purpose built purse seine fishing boat. As a tuna clipper, it changed the course of pelagic fishing in Australia.

With the help of many volunteers and sponsors, this project commemorates the story of the pioneering fishing Haldane family from Port Fairy, the construction of one of the most historically significant vessels ever built in Australia and the impact this vessel made in the development of the tuna and prawn fishing industries in Port Lincoln in South Australia.

Members of the TPS are a group of individuals who believe a boat is seen at its best in the environment for which it was built – the sea.

As an active seagoing vessel, it will be preserved for all time for everyone to enjoy. The story of how the MFV Tacoma was built and how it was used in the fishing industry becomes more alive to people when they can see, touch and feel the motion of the boat and learn about it’s history on the water.

The MFV Tacoma, launched in 1951 in Port Fairy, is on the Australian Register of Historic Vessels. To be registered ‘a vessel must be associated with people or events that have contributed to Australia’s maritime history. It must be a rare or important example of its type, designer, builder, class, construction or period. It must teach us about some aspect of maritime history. It must have special value to its community. It must have been built before 1965 and be intact or relatively intact’. The MFV Tacoma fits all of these criteria.

The 120-ton 84ft wooden tuna clipper MFV Tacoma has been donated by the Haldane family to the people of Australia. You own a share of this vessel. Why don’t you become an active member or a passive supporter of the Tacoma Preservation Society?

We’d be delighted to hear from you. We love this vessel - and we know you will love it to.

The TPS Crew