N.Z.'s Deep Sea Wealth Could Create Marketing Difficulties

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28270, 7 May 1957, Page 10

N.Z.'s Deep Sea Wealth Could Create Marketing Difficulties

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, May 6. Even if large quantities of fish were found in the deep water surrounding New Zealand, they probably could not be disposed of, said the representative of a fisheries company in Wellington when he was commenting on a statement by Professor L. R. Richardson, of Victoria University College, that New Zealand was virtually neglecting the sea as a potential source of “enormous wealth.’’

Frequently, there were gluts of fish in New Zealand, and the surplus was exported to Australia. However, the Australian Government was mow issuing fewer import licences, and this market was limited, he said. The United States Government was also allowing fewer crayfish tails to be imported. A fisherman with 40 years’ experience, Mr G. Baxter, master of the Thomas Currell, said that he doubted whether any New Zealand trawler was capable of fishing in water up to 400 fathoms as suggested by Professor Richardson. The maximum depth trawled in New Zealand waters was 90 fathoms. The deepest water he had fished in overseas was 160 fathoms. Only the most moderntrawlers exceeded this depth. To trawl in 400 fathoms, it would be necessary to install a large winch capable of carrying 1000 fathoms of wire hawser, and the ship would need an exceptionally strong motor to tow the net. Depleted Fishing Grounds Mr Baxter said that although there was usually sufficient fish, to meet New Zealand’s requirements the fishing grounds became depleted during certain parts of the year. “If large shoals of fish such as hake were found in deep water and the seabed was muddy it would be of great advantage to fishermen,’’ he added. “However, it would also depend on how far the- deep water was from port. A few miles away

it would be possible to go there all the yeap' round. If it was 100 miles away we would be reluctant. In bad weather, the ship would not be able to tow the net.

“Someone would have to make sure there were fish in commercial quantities at that depth because equipment would be very expensive. Fishing companies would not be able to afford the outlay without a guarantee that the money would not be wasted.’’ The New Zealand fishing industry would be able to expand faster if it received more Government support, such as fishery research ships, to locate large shoals of fish, said Mr Baxter. If more fish were marketed, prices would drop.