KILL THE SHAGS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2293, 29 October 1914, Page 9

KILL THE SHAGS

■ DECAY,OF LAKE TROUT. Discussing the deterioration of fish in-our lakes by disease, Professor Prince, in hi 3 report to the Government, makes the following interesting remarks :— - _ "I have already referred tp the paraeitio epidemic which has so seriously affecte'd the trout in the Taupo and Hotorua watore, and it was clearly proved to me by the researches carried on by Dr. Reakes and Air. Korrigan, with the assistai'ce of officials of the Tourist Department, that the parasite is a nematode torni which has long existed in the nativo fish and certain native birds. It is beyond question that the shag is the original host, and that the intermediate host ■is the cock-a-bully, and probably one or two other species, including tho toitoi. On the introduction of tlio brown and rainbow trout these fish did not eeem to be affected by the parasite, but after some years the decrease in food and the fall-mg-off in robuat condition resulted in the trout becoming a prey to those parasites, and eventually the internal organs and even the muscles of the fisli becoming more or less seriously infested with the parasite in the intermediate stage. Two measures-are essential for the extirpation of such a parasite: they are (1) tho extermination of the original host, the shag, and (2) tho destruction as far. as possible or all fish in poor condition and infested with tho parasite. Both these steps navo been actively, pursued; but even greater benefit would have resulted had the recommendation of the Chief Fishery Inspector, Mr. Ayson, been carried out years ago. Steps were taken very late and after much delay by the two Departments which at present share responsibility for these fisheries.. Great benefit is, however, apparent from the steps taken thus late. All the "sliagKeries" or nesting resorts of the shag should be destroyed, and shag shot en these interior waters whenever seen. A systematic destruction could be carried out by a small staff of Government officials, as it ie hopeless to rely upon private individual efforts, even with the stimulus of a bounty. Netting of tho poor or emaciated infested fish should bo

come. I think, however, that the importation of a new strain of brown and rainbow.trout would increase the reeist-.ing-powcr of the fish; and this, combined with the destruction. as far as possible of the original cause, would enable tho spread of this trouble to. be controlled. The native fish have always been stated to have been infosted with this parasite, and such fish have, formed a largo part , of the food of native tribes without any apparent harm. Even tho large trout. infeGtcd with the pnraelto form quite acceptable food, provided the intestines and interna) organs are careeully removed and nuy parasites in the flesh also taken 0ut , . , , .