QUINNAT SALMON.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 March 1926, Page 1

QUINNAT SALMON.

AIR AS’SON’S SUCCESS. r WELLINGTON, March 12. ’there can be no doubt of the success which has, attended the years of hard work and the systematic pursuit of an ideal regardless of difficulties by the Chief Inspector of Fisheries. Mr L. F. Ayson, in the acclimatisation of quiniiat- salmon. Canadian experts who have visited New Zealand to investigate the acclimatisation of quinoat state that for richness in oil, which makes for quality in salmon canni/ng. the New Zealand salmon are equal to Hie best on the Pacific Coast, and they state that under no other system save that employed by Air Ayson could acclimatisation have been made. Tn no other country in the world have quiniiat salmon been acclimatised. “Quinnat salmon,” Air Ayson said to-day, “are running very freely in all Um rivers from the Chit ha to Hie Waiau in North Canterbury. Until the last two weeks the rivers bad been higli and dirty and conditions bad not been favourable to anglers, but since then large numbers have been taken in tlie Rangitata. Bakaia and Wiiimak. nriri rivers. Last week-end in the Rangitata. about forty fish wore taken, ranging from 12 lb to 23 lb in size. I ho fish are in splendid condition, and on the average are larger than last year’s run. The rear before that they were large also. To date eight salmon netting licenses have been issued in the AYaimnknriri ostiiarv. and some good catches have been made by some of the parties. The strongest nets are required to hold the strong senrun fish, and some of the biggest break through and are lost. “The fish are increasing in size as the run progresses, and over two hundred have been taken on rod and line during the last three weeks. The run in all tlie rivers is much greater than came up last year, an the season promises to he an exceptionally good one.

“The Atlantic salmon have been providing anglers with good sport in Lake To Anan and the Upokorora River. Visiting anglers have been particularly lucky, and each season sees an increase in the number of visitors for Atlantic salmon fishing. The fish T saw Were in splendid condition and ranged from 10 lb to 13 lb.

“I should mention one fact in regard to quinnat which is very satisfactory. Visiting Canadian experts assure me that New Zealand is the onlv country which has succeeded in acclimatising quinnat, and they state that only the methods followed hv me of careful packing of ova and systematic, intensive yearly stocking of suitable water could have succeeded. They are delighted with the salmon possibilities of our rivers, which they consider magnificent spawning grounds. Another thing which is pleasing to hear from them is that the quality of these acclimatised fish is fullv equal to that of quinnat on their native Pacific Const. American canneries have become adept in grading salmon. One of the most valuable aids to induing quality is tlie amount of oil in the flesh, the more oil the more valuable tlie salmon for food. Visiting exoerls sain pled our quinnat salmon and found tbem particularly rob in oil. comparing favourably with tin: finest salmon on tic Pacific Co.i.si. New Zealand can. therefore, look forward to producing

canned salmon of the finest quality in the fill ur»‘.”