The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 1927. ACCLIMATISATION OF FISH.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 April 1927, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 1927. ACCLIMATISATION OF FISH.

I a- fresh turn was given to the delibern- ; tions of the Westland Acclimatisation | Society by the lull and free discussion | which took place on Thursday evening | on the question of trout versus whitebait. It has been a moot point for : long time whether the trout are the voracious enemies of the whitebait as has been asserted. The meeting did | not reach a finality on the subject, agreeing, instead, to seek the views of other Societies and fish experts as to a wider knowledge of the experience and conclusions in other places. The matter pro and eon as affecting local waters was well ventilated. I be champions on both sides had a good deal to say that was logical in support of their views, and the layman at j the conclusion must have felt some difficulty in deciding which view was the more correct. The whitebait in- | dustry is one worthy of support and encouragement. It I'etui.ns a huge sum of ready money very readily each season. Opinions seem to differ as to the success of the seasons, but it must lie admitted that thirtyfive or forty tons of fish from this area, is a large draw on the natural resources ot nature and it there aie signs of a diminishing supply the big yearly catch must he some element in the cause. It is known that the little, fish are preyed upon by other and larger fish both in the sea and in the streams. Runs of herring and other fish follow the whitebait into the rivers, where also the eels take heiut 1011. And eels are present in groat numbers. The question arises then, whether these natural features combined with the heavy catch now possible by means of the trenches and set nets, are in any way outweighed or exceeded by the trout. It is an admitted fact that in some of the local rivers trout are not plentiful, and in such instances their depredations among the whitebait must be loss. Taking all the circumstances into account ltf was wise to seek for further information before finally determining the matter. It is certain that the acclimatisation of trout has. been going on for many years, and it is also to lie admitted that the fish have not multiplied as greatly as might lie expected The revenue of the Society from trout fishing is not largo, hut it is known that the poachers are numerous. and that many do illegal fishing with explosives. Comparing the experience of the East Coast with the West Coast, it would appear that both trout and salmon introduced on the other side, prosper greatly, and certainly much better than on this side. The reason for this difference is not «

explained. It may lie the faster running rivers here aflecl the spawning, beds, or . the rapid rivers destroy the natural food supply. Some research requires to he done to afford enlightenment. On the other hand, whitebait are more numerous on the West Coast than the East Coast, and a hotter type, commanding a higher price. The subject is a very ini (Testing one quite apart Irma the actual acclimnl isation aspect, and furUier infonualion on the maltcr is to be desired. The members of ill'' Society are cvidcntlv divided in opinion as lo what is hc-t to he done, hut nothing should In' done hastily, and it is well that time is being taken for the purpose of securing outside opinion. Now that the whole question has been raised the conservatism of the whitebait in every aspect should he oiui.i-d. rod. for the fisli is certainly welcome and useful delicacy in the matter ol fond supply, ami its ultimate preservation should mil on any account he jeopardised.