The Gaurdian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, JULY 11, 1927. THE MYSTERY OF THE WHITEBAIT.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 July 1927, Page 2

The Gaurdian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, JULY 11, 1927. THE MYSTERY OF THE WHITEBAIT.

It is taking a long time to solve the mystery of where the whitebait conic from and where they go to. The study of what has become a very interesting problem, should b'e well worth while, I seeing that in themselves the whitebait are so useful a food supply, both , to man and brother fish. The report I presented on the general subject at last week's meeting of the Acclimatisation Society from the lately formed Fishermen’s Association, was interesting as far as it went, and like many other opinions previously given on the subject before, only whetted the desire for more information. But the mind is far from being convinced that the full story has been told, and research work should certainly Ire continued—• hut along more intensive and definite lines. At present anything attempted is done in a.haphazard way. as it were, and there is not any concentrated action in regard to what is essentially an important matter. Whitebait is a considerable adjunct in season to the human food supply, whatever it may lie (as exposed on the East Coast) as a necessary food supply for trout, also. Considering the human side as one of material importance, it has to ho recognised that here on the West Coast which is such a pronounced habitat for white-bait, the little fish constitute the basis of an industry of considerable commercial value. In the efforts to preserve tho fish with the object of greater multiplication. it is well to know all that nan he found out quickly about tho fish and its habits or destiny. Tho fish here is a local food supply of considerable value. Surplus fish are canned or exported, also as food supplies, and tin’s great utility of a natural gift should be preserved to fullest extent. There is also the question of further preservation by sun drying or freezing as a means to provide food supplies at periods other than during the seasonal runs. More and definite research is called for, and it is hoped now that ' the Marine Department has evinced an interest in the life and habits of the 1 little fish, that interest will be main-

tuiued in a practical way and the doubtful questions and issues "ill be probed to the fullest extent. One way of helping would be as is being done in Canterbury, those tainiliar .with till' habits of the fish following a close stmlv. are recording their views, and opinions in special articles. Here, perhaps. we have more practical experience than elsewhere ol the lisb. and much could be said and written which would be informative and help towards a closer knowledge of the mysteries of tiie problem in baud. The repot wbi<b was supplied by the Fishermen's Association revealed a pro' ess of study which was helpful, and ii that report was supplemented from others here with local knowledge, the sum of the general inf u illation would be coosider::">le and of material value. Further eiupiiry for detailed part iculai s along these lines would be very 11-eful at this stage, and with the mass oi info: ma t ion to hand tin" .Department could pul forward scientific minds to collate a revised story as to wind Die whitebait are. There remains Miggcsli us for the fuller preservat.ion of tbs' fish during the period of the seasonal catch, and the laying down of such conditions as will have the effect of ensuring the fish reaching the market in the host possible condition. There is also the question of the regulation of the season which must crop up sooner or later, probably in the direction of limiting the period in which the fish

may lie taken liv set nets to prevent wholesale destruction. Matters oi tills kind are of great importance governing the future of tho industry and should he studied betimes before it is too late.