LOBSTERS

Hokitika Guardian, 8 September 1928, Page 4

LOBSTERS

So far the experiment of introducing lobsters has been a success. 'Only three were lost on the voynge and .thirtynine arrived in good condition. These wore transferred to n prepared pond at Portohcllo and quickly established themselves under shelters provided for them. :They arc smaller and younger than t|iose of preceding shipment's, which is a very distinct advantage, hut they are a line.vigorous lot. The chairman of the Marine Fisheries Board, in reporting on tlio experiments, detailed a number of tests to ascertain the drift of the currents in order to verify the results of a previous experiment. The hoard, on the suggestion of Mr Hefford has recommenced to liberate drift bottles just outside Otago Heads. This policy will be continued for a few months.

One reason for the board's strongly expressed opinion that the experiment of lobster naturalisation is likely to prove successful is based on the fact that In© majority of larvae probably come to rest at the bottom at a comparatively short distance from the point of -liberation, partly in ■ Blueskin. Bay and partly in sheltered localities, within three weeks of liberation. It must farther he borne in mind that from the time the. lobster larvae sinks to the bottom until they arc sexually mature, .a period of probably at Ice t eight or nine years, they are scarcely over seen. ’