FISHERIES

Hokitika Guardian, 24 October 1928, Page 7

FISHERIES

A DANISH SCIENTIFIC EXPEDITION. INTERESTED CHIEFLY IN EELS. AUCKLAND, October 22. A number of famous Danish scientists in the Royal Danish investigation steamer Dana are now investigating the marine life of the Pacific, and word has been received by Mr A. E. Heffo-rd, Chief Inspector of Fisheries, that the vessel will arrive in Auckland early in December, and will remain in New Zealand waters for some time. The Dana is at present cruising somewhere between Papeete and Suva, and she is expected to- leave Suva on December sth for Auckland. As her cruise is being made in leisurely manner, the date of her arrival is uncertain.

Dr. Schmidt, director of the famous Cards berg research laboratory in Copenhagen, will join the Dana in Ne-w Zealand. He is travelling to- New Zealand on the Rotorua, due at Wellington from Southampton on December Ist. Dr Schmidt visited New Zealand last year, his principal mission being to- discover all be eo-uld about the habits of eels.

Discussing the* importance of the- mission, Mr Hefford pointed out the groat national value of the fishing industry in Denmark. Ho said that one of,the main objects of the Dana expedition was to discover the marine stages of fresh water ee-ls.

“Although it is difficult to- convince people of this, it is a fact that there is great food value in the eel, and the eel industry in Denmark is as important to that country as the salmon fisheries are to America,” said Mr Hefford. “In point of prices and quantities. the eel is perhaps the most important fish food in Denmark, and is every hit as nutritious as the salmon of America.’’

Eeels were being caught at such a rate off the coast of Denmark that vome time ago it was realised that there was a possibility of their extermination. Consequently scientists began to study the habits of eels, their chief problem. being to discover their ‘•’pawning grounds. Their investigations led them westward across the Atlantic almost to the coast of America, a,nd much valuable data was gained. Mr Hefford said the investigations of the scientists in the present expedition would lead them to the habits of the fresh-water cels of New Zealand. Dr Schmidt was greatly impressed with New Zealand fisheries during his visit here, and as a result of his reports other scientists were no doubt, eng / f,"lv anticipating the visit. Although tlie research in connection with cols was one of the mam features of the expedition. Mr Hefford said inercst was bcinc taken hv members of the party in all forms of marine life. j