FISH SUPPLIES

Hokitika Guardian, 4 December 1928, Page 7

FISH SUPPLIES

DANISH PROFESSOR’S VIEWS.

AUCKLAND, December 2

There is every danger of a shortage in the world’s supply of fish if step are not taken to prevent it, according to Professor Johannes Schmidt, director of the Carlsberg Laboratory ot Copenhagen, who arrived from Southampton by the Rotorua. Professor Schmidt is loader of a Daiush scientific expedition which is investigating the marine life of the oceans of the world aboard the ship Dana. Professor Schmidt came as far as Madeira aboard the Dana, and will join the vessel again when she arrives at Auckland on December llth.

“ Tt is evident that the depletion of tlie world’s supply oU eating fish must lie stopped, and the main purpose ol the Dana expedition is to collect evidence which will assist.” Professor Schmidt said. “ We will investigate every branch of marine life, including the depths (if water currents, and the general physical condition of the sea.” Aboard the Dana were prominent scientists who would bring all their knowledge to hear on the problem. Professor Schmidt expects the Dana to arrive at Auckland in December from her cruise of the Pacific, and after remaining about two weeks in the waters of the Dominion, the vessel wil' proceed to Australia, Japan, China, the Indian Ocean, the Rod Son, the .Mediterranean, and ilienee hack to Den mark.

Discussing the seriousness of the pro Idem, Professor Schmidt said that fish j n<r implements were becoming more perfected, and fish were being caught now in greater numbers. The fishing industry was all important to Den mark, and some time ago it was found that the eel fisheries were becoming depleted. 'Phis led scientists to investigate, and these investigations were being carried to all parts otf the world. Before the problem could be tackled with success, many scientific discoveries had yet to he made. However, Professor Schmidt said he was confident enough to believe that some success would he achieved as tlie result of the expedition. Professor Schmidt visited New Zealand, about two years ago, in connexion with his investigations. On this occasion he is accompanied by his wife.