FISHING INDUSTRY

Hokitika Guardian, 14 March 1930, Page 8

FISHING INDUSTRY

oiuALLEE CATCHES LAST YEAR

REVIEW BY MR A. E. HEFEORD

A plea for more extensive scientific research in connection with the fishing grounds is made by the Chief inspector of Fisheries Mr A. E. Heffond, in a report on the industry just issued by the Marine Department. The report states that the hauls in New Zealand waters last year were below the totals for the previous 12 months. The largest decrease was at Auckland, where the landings were 2boo tons belaw the total in 1927-28. The deficit is almost entirely due to smaller hauls by steam trawlers, while the Danishaeinmg launches and vessels generally maintained their catches.

NEW REGULATIONS

The imposition of new regulations last April with respect- to trawling and Danish seining in the Hauraki Gulf, is referred to by Mr Hefford as follows:—“The’ object was to prevent over-fishing of the nearer and more confined grounds, leaving theWtocks to he fished by the older and less intensive methods. The new regulations have not had the effect of entirely settling the controversy which had been stirred up over this question. They go too far for some, and not far enough for others. Their aim was to put a check on the overfishing of the local grounds withoui unduly penalising the numerous fishermen or interfering too much with the steady supply of fish to the markets.” .

Regarding the investigations of the sardine potentialities in the Hauraki Gulf, the report states that the fish arc of the highest grade and are practically identical with the true sardine oi the European seas. The chief inspector adds, however: “It still remains to be seen whether this fishery will yield supplies in sufficient quantity, and with the necessary regularity, to afford material for a stable inuustry.”

Another section of the report states : “The past year has witnessed the distovery or rediscovery of a further new groper ground, known as Mana Bank, in Cook Strait. This turned out to be even more productive for a time than ‘The Reef,’ discovered in the previous year. Great quantities of groper were taken here lor a few weeks after its location, and the Wellington markets were glutted, to the disadvantage of the fishermen.

BETTER, FREEZING NEEDED

“The export trade in frozen blue cod for the Melbourne market has recently suffered a setback. The main lesson which is indicated for New Zealand exporters is the necessity for seeing that nothing but tbc highest quality fish is sent out. This implies more careful handling for the moment the fish is caught, and the employment of the best method of freezing.

REFRIGERATING METHODS

“The refrigeration of fish as practised in New Zealand is undoubtedly inferior to the more recent methods which have been adopted in Europe and in North America. Whatever the profits of the past may have been, future success in the export trade will fall mainly to those who can satisfactorily bring into operation the latest methods of freezing in brine, and ensure that the brine frozen fish is transported in undeteriorated condition. Brine frozen fish can be kept for days in the ordinary way, an.l for months in cold storage. Its adoption would undoubtedly raise the quality and market.value of fish exporter! to Australia, and would go far towards overcoming the difficulties which have hitherto harassed and hindered the distribution <>' fish to inland places in the Dominion.” I lie report shows the expenditure of 1702 in oyster cultivation, and the prin ipul activity of the year was the eradication of the “borer” from affected'beds. The North Auckland foheroa I eds furnished adequate supplies, but it is 'recommended (hat all commercial dealing in s'lielllish should be subject to license. QFTNNAT AND ATLANTIC SALMON. Quinnat salmon fishing is stated to have fallen off somewhat as compared

with the previous year, hut it is estimated that tine catches of Atlantic'salmon established a record. Mr Hefford deals a.t length with whitebait depletion, and favours the licensing of cummer. ial whitebait fishermen, and the limitation of the daily catch for family consumption. Referring to research, he says: “The widening of the scope of this work into a comprehensive scheme of statisti s for the .Dominion fisheries is a step of urgent importance. It will require more work and extra staff, hut it would prove ultimately to have been a means of economy.”