WHITEBAIT FISHERIES

Hokitika Guardian, 26 July 1930, Page 6

WHITEBAIT FISHERIES

DEPARTMENTAL INQUIRY EXPLAINED; v ‘ WELLINGTON, July 23. The secretary of the Marine Department (Mr Godfrey) stated yesterday that as certain misleading statements recently had been published with reference to the aim of the department in making inquiries into the present' position ..of the whitebait fishery, and as to what steps should be taken to preserve and, .if possible, to promote the supply of. this favourite fish, it was desirable that the,facts should be clearly stated. The department, lie said, had sent out a draft of consolidated and revised regulations with a view of getting suggestions from acclimatisation societies and those engaged in or interested in the industry with a view to making the regulations as perfect as possible in the interests of all The department desired first to ascertain the extent of the depletion of the fishery, the causes of such depletion and the best course to take to restore and improve catches. Up to the present time a responsible officer had been engaged in summarising the reports received and in considering the value ,of the remedies recommended. The chief inspector of fisheries‘(Mr Hefford) was at present, on a visit' to the West Coast making further inquiries, and would no doubt .shortly be able to make his recommendations. ... It was not correct to say that the regulations had met with such opposition that they had been dropped. Inquiries were still being made. He had been informed by the chief inspector that the necessity of safeguarding future supplies of whitebait by imposing restrictions upon fishing operations as conducted at present had been admitted by those who had had long and intimate practical acquaintance with this fishery. Leading whitebait fishermen at Hokitika and elsewhere were in favour of the introduction of a licensing system to enable the fishery to be kept under better control. With two exceptions in all districts where whitebait fishing was pursued for the purposes of sale on an appreciable scale it was: reported that the present;:conditions; show a deterioration. A categorical denial was given by the secretary to a statement as to alleged oyeiistn ffing of this branqh ,of. ,tlie department. The exact contrary'was the. fact: For instance, in the absence of a research staff suitably equipped with laboratory accommodation it was not possible to cary out, as they should he, investigations which were ' necesary.