LARGEST IN THE WORLD.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 233, 2 October 1929, Page 3

LARGEST IN THE WORLD.

MESH OF FISHING NETS. AUCKLAND FISHERMEN COMPLAIN. TOO MANY RESTRICTIONS. (By Telegraph.—Parliamentary .Reporter.) WELLINGTON, this day. Asking that there should be no further restrictions in connection with fishing rights in the Hauraki Gulf, the Auckland Seine Net and Line Fishermen's Association has petitioned Parliament. They allege that any further restrictions will result in the price of fish becoming so high as to be prohibitive. "As there is no evidence to justify any suggestion that seine net and line fishing can in any way interfere with the breeding or cause depletion of fish in the Gulf, we respectfully suggest that there is no reason for the alteration of the mesh in our nets," state the petitioners. "At present fully 25 per cent of mature fish in the regulations is lost from the net?, and, in fact, we are using a bigger mes"h here than in any other part of the world. We claim that by our method of fishing the quality of fish has greatly improved, and that a regular supply has been maintained, keeping the price reasonable to the consumer. We are just as anxious as anyone to conserve the fishing ground?, as by so doing we are keeping alive our industry."

Petitioners suggest that if there are any alterations to be made regarding fishing regulations in the Gulf they should be consulted, and be given an opportunity of replying to suggestions of those who, not being practical fishermen, are not in a position to express any opinion that would justify departure from past policy.