FISHING INTERESTS.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LX, Issue 10825, 23 March 1932, Page 3

FISHING INTERESTS.

SEA TRAWLING LIMITS. The Chief Inspector of Fisheries for New Zealand Mr Hefford, visited Whakataue last week in response to complaints made through the local Chamber of Commerce in regard to the deterioration of fishing on the coast owing to the operation of trawlers close inshore (says the Whakatane Press). Mr Hefford received a deputation from the Chamber, consisting of the President, Mr G. A. Brabant, Secretary, Capt. H. Wheelock and Mr E. W. Beckett, and also took evidence from fishermen and natives regarding he local fishing interests. After the evidence had been taken Mr Hefford said he was satisfied that the local grounds were depleted as a result of the continued operations of Auckland trawlers, which had come to these parts as a result of the Hauraki Gulf being closed to trawling and on acount of the sheltered and other excellent conditions of the Bay of Plenty. After full discussion of the matter the deputation requested that trawlers be excluded from a three-mile limit on the coast from a point three miles east of the Ohiwa harbour to a point three miles north-west of Matata. Mr Hefford said that the trawlers had worked in-shore to obtain catches of flounders for which there was a good demand. He thought the Chamber's request was a reasonable one and would do his best to have the limits established. He expressed interest in the Ohiwa Harbour as a shell fishing grand and said he would endeavour to re-visit the district, later on and spend several days inspecting the harbour and beaches.'