ILLEGAL FISHING

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXIV, Issue 11930, 23 January 1936, Page 2

ILLEGAL FISHING

RAY OF PLENTY WATERS, In reply to repre-entations mads to the Marine Department by the Whakatane Chamber of Commerce for adequate control of sea fishing in Bay of Plenty waters, the Minister, the Hon. P. Fraser, has advised the Chamber tint it appeared to him that the administration of the fisherica generally had been affected to a very large extent by a shortage ol the necessary funds and the lack ot adequate staff. However, the department was doing its best to keep in touch with the fishery operations in the Bay of Plenty, and was aware of the increasing tendency tor Danish seiners from Auckland to operate in that area.

“As far as can be judged at present," stated the Minister, “it would appear to bo impossible to place restrictions on Danish ■ seining at Whakataue without crippling Hid local industry. So far as Oliiwa liarhour is concerned, there is no doubt that illegal methods of fishing have contributed largely to the depletion that has taken place. “The suggestion that oyster beds in Ohiwa harbour might bo developed has been noted, but it is pointed out that such development would require a scheme of cultivation work planned and carried out under the supervision of an export and the stocks would also require protection. To say when the results obtained would compensate for the expense Involved is open to question and could only bo decided after a close study of the matter.” The Minister added that he regretted that at present the staff ol the department was insufficient to give the immediate attention that he would like to see given to those matters, hut they would not be lost sight of and would receive further consideration as soon as possible.