SEA FISHERIES.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19715, 4 September 1929, Page 17

SEA FISHERIES.

TRAWLING AT AKAROA. PETITION TO PARLIAMENT. The progress of Danish Seine trawler fishing in New Zealand has caused concern among sections of the fishing industry, Following on an attempt fro.n Auckland to have the limits altered within which Danish seine and trawler seine fishing may take place, opponents of the seine boats in Akaroa have drawn up a petition whieh will be forwarded to Parliament, protesting against the operations of these trawlers. The reasons for the petition are that the operations of the seine trawlers will virtually denude the waters around Banks Peninsula of fish, because it is claimed that the nets used have the effect of interfering with spawning. This has been denied by the owners, who contend that if they are compelled to go further afield, the price of fish will be increased. This matter was recently referred from Auckland to the Minister for Marine (the Hon. Mr Cobbe), who stated that the Chief Inspector of Fisheries, Mr A. E. Hefford, was not inclined to agree fully with the claim that trawling operations were injurious to the spawn. Mr Hefford had drafted regulations to deal with the situation, but the Minister contended that until he had an opportunity of considering the proposals, he was unable to indicate the nature of any prospective action. Whatever was done, would probably arouse critical comment in view of the ■ divided opinions held on the question. I In conversation with a representative of The Phes*. a seine trawler fisherman operating in Akaroa waters remarked that the question of damage -caused in the killing of young fish, and also to the grounds, was a matter of opinion. In working the seine trawlers, a long length of rope was swept over the fishing area, on which was attached a light net, whereas the ordinary trawler pulled two heavy iron shod boards, a fairly heavy net, and the ground line was of chain. In making one shut with the seine trawler, the operation took one hour, and when the net was lifted the young fish Were in a condition to be liberated alive. The ordinary trawlers, however, dragged their particular gear for from two to four hours, from whieh it could be deduced that the seine trawler method was better. He pointed out that in Europe there were thousands of seine boats, while in Auckland, Nelson, and Timaru seine boats were operating. "It seems out of all reason for the few small trawlers to expect the Government to expel the Danish seine boats, and preserve the enormous area of the Banks Peninsula, and the ninwty-mile beach for the sole right of a few trawlers, when there is plenty of scope for the different methods to work in harmony." Furthermore, the seine trawler fishermen had communicated with the Chief Inspector of Fisheries on the matter, and had received a reply that he was of the opinion that where trawlers were allowed, Danish seine trawlers had also every right to operate.