N.Z. FISHERIES RESEARCH

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25732, 18 February 1949, Page 8

N.Z. FISHERIES RESEARCH

SCIENCE CONGRESS

PLAN FOR INTENSIFIED EFFORT IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENT PREDICTED New Zealand is about to begin a more intensive fisheries research programme and authorities at the Pacific Science Congress believe that important industrial development will follow. “I’ll wager that you will find more than you ever dreamed.” said Dr. John P. Tully, oceanographer in the Canadian delegation, in an interview yesterday. The potential importance ot fish for home consumption and export was best appreciated in northern Pacific countries, he said. Fish was Canada’s third or fourth most important export and research work was going ahead from all angles. Government departments were very active but private companies also maintained very efficient research organisations because any worthwhile improvement “gave them the edge” over their competitors. "I have been most impressed with the work of your department of Scientific and Industrial Research and I say that sincerely,” said Dr. Tully. “In several your Government appears to be making a success of research which, in other countries, has required initiation by private concerns.”

Professor W. A. Clemens, of the zoology department at the University of British Columbia, told delegates how fisheries research is organised in Canada with the co-operation of the Government. universities, and industry. The Fisheries Research Board was essentially a section of the Department of Fisheries, but it received a grant and conducted all its own affairs. There were nine university representatives with special knowledge ranging from marine biology to engineering, two from the Fisheries Department, and four from the fishing industry. District committees watched local interests.

Several other Canadians outlined special fields of fisheries research and conservation. It was mentioned that attempts would be made to introduce New Zealand crayfish in Canadian waters.

Papers on fisheries of the Philippines by Dr. Albert W. Herre mentioned that native peonies of the northwest Pacific ate fish to the exclusion of meat, so the Americans had begun a large-scale educational programme to demonstrate the mo,st efficient fishing practices, preservation processes, marketing, and nutritional schemes. The fishing fleets had been practically demolished by war. making a heavy food problem for the natives. Fish farming in seaside lagoons was being explored.