Development Group For Fishing Urged

Press, Volume C, Issue 29609, 4 September 1961, Page 15

Development Group For Fishing Urged

(New Zealand Press Association)

NELSON. Sept. 3. Delegates to the annual conference of the New Zealand Federation of Commercial Fishermen unanimously approved the formation of a fisheries development corporation, according to a supplied report. Among other things, it would investigate the development of a tuna-fishing industry. The conference supported a remit that aspects of the Japanese competition in the fishing industry be examined and endorsed the Government’s action in refusing to permit the landing of Japanese-caught tuna. Delegates wished to see the present territorial limits extended from three miles to the limits of the Continental shelf, about 25 miles. Concern at Waste Delegates expressed concern at the wastage of fish thrown over the side of fishing boats and considered that it was a problem which could be referred to the proposed corporation.

Members said there were a number of edible varieties of fish which were thrown away because they were unpopular. Delegates considered It should be brought to the notice of the authorities at an appropriate time that New Zealand would require an adequate staff of marine biologists to assist with the development of the fishing industry. It was considered that scientists, working in consultation with the proposed corporation, would be able to help eliminate such' problems. The federation’s proposals on the development corporation will be first referred to the fish wholesalers for their co-operation, and will then be brought to the attention of the Government. The proposed development corporation arose from the Government's expressed interest in tuna and other developments in the fishing industry. The federation's executive prepared the proposals and they were adopted by the conference. It is proposed that the corporation be financed in the first place by a Government loan to cover the first year's operations, and thereafter by a levy on the landing of all fishery products throughout the country.