Canning Firm’s Licence For Tuna Fishing

Press, Volume C, Issue 29624, 21 September 1961, Page 18

Canning Firm’s Licence For Tuna Fishing

(New Zealand Press Association)

GISBORNE, Sept. 20.

A licence had been granted to J. Wattie Canneries, Ltd., for tuna fishing and trawling, but other licences were still being sought for the importation of necessary equipment to convert a recently-pur-chased crayfish boat for tuna fishing, said Mr A. Wattie, manager of the Gisborne branch of the firm today. "Time, however, is proving a vital factor, as we wish to catch the November to May season,” said Mr Wattie. "An American fisherman recentlyengaged by the firm left by air for Dunedin today. The new boat will be brought up to Gisborne, and should arrive early next week,” he said. “This represents the first positive move in tuna fishing. From now on, there will be a good deal of research and investigation into the best methods of catching tuna,” Mr Wattie said. “The live boat and pole method, similar to that used in America and Australia, will be tried for a start.”

The Auckland Fishermen’s Association today offered J.

Wattie Canneries. Ltd., all the information it has on tuna fishing. The association called the company’s purchase of an experimental tuna fishing boat “the biggest advance this century in New Zealand’s fishing industry.” Australian Investigation The Government would send to Australia Mr W. G. Sampson, master of the research vessel, Ikatere, to investigate the tuna fishing industry there, said the Minister of Marine (Mr Gerard* today.

“This is a preliminary sten in the establishment of a tuna fishing industry. It is considered desirable that the Government have a first-hand knowledge of the requirements,” he said.

Mr Sampson, while in Australia, will make at least one cruise with a commercial vessel, and also a cruise with the Estelle Star, now engaged in tuna survey work. “Investigation into such matters as stowage of catch and subsequent handling, up to the stage at which processing takes place, will also be part of Mr Sampson's assignment.” said Mr Gerard.