“N.Z. Tuna Fishing Has Great Potential”

Press, Volume C, Issue 29626, 23 September 1961, Page 12

“N.Z. Tuna Fishing Has Great Potential”

(New Zealand Press Association)

DUNEDIN, Sept. 22. In a few years every boat in Port Chalmers could be out fishing tuna with larger mother ships taking the fish to Gisborne for canning. This was forecast by Mr D. W. Phillips, an American expert who has a firm belief in the future of the tuna industry in New Zealand “I wouldn’t be here if I didn't think there was tuna for the taking around the coast of New , Zealand,” he said at Port Chalmers. Mr Phillips flew to Dunedin to bring the Bluff fishing boat Olwyn to Gisborne. where it will be fitted out for tuna fishing by J Wattie Canneries, Ltd. He is so confident of the potential of the tuna industry in New Zealand that he has invested in the, venture and is now living permanently in Gisborne. From there he will help direct the tuna project being carried out by Watties. The Olwyn, which was originally designed tor tuna fishing on the Australian coast, would be refitted with a tank for live bait and other necessary equipment, he said.

Operations during the first season, from May to December, would be mainly experimental. but every aspect of the industry was being explored by his company.

“Once the presence of tuna in large quantities is proven and the industry has been established everybody will be interested. Every boat with a motor will be out fishing tuna,” he said “But at present they are all sitting back waiting to see if someone else is going to make a fool of himself " The conversion and equipment of ordinary fishing boats for tuna fishing would not be difficult, he said. He had been surprised to find how well the boats were 'Equipped in this country. His company was investigating the availability of equipment and was trying to determine how much could be manufactured in New Zealand.