Full Tuna Season For N.Z. Possible

Press, Volume C, Issue 29702, 21 December 1961, Page 16

Full Tuna Season For N.Z. Possible

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, Dec. 20. New Zealand could carry out a U-month season for two types of tana fishing—albacore and southern bluefin aooordtag to research by an Australian scientist. It could alee curry out a limited season for yellowfin tuna. Japanese fishermen have found the grounds three times more productive than is generally considered economically profitable. An Australian, Mr J. P. Robins, of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, has reported this after a year's study of tuna biology and overseas distribution. The Minister of Marine, Mr Gerard, announced details of the Australian’s report today. The report claimed a single Japanese long-line vessel had caught 4159 tons of southern bluefin in deep offshore waters during July and August. 1980. Japanese fishermen were receiving Is per lb for fresh tuna supplied to the Japanese markets. Mr Robins said the Japanese had been developing tuna fishing in waters of the New Zealand region since 1956. They had con-

centrafed on long-line fishing and during 1957. 1958 and 1960 averaged nine fish to every 100 hooks. Three fish were considered economically profitable. Southern bluefin had been found in offshore waters between North Cape and Hawke’s Bay in 1957 and 1958. The Japanese operated in very deep waters about 30 to 300 miles offshore between Whangaroa Bay and Tokomaru Bay. Mr Gerard said the Australian report would assist research being carried out in New Zealand by the Marine Department.