Snapper Expensive Fish To Japanese

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30389, 13 March 1964, Page 14

Snapper Expensive Fish To Japanese

(Neu; Zealand Press Association) TAURANGA, March 12. There was a market in Japan for certain varieties of New Zealand fish, said Mr I. Ochi, one of three Japanese technicians at present in Tauranga, today.

Varieties of fish such as snapper, terakihi and prawns would have a ready market in Japan, subject to prices. Snapper is used as a ceremonial dish in Japan, like turkey and ham in New Zealand. The Japanese snapper is expensive and for this reason New Zealand could compete favourably for the market. Mr Ochi was impressed with the fish handling and packaging methods he had seen in New Zealand. With improved harvesting techniques there was no reason why the country could not compete on favourable terms with other fishing nations. One of the biggest reasons for Japan’s great development as a leading fishing nation was the assistance given the industry by the Government, especially in pre-war years. Until such time that similar assistance was made to the industry in New Zealand, the country would never become an advanced fishing nation. The Minister of Marine

(Mr Scott) has asked Mr Ochi for a full report on his appraisal of the New Zealand industry. Bad weather has delayed preparations for fishing demonstrations for the Hakodate Net Company of Japan to be carried out by Mr Ochi and his team.