Standard Of N.Z. Crayfish Exports

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31381, 29 May 1967, Page 10

Standard Of N.Z. Crayfish Exports

New Zealand exported crayfish should be equal to any in the world, said the general manager of the New Zealand Fishing Industry Board (Mr J. S. Campbell) in Christchurch on Friday.

Asked about the market in North America, he said that it should be remembered that crayfish was bought as an expensive product, and naturally customers expected the best quality. The board held its first meeting in Christdiurch as part of its policy to meet people in the fishing industry, and acquaint members with local conditions.

Questioned on reports of criticism of some New Zealand exports of crayfish to North America, Mr Campbell said that new standard specifications governing the handling, packaging, and preparation of crayfish for export were being prepared. Department of Agriculture officers would inspect plants and factories, to ensure that standards were maintained, he said.

In addition, projects were under way at Massey and Victoria universities. These included the best method of keeping crayfish aliv e in transit to packaging plants. Mr Campbell said a committee, comprising representatives of fishing and processing interests, as well as the Marine and Agriculture de-

partments, had visited the Chatham Islands to examine the crayfishing industry there. He had also visited Western Australia to examine methods used there. The board was also in constant touch with South Africa, which was also adopting new standards. The services of experts in New Zealand were also being used. Mr Campbell said the meeting in Christchurch had been most valuable. Members had met industry representatives, fishermen, and fish retailers. Christchurch retailers were enthusiastic about the board’s publicity campaign, which included coloured posters and fish recipes used in conjunction with the Alison Holst television programme. Board members visited Lyttelton and saw a local processing plant. They met fishermen from Kaikoura, Timaru, and Akaroa, and watched the city fish auction in operation. The board next year hoped to hold a meeting at Gisborne.