“THREAT TO TOURIST INDUSTRY” Appeal To Keep Out Bass

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31413, 5 July 1967, Page 26

“THREAT TO TOURIST INDUSTRY” Appeal To Keep Out Bass

(N.Z. Press Association)

WELLINGTON, July 4. An appeal to keep large-mouthed bass—a predatory freshwater game fish—out of New Zealand’s lakes and rivers was made in Parliament today by Mr H. R. Lapwood (Nat., Rotorua). Speaking in the resumed Budget Debate, Mr Lapwood said the possible introduction of bass into New Zealand streams was a “serious matter” which could affect the tourist industry. He appeal-

ed to the Minister of Marine to keep them out. The Government is considering a report which advocates liberating large-mouthed bass in northern waters. Mr Lapwood said that overseas reports showed that the fish could exist in waters of

considerable temperature variation and he feared if they were introduced in the north, no New Zealand stream would be free of them. “If they are introduced what could be done to restrict the illegal transference of bass stocks?” he asked.

Mr Lapwood said that in both Canada and the United States water had to be poisoned to get rid of the bass. Large-mouthed bass were predators which consumed seven times more food than trout. At present 1 million lb of trout was taken from the Rotorua area each year and 2 million lb from Taupo. “If bass were introduced,” he said, “the trout population in these areas would be reduced by six-sevenths.” "Trout fishing is an important facet of the tourist industry and I appeal to the Government to think seriously before it allows bass to be introduced into New Zealand.” Each trout caught by a tourist was worth approximately £8 in overseas exchange when the cost of licences, guides, fishing facilities, and accommodation was taken into consideration. Mr Lapwood also appealed to New Zealanders who might be travelling abroad this year to delay their journey for the next 12 months to conserve overseas funds. He said New Zealanders going overseas spent twice as much as the revenue received from tourists coming into New Zealand.