Tuna catches taxing Greymouth facilities

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33155, 20 February 1973, Page 14

Tuna catches taxing Greymouth facilities

Fish processing and freezing facilities at Greymouth are under pressure from the amount of tuna being caught off the West Coast for export purposes.

Boats are supplying Mr D. Baker, an agent for Star Kist Foods. Terminal Island. Los Angeles, one of the world’s biggest tuna packers. Mr Baker has about 13 tons on hand already, but expects the returns to increase. The fish are worth about S- each to the

i fishermen. Mr Baker, who previously! ■ was based at New Plymouth, has been conducting detailed ■ studies of fishing off the West Coast for the last two I years. After research by the marine vessel, W. J.' Scott,| earlier in the month, boats! from Tauranga. Wellington! and New Plymouth are at present working amid the schools of albacore (tuna) off the West Coast.

I Vessels have also begun experiments in catching bluefin from Greymouth. According to Mr Baker this was an industry which would earn many thousands of dollars. Bluefin is particularly tn demand in Japan, and, if [transport problems can be overcome, will attract $1 a 'pound and more on the markets. The bluefins which Mri Baker has already obtained iaverage 50 pounds each.

I A fishing boat. Sea Bee. is ! attempting to catch several (bluefin which will immediately be put into an ice (slurry. The fish will be processed in baths of water and | ice, watched by Japanese technicians at present in (Greymouth, and taken to Hokitika. and flown to ChristI church, to Mangere, Hono--1 lulu and Tokyo. It is necessary to have the J fish on the Japanese market I within four days and a half 'of being caught. • If the trials are successful, Mr Baker intends to negotiate with local fishermen concerning the viability of establishing an organised industry to operate out of Greymouth.