Salmon farming

Press, 7 November 1978, Page 18

Salmon farming

Sir, — In reply to R. C. Jones (November 3) it is not correct to classify salmon development with either deer or trout farming. In fact, rather than over-ex-ploiting natural populations, ocean salmon ranching will tend to enhance the fishery. By increasing the salmon runs of some of our East Coast rivers both the recreational and commercial interests are catered for, the former with increased angling opportunities, and the latter by the opportunity to exploit the available interna! and external canned fish markets. This process of commercialisation would also result in river waters gaining some economic value in arguments regarding water allocation planning, with respect to irrigation and hydro-electric power proposals. In the past water management decisions have been based on factors which are aimed at improving the standard of living, with no importance being attached to the concept of “quality of life,” something economists and engineers have difficulty in costing. — Yours, etc., K. F. D. HUGHEY. November 3, 1978.