Access problems impede N.Z. squid industry

Press, 24 December 1985, Page 4

Access problems impede N.Z. squid industry

PA Wellington The development of the New Zealand squid industry is being seriously impeded by the lack of premium free access to the Japanese market, according to Mr Mark Hinchliff, the chairman of the New Zealand Fishing Industry Board.

New Zealand owned and operated squid jiggers and trawlers fish for squid alongside licensed Japanese vessels in New Zealand waters.

Yet the squid caught by the Japanese has free access to the Japanese market, while the New Zealand industry has to pay for an import quota to sell the same squid to Japan.

Mr Hinchliff said squid is a major resource within New Zealand fishing waters. Last year it yielded more than 57,000 tonnes. For many years Japanese and other foreign vessels have harvested large quantities of squid, either as Government or Governmentlicensed operations or as joint ventures. Japan is the most important market for squid. The New Zealand industry has recently made substantial investments in specialist vessels to harvest squid. Mr Hinchliff has recently returned from Japan, where he led a New Zealand delegation to seek improved access on the Japanese

market for squid caught by New Zealand vessels.

“We found some sympathy from some sectors of the Japanese industry,” Mr Hinchliff said, “and we are awaiting a response to our discussions with the Japanese.”

“The Japanese were advised that a solution must be found. Premium free access for our squid to the Japanese market is absolutely essential if our operations are to be economic.”

The delegation will report to the Minister of Fisheries, Mr Moyle, on its findings and will make specific recommendations to the Government in the event that the Japanese do not respond favourably.