TRAWLING

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 25, 31 January 1933, Page 7

TRAWLING

AUSTRALIAN ANXIETY

SEEKING PASTURES NEW

(From "The Post's" Representative.) SYDNEY,-26th January. When a Sydney fishing trawler paid a. visit-to Now Zealand waters not long ago, it was another indication of the anxiety of those in the industry to try out new grounds. Alarm has been felt at the gradual decline in the quantity of the catches made in the established fishing grounds along the Australian coast. The development of new grounds is said to be beyond the financial powers of the industry, but at the same time it might be prepared to co-operate with the Federal Government in arranging a, scientific investigation into the problems associated with deep-s^a fishing. All the present fishing grounds, which extend in a narrow strip down the coast of New South Wales, were established by the Commonwealth investigation trawler, Endeavour, which was lost with all hands in- 1914. Since then jfraetically no investigation has been carried out by the Commonwealth. It is unlikely that the Cabinet will consider the purchase of another investigation trawler, but some money may be allocated for investigation work in private .trawlers. Certain, proposals have already been made'in a report prepared by a special committee of which the chief executive officer of the Council for Scientific, and Industrial Research (Dr. A. C. D. Eivett) is a member. The report has been sent to the Minister in charge of Development, but it is doubtful whether it will receive early consideration, as there are so many problems more urgent than the development of the fisheries'.,

One of the main lines of investigation urged by the industry is the testing of possible grounds outside the present 100 fathoms limit, which is a comparatively narrow strip of water. Special gear would be needed for investigation in deeper water, and there is constant danger' of loss and damage to the gear during the operations. No doubt if it had money to burn the Commonwealth would again be willing to come to the aid of those who cannot help' themselves, but nowadays it must look twice at every penny. The "good old days" of extravagance have passed, and.-the fishing industry must join the ranks of those who Tealise the fact.

As five days' steaming are required to reach the New Zealand fishing grounds, it would seem that the Dominion has little to fear in this connection. Trawlers would not go to the Dominion if they could make profitable catches nearer at hand. So far test trawlers in new grounds in Australian waters have met with little success.