PORTOBELLO FISH HATCHERY

Evening Star, Issue 21881, 19 November 1934, Page 14

PORTOBELLO FISH HATCHERY

MEETING Of BOARD A meeting of the board of the Portobello Marine Biological Investigation Station was held at the Museum, the members present being Professor Benham (chairman), Professor' Malcolm, Messrs J. M‘G. Wilkie, L. D. Coombs, C. A. Wilson, and George Howes, The curator’ s_ report stated that fish had been plentiful around the station until the end of April. In May the Water temperature dropped, and continued falling during June and July, reaching 5.5 Cent; During the cold period fish became very scarce. ‘ln August the water temperature moved up to 8.2 Cent., and had been gradually rising since then. The winter cold proved hard on the fish, and unusual numbers of those held in the aquarium died apparently from this cause. During this month the warmer water had resulted in fish being more abundant, and the aquarium tanks are again well stocked. Despite this winter’s unusual cold, lobsters were not affected, although they were in exposed outside ponds.' Amongst the fish which survived were carpet shark, skates, the blind eel, moki, and a ’ number of smaller fish. All were in _ excellent order, and all were again feeding freely. A number of fair-sized mullet kept in an outside pond had survived the preceding winter, but this winter only a few survived. Several interesting experiments had been carried on during the year, including the rearing of young skate from eggs laid by skate in the hatchery tanks. Some of the egg-cases had been opened and the young skate placed in glass jars under running water. Despite these artificial conditions, the young had thrived, gradually absorbing the yolksac. It was fully seven months since the eggs were laid, and the young not artificially released were now due to hatch out. This spring had been marked by an absence of whalefeed in the harbour, but the clear “ Nyctiphanes ” shrimp had been plentiful, and large shoals of fish had recently been seen around the station. A great deal of general work had been ijecessary to keep the station

and gear in good order. Buildings, fences, paths, and gardens had all been kept in order. The jetties had been kept in repair and the boats overhauled, mended, and painted. Ponds had been kept clear of seaweed growths and supplied with fresh:sea water on each tide. In the aquarium all ironwork had been scraped and repainted,; and all pipes taken down, cleared inside and 'outside of rust, and fresh paintj applied. , The tanks were cleaned regularly, and all food not eaten by the fish was removed. Visitors were numerous during the summer mouths aud all received courtesy and attention, tho different specimens in the aquarium tanka were identified for them, and various details of the life histories were explained. This constant attention toi visitors interfered greatly with the routine work .of the station, and as only, one person was employed, and as many as 300 visitors had-been at the station on one day, it will be‘realised that the; Portobello marine station was providing a valuable public service, 7 and thi* without making any charge to visitors, A few plaped coins in the collection box to show their appreciation, but this was rather the exception than the rule, although all -were pleased with what they had seen. A number'of special forms of marine life _ were gathered during the year for scientific workers* and several students in special branches of zoological work took advantage of the station’s facilities to help in their; studies.

The secretary reported that apparatus suitable for trawling had been lent! to the Byrd Antarctic Expedition f6*| its investigations in.the Antarctic regions. Ruring the year an unsuccessful em deavour was made to get further Government assistance. The Minister of Marine stated that the Government! was unable to spend as much as they, would like, but if things improved there would be- a larger vote. The present position was such that the work dona was only maintenance, and tbe real usefulness of the station was lost.Finance was so restricted that the fina launch, with a new Kelvin engine and all the trawling gear were unused, and the launch had been placed on the slip and left there from lack of funds to employ a staff. The board decided thati if any opportunity arose of disposing of it the launch should be sold. The aquarium is again well stocked with aq; interesting display of fish.