FISH SHORTAGE

Hokitika Guardian, 13 July 1940, Page 2

FISH SHORTAGE

WAR PRIMARY CAUSE. (Per Press Association—Copyright). WELLINGTON, July 12. The war has caused .a shortage of fish throughout New Zealand and particularly at Wellington. This shortage is paused by the- diversion of trawlers from fishing to mine-sweeping and to other war purposes, and also by the restrictions tiiat have been placed upon the activities of aliens. Nearly seventy per cent, of Wellington’s fish supply before tile Avar was provided by the Cook Strait trawlers which are no longer operating. A further 27 per cent, was taken by long lines and the remainder by set-nets and seines used for draAving the beaches. The principal exponents of these latter methods were the Italians of the Island Bay fisher colony, avlio are now fishing under, supervision, and in conformity Avith certain restrictions that have been imposed upon them. As a result the quantities of fresh fish being landed in the port have dAvindled .enormously. The trawler supplies, Avhich had hitherto continued intermittently, have recently ceased altogether. The supplies available are, therefore, reduced to the fish taken by the launch fishermen, and even their production is affected to some extent, tile majority of them being Italians. Another serious aspect is the position at the Chatham Islands, the vessel formerly engaged in the transport of fish from the very considerable blue cod fisheries there having been diverted to other purposes, and there being no other properly equipped ship on hand to take her place. The fishery has therefore, been completely cut off.