QUINNAT SALMON SEASON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20242, 30 April 1929, Page 12

QUINNAT SALMON SEASON.

ABSENCE OF REGULAR RUN. PROBLEM FOR AUTHORITIES. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] CHRISTCHURCH, Monday. The absence of the regular run of quiunat salmon in the rivers this year is a problem which next year's season may help to solve. In America a four-yearly cycle has been observed. This is approximately tho period which the fish tako to reach maturity. It lias been noticed that the fish increase in numbers year by year, until they reach a maximum, after which comes a period of decline. This refers principally to the sockeyc salmon, which aro tho variety most used for tinning. They are also called tho red salmon, on account of their flesh, or blue-back salmon. The quinnat, however, are the largest and tho best of the Pacific salmon and are not dissimilar in their habits. The sockeye salmon have not become generally established in New Zealand, though they were introduced into Lake Ohau, where (hey aro becoming smaller in size and are showing proof that they intend to take to the sea, as they do in their native waters. The majority of quinnat salmon that como up t lie rivers arc four years old, and some as young as two or three years. This is the explanation offered of the four-yearly cycle which is found in America, and to which the fish are probably reverting in New Zealand. At present the fish are spawning far up the rivers, and though tho season lasts until May 15, only ;i few Into running fish will be taken at the mouth. Generally speaking the run has boon a very poor one this year. The Government officials hoped when tho fish wero first introduced that it would bo possible to start canneries for local consumption. Although tho fish were introduced from 20 to 25 years ago and have been fished since 1923, there is no sign of a rapid increase.