SUPPLIES OF FISH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22240, 15 October 1935, Page 5

SUPPLIES OF FISH

POSSIBLE DEPLETION INVESTIGATION ADVOCATED A danger of serious depletion in the supply of fish from New Zealand waters was referred to by Mr. A. E. Hefford, Chief Inspector of Fisheries, in an interview in Christchurch. Mr. Hefford said that throughout the Dominion there had been an undoubted depletion in the returns from the recognised fishing grounds, and if they were to be best preserved and exploited a far better scientific knowledge of fish and fisheries was essential.

Although New Zealand waters have produced excellent supplies, he added, several of the fisheries have suffered considerably through over-exploitation, so much so that their existence is threatened. There is at present a meagre scientific knowledge of the feeding and spawning, habits of the fish, reasons for good 1m d bad spawning seasons, and other important factors, and it is the opinion of Mr. Hefford that attention should be. given to the matter. A thorough marine survey, 'Mr. Hefford said, would be a very expensive undertaking, although it would be invaluable. In other countries it had been done, but tho size of the industry in New Zealand, and the extent of the fisheries placed a limit on the expenditure that could be made. An Admiralty survey >vas to be carried out shortly. It would be mainly for navigation purposes, but lie was confident it would make a helpful contribution toward the knowledge of fisheries. Nevertheless, a full survey was necessary before tho full extent of the resources could be known.