ACCLIMATISATION OF LOBSTERS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14156, 7 March 1908, Page 13

ACCLIMATISATION OF LOBSTERS.

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL SHIPMENT BY THE KARAMEA.

The Shaw-Savill liner Karamea, which arrived at Port Chalmers yesterday morning, brought another shipment of live lobsters and crabs for Ihe Utago Acclimatisation Society, and tho result achieved by Captain Holmes and Mr Finlayson (the chief enginoer) is highly gratifying. Chit of the total number of lobsters put into the tanks before sailing two died in the tropics and one succumbed later, leaving 31, which arrived in fine, healthy condition, 15 being females. The edible crabs did not stand the voyage so well, six having died during the voyage, leaving eight survivors, all of the crustaceans being taken in charge by Mr Anderlon immediately upon arrival and removed to tho Portobello marine fish hatchery.

Tho arrangements made for transit is thus described by Mr Finlaywn:—An insulated chamber was constructed in the forward part of No. 2 deote on the starboard side, in which was placed a lOOgal iron tank, fitted within the insulated chamber and connected with the refrigerating machinery. The discharge air was thus made to circulate around the tank and return through four boiler tubes fitted through the centre of tho tanks, being spaced about 2ft apurt to give a large cooling space. A trunk was fitted fiom tho box to the lobster chamber and tho circulating tank was connected to the sanitary tank on the boat deck, thus securing a constant supply of fresh sea water, which could bo cooled by the foregoing arrangements as occasion demanded.

A wooden tank divided into 36 compartments was placed in tho cliamber, each lobster being kept, separate, the water supply passing from the insulated tank through perforated pipes, which kept tho water, falling a sufficient height to ensure aoration.

The success of this arrangement is proved by the fact that the temperature of tho water as supplied to the lobsters never rose above 63dog Fall, whereas on former occasions it rose much higher. On this voyage the temperature of the sea water rose to 83deg Fab., but by moans of constant circulation from the insulated tank and tho use of about -five -tons of ice, the heat of tho tropics was counterbalanced by the eonSlant supply of cooled water. The crustaceans were fed once a day with herring and gurnet, but as they did not relish the latter Mr Finalyson suggests small soles or lloimdors as a substitute, although herrings seem to bo the favourite food.

Mr Finlayson states that it is necessary that the tish compartmonuj should bo emptied out once every day and all dirt and rehiso removed, preferably by means of-a 6yphon. In the tropics If-.> is advisable to do this more often ou account of the higher temperature of the water! '

The principal factors emphasised by Mr Finlayson are a constant circulation of water, which must on no account bo allowed to rise above 72dog Fall., absolute cleanliness of water and compartments in which the lobsters are confined, and ample means of separation, as the lobsters genorallv injure themselves fatally if allowed to fight. Hitherto shipments of lobsters were sent by mil to London, and having judged by their Jimp appearance when received on board that the overland journey was injurious to start with, Captain Holmes came to the conclusion that it was desirable to ship them at Plymouth, and, mentioning the fact at headquarters this trip, the ShawSavill Company very generously allowed the steamer to call there for them. By this means the fish wore placed in the. Karamca's tanks with all risks reduced to a minimum, and the results achisvod this trip are such as to reflect the highest credit on Captain Holmes, Mr Finlayson, and the refrigerating engineer (Mr Ridley), whilst the kindness and assistance rendered by the Shaw-Swill Oniony are, descrying of the highest jiraieej "■ "" ~ "'". -'■