SUPPLY OF FISH

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22889, 25 May 1936, Page 11

SUPPLY OF FISH

IMPORTANCE OF CONSERVATION VISITS OF AUSTRALIAN TRAWLERS (From Oub Paklumentauy Reporter) WELLINGTON, May 23. The importance of conserving the fish supply in New Zealand waters was emphasised by the Minister of Marine (Mr P. Eraser) in an interview yesterday. The Minister also pointed out that there was room for improvement in the marketing of fish. A great deal of scientific work had to bo undertaken before those concerned with the depletion of the fish supply could get the right perspective on the question, the Minister said. There was no doubt that the seine net was an advance on the old methods of catching fish, but he could not shut his eyes to the fact that such netting undoubtedly aHected the future supply of fish. The same remarks applied to trawlers which were excluded from some bays, and the problem was how to keep the balance fairly between the seine net fishermen, the line and set net fishermen, and the trawlers. Vital interests of livelihood were associated with every section of the fishing industry. Moreover, a great deal of capital had been sunk in various brandies of the industry. "At the back of all these interests—and sometimes they are warring interests —there is the paramount interest of the present and future generations of New Zealand people in the conservation of these sources of food," Mr Fraser said. "Any action that may be taken must have Kill regard for this important nspect of the question. It must be the basis from which to start, as it has been the starting point adopted by the fishery section of the Marine Department. I am informed that additional inspectors are required to carry out the work properly, and that a certain amount of experimental regulation is required." Commenting on' the visits of Australian trawlers to New Zealand waters, the Minister said that the position involved the question of territorial waters and whether there was need to extend the present limits. Parliament would bo given an opportunity in due course to deal with the quostion, which went further than the organisation and control of the catching of fish. "There is room for improvement in the marketing of fish," Mr Fraser added. "The fishermen are among the most hard-working men in New Zealand, and their occupation is beset with dangers. During rough weather there is a possibility every minute of loss of life. In their "hazardous occupation they have to face the rigours of climate and other hardships of their calling, and they are entitled to an income that will give them an adequate return for their work and the risk involved."