FISHING INDUSTRY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26847, 11 August 1948, Page 6

FISHING INDUSTRY

Untapped Resources in The South

DESIRABILITY OF RESEARCH

Special to the Daily Times

WELLINGTON, Aug. 10,

No voices of members for “ rock oyster ” constituencies were raised in protest except for a feeble “What about rock oysters? " from Mr T. P. Paikea (Gov., Northern Maori) when Mr T. L. Macdonald (Oppn., ■Wallace) discussed the Foveaux Strait oyster beds and the development of the fishing industry in the southern part of new Zealand during discussion of the Fisheries Amendment Bill in the House of Representatives to-day. ./ ,

Mr Macdonald said there were great untapped resources of oysters in the south which would not only give more supplies to New Zealand consumers but increase the valuable export trade with Australia. He urged research to ascertain if the oyster beds were being unduly depleted.

Quoting statistics to show the large increase in the annual “ take ” over a period of years, Mr Macdonald said the Bill did not arrange for steps to be taken whereby the public would get a greater supply of the sea fish to which they thought they were entitled. Residents in many country areas frequently only got fish when they visited the nearest large town, he said. That lack might be due to delivery problems. The report of the Sea Fisheries Investigation Committee of 1937-1938 had something valuable to say in stressing the desirability of research. The exploration of private companies could not do much. First, they would have to neglect their normal operations and then, when they found a new ground, it would not be long before other boats were following them there. Outlying Banks The committee had recommended a survey of all outlying banks and possible fishing grounds, and of the present grounds, to ascertain stocks and determine the type of groundbreeding 'and feeding—and an historical survey of the important fish and oyster supply. What had been done about this, or, allowing for delay caused by the war, what had the Marine Department in mind? he asked. Regarding new, grounds, it appeared from reports of whalers that fish could be caught a reasonable distance off shore at the Chatham Islands. That could mean an added source of supply. He believed that a private company operating at Port Chalmers was prepared to undertake a southern survey south from Oamaru to Jackson’s Point, subject to a'suitable arrangement with the department. Such a survey might demonstrate the great untouched potentialities of the south. For instance, a section round the West Coast sounds, though somewhat inaccessible and needing a ' ship with special refrigeration gear to work it, had considerable prospects. It y/as rumoured that an Australian company was interested in establishing, fishing at Jackson’s Bay,, but it would be a pity of this was left, to overseas interests when New Zealanders, if given the chance, usually did a good job. Development. would mean more ish for the people of New Zealand and for export to Australia. Foveaux Strait Beds Had sufficient research been made into the oyster industry of Foveaux Strait so that it could be ascertained if the beds were being unduly depleted, asked Mr Macdonald. The annual “takefe” of oysters, at an average of 60 to 80 dozen a sack, averaged 23,000 to 33,000 sacks between 1913 and 1927. From 1928 onwards there was a fairly steep rise, though with? fluctuations. For example, the 1934 “take was 52,000 bags; 1935, 49,000; 1936, 63,000; 1937, 64,000; and 1946, 94,000. Care must be taken to see that no harm was being done to these beds. The department should ascertain if the increased “take” was due to improved gear, more ships operating, longer hours of fishing, or other reasons. Mr Macdonald continued that he understood a private company was now undertaking something in the nature of a fishing survey on the West Coast. The tremendous drain on the inland fishing resources of rivers and streams was, he thought; due to improved transport and access. Some sections of rivers and streams, once almost inaccessible, were now within easy reach of the nearest towns. Nothing much could be done about this drain except as the Bill aimed to do—to see that the regulations were enforced and also to make people conscious of the threat to size and numbers of the fish if the streams were unmercifully threshed.

Closing of Streams

There had been some controversy in the ! south about the suggested closing of some streams. The Upukororo, near Te Anau, was once closed, and used to be a home for fish of a very fine type and size. When the Department of Internal Affairs took over acclimatisation matters this stream was opened and dealt with so severely that the bags taken greatly diminished. The question arose whether it would not be in the best interests of fishing to close some streams for a season or two. There was also the question of whether some streams in the south should not be closed to worm anglers.

The Opposition, said Mr Macdonald, did not opoose the Bill; it sympathised with its aims. If anything could be done to develop sea fishing resources, find new grounds, and protect the asset the country had in its inland fishingthe measure would be worth while. He was sorry to admit it, because he' thought the people there would be above such practices, but there had been some cases in the far south where people had used cyanide preparations in streams to catch fish. This was thoughtless, criminal and stupid. , The Bill was read a second time.