SHORTAGE OF FISH.

Otago Witness, Issue 3899, 4 December 1928, Page 31

SHORTAGE OF FISH.

WORLD’S SUPPLY DIMINISHING, DANISH SCIENTIFIC EXPEDITION. AUCKLAND, December 2. There is every danger of a shortage in the world’s supply of fish if steps are not taken to prevent it, according to Professor Johannes Schmidt, director of the Carlsberg Laboratory, Copenhagen, who arrived from Southampton by the Rotorua to-day. Professor Schmidt is the leader of the Danish scientific expedition which is investigating the marine life of the oceans of the world. Professor Schmidt came as far as Madeira on board the expedition ship Dana, and will join the vessel again when she arrives at Audiland on December 14. It is evident that the depletion of the world’s supply of eating fish must be stopped, and the main purpose of the Dana expedition is to collect evidence which will assist,” Professor Schmidt said. We will investigate every branch of marine life, including the depths of water, currents, and the general physical condition of the sea.” On board the Dana were prominent scientists who would bring all their knowledge to bear on the problem. Professor Schmidt expects the Dana to arrive at Auckland on December 14, and after remaining about two veeks in the waters of the Dominion the vessel will proceed to Australia, Japan China, the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, the Mediterranean, and thence back to Denmark. Discussing the seriousness of the problem, Professor Schmidt said that fishing implements were becoming more perfected and fish were being caught now in greater numbers. The fishing industry was allimportant to Denmark, and some time aga it was found that the eel fisheries were becoming depleted. This led scientists to investigate, and these investigations were being carried to all parts of the world. Before the problem could be tackled with success many scientific discoveries had yet to be made. ■ However, Professor Schmidt said he was confident enough to believe that some success woirfd be achieved as a result of the present expedition. Professor Schmidt visited New Zealand about two years ago in connection witl his investigations. On this occasion hi is accompanied by his wife.