FISH OF HERRING SPECIES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3994, 30 September 1930, Page 11

FISH OF HERRING SPECIES.

COAIAIERCIAL POSSIBILITIES. AUCKLAND, September 25. From time to time it has been suggested that extensive commercial use might be made of fish of herring species which are found in New Zealand waters and that eventually a profitable industry might be built up. These fish are frequently seen in large shoals, and it is not uncommon for many to be trapped in the Calliope dock when vessels enter for repairs. When asked his opinion, Air R. A. Falla, of the scientific staff of the Auckland Institute and Aluseum, said that the three species of herring found along our coasts were anchovy, which did not appear to be sufficiently plentiful for commercial purposes, pilchard, and common sprat. The two latter were edible, and might have considerable industrial importance when more was known about their habits. Both were surface fish, and were migratory, but at present there was little information regarding their wanderings and the season for migration. Strictly speaking, the true, or North Sea, herring was not found here, although the Dominion species were closely related to that variety.

Air Falla said he was satisfied that there were the greatest commercial possibilities connected with the netting of pilchards. He understood that there had already been attempts to net the fish on a large scale in Hauraki Gulf, while for some years a spasmodic industry had existed in Queen Charlotte Sound, where the fish was known and sold under the name of herring. Even if more knowledge of the ways of the fish were available it would be extremely doubtful if an industry working in one place could ever prove really profitable owing to the shortness of the season. At least two or three working centres would be required along the coast, preferably in Hauraki Gulf, Cook Strait, and Queen Charlotte Sound. New Zealand pilchard was very similar to the species found in the Alediterranean Sea ’ and along the Atlantic coasts of European countries, while many considered the quality of the Dominion fish to be equally as good as that of the European sardine.