PISH IN RIVERS AND LAKES OF THE SOUTH ISLAND

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 19961, 20 November 1934, Page 11

PISH IN RIVERS AND LAKES OF THE SOUTH ISLAND

To the Editor of “ The Tlmaru Herald " Sir,—Please allow me space to help to stir up some interest in the above question. May I say that I wrote to the Minister of Marine and Fisheries on the 12th June last year as follows: “I will say that trout and young salmon have overtaken the feed in the Waitaki, Rangitata. and Rakaia rivers and corresponding lakes. For proof of this statement, let me state that when trout were first liberated in these rivers, they had abundance of feed, therefore, they multiplied rapidly, and were in great condition for several years. But gradually they began to decrease owing to feed becoming scarce. My same view applies to quinnat salmon. The first few years they multiplied in great numbers, because the young fish obtained sufficient food in the upper reaches. Now these upper streams and lakes contain almost no feed, consequently the youhg salmon are not in a fit condition to go down the big long rivers and enter the sea. A good few years ago, a salmon was seen a few miles up the Opihi river. Young salmon can get plenty of feed which this river is noted for, consequently salmon multiplied in huge numbers with the result that more salmon have been seen and caught at the Opihi than any of the other rivers, notwithstanding that this is practically a rain fed river contrary to the habits of salmon. I suggest that immediate steps be taken to introduce feed in the lakes and rivers I have mentioned, by establishing feed hatcheries, etc., and spending some, or even all the money allotted to fisheries in that direction, also not to liberate trout or salmon in any river or lake unless it is proved that there is plenty of feed therein.” To this the Minister replied on the 15th June, 1933: “I have perused your letter with interest and beg to thank you for the information and suggestions supplied. The letter has been referred to Mr Hefford, for his consideration and report, on receipt of which I will communicate with you again.”

Although I have received no reply, I do believe that Mr Hefford is taking a keener interest in the feed problem since my letter was handed in. On February 26th of this year, “The Timaru Herald” mentions an interview with Major W. P. Powlett, o f Devonshire, in which he says: “When the trout were first imported to New Zealand, they found an abundance of food in the lakes and rivers, and in consequence thrived beyond all expectations. But once that first great supply was consumed, their numbers naturally decreased.” Now, I would like the various acclimatisation societies to peruse this letter, and if they see logic therein, to assist by recommendation to the Government, or as they deem fit, for the betterment of fishing and for the government in particular. With reference to liberating rainbow trout in the Waitaki lake, I would say that as this is not a very good table fish, I think the societies should investigate the possibilities of importing and stocking this lake with steelhead trout from North America, which is a splendid eating and sporting fish of large size.—l am, etc., F. R. DENNISON. Timaru, November 19.