Introduction of English Sea-Fish.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXIX, Issue VII, 16 August 1902, Page 400

Introduction of English Sea-Fish.

While one set of experts are prophesying that unless we allow trawlers good fat sehnapper and delicious flounder will be a thing of the past in New Zealand waters, and while, on the other hand, other experts are denouncing trawlers for decimating our fishing grounds, it is pleasing to know that the experiment of introducing some of the best English sea-fish to New South Wales waters has proved so far satisfactory in that a fair proportion of the adult fish brought out in tanks on the Oroya have arrived in good condi-

tion, and have been liberated in the extensive enclosures prepared for them at the Maincanbar hatehery. For the New South Wales shipments having proved successful, New Zealand will not be slow to follow the van. The Oroya set forth with 750 plaice, 28 soles, 4 turbot, 3 large brill, 23 lobsters, and 23 crabs. Of these there arrived safe 560 plaiee,. 23 soles, and one lobster. Ihe losses seem at first sight somewhat heavy, but it is explained that the experiment was for the special purpose of introducing plaice, and that the lobster crabs and turbot were, so to say, mere make-weights. If they weathered the tropics and other dangers of the voyage, so much the better, but ir not the expert would not be surprised. This is what Mr Harold Dannevig, from the famous fish hatchery at Aberdeen, Scotland, where, by the way, 226 millions ef plaice fry have been liberated since 1894, as well as millions of turbot, brill, cod, and other fine edible fishes, told an interviewer. The crabs, it will be noticed, declined to come to the colonies, and lobsters are equally bad emigrants, for the one who did arrive in safety was but poorly when the expert took him from his tank, though, we are informed, “he subsequently improved.” The loss of crabs to the colonies, for these experiments will be followed over here in New Zealand, may be accounted as a mere pin prick; indeed, wera it not for the obvious retort of “the grapes are sour,” I should be inclined to count it a matter for congratulation that crabs decline to colonise, for, of a truth, they are most abominably indigestible, and would have caused our descendants many- and many a pang. The same to a lesser extent with lobsters; besides, if I mistake not, some lobsters were, as a fact, liberated at Rangitoto, Auckland, many years ago. Besides, any one who desires so indigestible a food can easily console himself with the reflection that our cray fish are every whit as good as a provocative of nightmare and dyspepsia. But it is really excellent hearing that plaice and soles travel well. English soles are famous all the world over, and as for plaice, he is a most excellent fish, and one who would, and will, I trust, add to the legitimate pleasures of the New Zealand dinner table. I confess we may sigh for turbot, and, remembering the delicious fins thereof, I trust the experiment of bringing out these magnificent and often monster fish may at another trial prove successful.