Fisheries^*

The assemblage of fishes which we find in the New Zealand seas on the whole represent the characteristic forms of the southern or Lusitanian province of European coasts, or, in other words, our New Zealand fishes resemble those which are found on the coast between Madeira and the Bay of Biscay more than they do those which are caught about the North of Scotland. Of thirty-three sea fishes that are used as food in New Zealand, we have among the constant residents on all parts of our coast the Hapuku, Tarakihi, Trevally, Moki, Aua, Rock Cod, Wrasse, and Patiki; and while the Snapper, Mullet, and Gurnet are only met with in the North, the Trumpeter, Butter-fish, and Red Cod are confined to the South. But, with the exception of the Patiki, or Flounder, and the Red Cod, none of these are representatives of fishes that are common even in the South of Britain, while from the more northern seas similar fishes are altogether absent.

In addition to those which remain throughout the year, a very large number of the fishes of the New Zealand coast, owing to its geographical position, are pelagic in their habits, and roam over a wide range of ocean, visiting our shores only irregularly in pursuit o food. Of the edible fishes of this class, by far the largest number are visitors from warmer latitudes, such as the Frost-fish, Barracouta, Horse-mackerel, King-fish, Dory, Warehou, Mackerel, and Gar-fish, while only the Ling, Hake, Haddock, and a few other fishes, which are rare, and worthless as food, are among those of more southern types which reach the New Zealand coast in their migrations.

There is, however, no reason to complain of any want of useful variety in the New Zealand fishes as compared with Britain, for we find that out of 208 species of fishes enumerated as occurring in the British seas, including many which are extremely rare or only occasional visitors, only forty are considered to have a marketable value. In New Zealand, notwithstanding our very imperfect knowledge (especially with regard to the gregarious tribes, which there is reason to believe inhabit shoals at some distance from land), out of 192 sea fishes, some of which are only known from single specimens, we have nearly as many varieties used for food as are brought to market in the British Islands.

In 1885, an Act entitled "The Fisheries Encouragement Act, 1885," was passed, offering the following export bonuses for the establishment of the fish-canning and curing industries : (1.) Id. per lb. for the first 200 tons of fish canned with or without oil, not including the weight of the cans; and ½d. per lb. for every ton beyond the first 200 tons. (2.) ¼d. and 1/8d. per lb. for cured fish under similar conditions. The Act is valid for seven years, and the total tonnage upon which bonuses may be granted is 6,000 tons. It is further provided that every intending applicant for the bonus shall register a special trade mark. Fish-canning and curing establishments are already in existence in various parts of New Zealand.

Of 140 species of fish enumerated as found in New Zealand, sixty-seven species are, so far as we know, peculiar to New Zealand; seventy-five are common to the coasts of Australia or Tasmania; while ten species are found in New Zealand and other places, but not in the Australian seas. New Zealand Ichthyology thus presents a very distinct character, the thorough deciphering of which affords a wide field for future observation and scientific investigation.