Indo-Pacific Fisheries Council Proceedings

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS

INDO-PACIFIC FISHERIES COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS

STH MEETING BANGKOK THAILAND 22d January-5th Febmary, I 954

SECTION I

IPFC Secretariat, FA0 Regional Office for Asia and the Far East, Bangkok '954

AGENDA FOR 5TH MEETING A. PROCEDURALITEMS I. Adoption of the Agenda. 2. Report on Credentials. 3. Statements of Delegations. 4. Report of the Executive Committee. 4.1 Membership. 4.2 Liaison. 4.21 With United Nations Organization. 4.22 With F.A.O. 4.23 With UNESCO. (a) Proposed Oceanographic Co-operative Project. (b) Other. 4.24 Other. 4.3 Council's Report to F.A.O. 4.4. Publications and Editorial Policy. 4.41 Proceedings. 4.42 Special Publications and Handbooks. 4.43 Register of Institutions. 4.44 Bibliographic work. 4.45 Other. 4.5 Special Report on Procedure. 4.6 Financial and Budget Report. 5. Proposals for Amendments to the Agreement and/or Rules. 6. Nomination of Technical Committees. 7. Council Correspondents. 8. Time and Place of next Meeting.

B. TECHNICALITEMS 9. Reports of Technical Committees. 10. Technical Assistance. I I. Technicd Instruction, 12. Subjects proposed by Member Governments, 12.1 " Fishing in Oceanic Waters " (Government of the Philippines). 12.2 " Fishing with Bright Lights " (Government of the Philippines). 12.3 " Urgent necessity of setting up a Centre in the fndo-Pacific Region for training Master Fishermen " (Government of India). 13. Matters for Technical Committee I, I 3. I Hydrology. 13.2 Plankton. 13.3 Tuna and Oceanic Fisheries. 13.4 Inshore Fisheries. ' 13.5 Seaweeds and Sundry Fisheries. 13.6 Fish Culture and Inland Fisheries. 13.7 HiIsa. I3.8 Taxonomy. 14. Matters for Technical Committee 11. 14.1 Craft and Gear. 14.2 Food Technology. 14.3 Socio-economics and Marketing. 14.4 Statistics. 15. Subject for Symposium at 6th Meeting, The 5th Meeting of the Indo-Pacific Fisheries of its guiding principles the following part of the Council was by His Excellency Field- fisheries resolution taken at the recent Conference Marshal Phin chunahavan, Minister of Agriculture of F.A.O. held in Rome, in November, 1953. a;& Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, at 3.00 p.m. " The Conference wishes the Director-General on the z2nd of January, 1954, in the Conference to take into account its view that projects likely Room, Santitham Hall, Bangkok. He stated that the to effect quick results, such as the promotion of Government of Thailand had taken a keen interest fish cultural practices, improved management in the aims pursued by the Council ever since its of inland fisheries, work towards the improve- formation in 1~48and had, in fact, been one of the ment of fishing boats, landing, marketing and early signatories to its Agreement. In the firm distribution facilities, fishing gear and methods belief, therefore, that the principles on which the especially in countries where there is need to Council was based would be of the greatest utility increase protein food supplies for indigenous to Member Governments in shaping their fisheries population, should be given preference." programmes and in solving their food problems, he was pleased to welcome the delegates of the The Chairman, Monsieur R. Serene, replied Member Governments of the Council to Thailand. thanking the Minister and the Prime Minister, and The Minister added that, although the countries of expressing the Council's desire to extend a message South and East Asia were now for the first time of greeting to His Majesty the King of Thailand achieving a rice production comparable to that of and its cordial wishes to his loyal subjects. pre-war years, it could not yet be said that the threat Monsieur Serene commented on the excellent of hunger and hardship had been defeated ; the faciIities provided by the Government and the need for food still had to be converted into an effec- magnificent building which had recently been erec- tive demand through sound marketing principles, ted for the holding of such international meetings. so that the people might have a healthy, balanced Turning to the delegates, the Chairman wel- diet, and the consumption of fish, which was the comed those delegates who had not previously chief source of animal protein in many Asian coun- attended the Council's Meetings and regretted the tries, needed to be increased. Finally, the Minister absence of a few old friends whose presence would stated that it was his Government's ~olicyto co- be missed ; like all living organisms, however, the operate in every way with the aims of the Council Council must at each Meeting renew its component and he expressed his best wishes for the success parts and thus complete a further stage of its evolu- of the Meeting. tion. Finally, the Chairman presented the chief A message of welcome from His Excellency Field- delegates of Member Governments to the Minister Marshal P. Pibulsonggram, President of the Council of Agriculture. of Ministers of Thailand, was then read, in which it was stated that as a member of the Indo-Pacific A. PROCEDURAL ITEMS Fisheries Council, the Thai Government fully I. Adoption of the Agenda realized the importance of the Council's activities as a centre of technical knowledge for the purpose The adoption of the Agenda was proposed by Mr. D. W. Le Mare (U.K.), seconded by U Ba of promoting the production of food. Ryaw (Burma) and carried unanimously. An address was delivered by Mr. W. H. Cummings in the name of the Director-General of F.A.O. He 2. ~e~oiton Credentials stressed that the existence of the Council had coin- The Secretary reported that satisfactory creden- cided with the period in office as Director-General tials had been received in respect of 13 delegates, of F.A.O. of iMr. Norris E. Dodd, who had followed 9 alternates, 16 advisers and 5 observers (one of the growth and work of the Council from its com- whom was acting in a dual capacity), making a total mencement, and it was noteworthy to recall that the of 43 officially accredited participants. This rep- first regional undertaking of the F.A.O. in Asia resented a quorum for all purposes under the terms and the Far East had been in the field of fisheries. of the Council's Agreement and Rules. Subse- Since then much progress had been made and the quent 'to issuing this certificate, one further accredit- results achieved warranted confidence in greater ed alternate (France), and one additional accredited achievements in the future. Finally, the Director- adviser (U.S.) were registered, making a total of General suggested that the Council accept as one 45 in attendance at the Meeting. 3. Statements of Delegations The proposed Co-operative Research Project The Chairman then invited the delegates to make on Hilsa which had been brought up at the 4th their opening statements. All delegations expressed Neeting of the Council would, it was hoped, be hearty thanks to the Thai Government for its invita- developed at an early date so soon as replies to the tion to hold the Council's 5th Meeting in Bangkok. 'offer made by India might be received from the other countries concerned. The Government of The Delegate for Australia conveyed the greetings India has two organizations for inland and marine of his Government and stated that his Government's fisheries research at Calcutta and Mandapam res- policy since the Council's foundation to cooperate pectively and a Journal would shortly be published. in fisheries matters with nations in the area would be continued. He regretted the unavoidable ab- Finally, it was hoped that the simplification of sence of Mr. D. J. Rochford, Chairman of Technical procedures suggested at the 4th Meeting and, re- Committee I. ported on by the Secretariat might prove effective and that the Council's functions might now be ex- The Delegate for Burma stated that since it would tended to include actually carrying out a few specific appear that the inland fisheries of Burma have projects, since otherwise the Council might become already been exploited to a considerable extent, the a mere fact-finding body. Government of Burma realizes the necessity to pay more attention to the marine resources in order to The Delegate for Indonesia believed that the satisfy urgent nutritional requirements, and several Council's Meetings since 1948 have proved emi- programmes are being actively considered. In order nently beneficial to the countries of the region and to implement these programmes, the Government deepest appreciation of the Council's efforts was is in urgent need of technical personnel from over- expressed. The two seminars on fish culture held seas to work in the country for a reasonable period at Bogor might be said to constitute Indonesia's of time ulitil an adequate fisheries staff may be contributions to the Council's aims. The shortage trained. It was hoped that the Government's of staff following the sending of trainees abroad has request to F.A.O. for a fisheries mission would made it difficult to contribute on a larger scale to receive sympathetic consideration. the Council's work. It was hoped that the plans to hold further training courses under the auspices of The Delegate for France stated that his Govern- the Council might be successful and the Indonesian ment has a keen interest in the work of the Indo- Government planned to send trainees to these Pacific Fisheries Council both as regards Technical courses. The Government renewed its offer to Assistance to Cambodia, Laos and Viet Nam and render any services within its capacity in connection fisheries development in the French adminis- with the 3rd Seminar on Fish Culture proposed to tered territories in the region. The view was stated be held during the period 1954-55. that in the fields of both marine and inland fisheries, it might be dangerous to attempt a separation bet- The Delegate for J@an stated that his Govern- ween pure and applied research and that the over- ment, since it became a member of the Indo-Pacific simplification of the Council's work might reduce Fisheries Council in 1952, has made every effort to the Council to a mere technical committee. It is foster the aims of the Council. It was believed not merely a matter of supplying the countries' that the exploitation of the fisheries should march immediate needs, but also assisting to obtain a level hand in hand with proper conservation and utiliza- of scientific and technical development which will tion and that this type of work can only be achieved permit them to carry on their own investigations. in the long run through scientific research. The Delegate for India stated that his Govern- The Delegate for Korea stated that his country ment had given increasing attention to the develop- depends largely on marine products and takes a ment of inland and marine fisheries resources and keen interest in fisheries development in the region. had adopted a j-year plan. In addition to the A delegation has been sent to each Meeting of the Indo-U.S. Technical Assistance programme, there Council despite of the prevailing war conditions. is the further cooperative effort between Norway and It was believed that the valuable conclusions of the India under the auspices of the United Nations, Council's past four Meetings have accelerated the consisting of a community project aimed at the in- progress of the fisheries in Korea as well as in other tegral development of a small zone in Travancore- countries. The Government of the Republic of Cochin. ExperimentaI fishing including the in- Korea would therefore continue to give its utmost troduction of mechanized gear has now reached the cooperation to the Council. stage where the traiaing of master fishermen in the The Delegate for the Netherlands stated that the region becomes an urgent necessity if these projects 'Council's past experience had resulted in the col- are to be effective. lection of much information of a descriptive nature 11-hich has facilitated an el-aluation of the fishing cil since its inaugural meeting in 2948. The industries, and the Council should now be in a better principal advances in the fisheries of British ter- position to assess the problems. It was the,opinion ritories in the region are set forth elsewhere. of the Government of the Netherlands that priority Three prototype vessels have been constructed should be given to aspects having a direct bearing at the new shipyard which, it was believed, on the fishing industries and especially to those might substantially contribute to the fisheries which might be expected to give results in a reason- of the region. A Fisheries Research Cnit ably short period. Although it is true that all the had been created at the Hong Kong University biological, technical and economic aspects must and a research vessel had been constructed. It was be borne in mind, the immediate necessity is for hoped that the results might shortly be made avail- improvement in fishing gear, fishing vessels, and able to Member Governments. He emphasized fishing methods. It must, however, not be for- that his Government was looking not only for im- gotten that the fisheries industries form a composite mediate results but also at the long-term aspect structure and that it was not advisable to develop over the next 20 years or so. any one aspect to the exclusion of others. The Delegate for the United States said that his The Delegate for Pakistan stated that his Govern- Government appreciated the opportunity to bring ment appreciated the work performed by the Coun- before ,the Council some of the problems which cil and hoped that it might become possible to might be solved by cooperative action ; members develop mutual co-operation to a greater extent. of his delegation would also be participafing in the . It was believed that the basic requirements in under- Symposium on Plankton. It had been stated that developed countries were the preparation of reliable the sea was man's last frontier but it had also been statistics and the mechanization of fishing craft, argued that the real frontier was not the sea, but that this development should be gradual and but rather the border between knowledge and should be accompanied by improved marketing ignorance. It was therefore necessary to discuss and transportation facilities. Since there is a short- the present state of knowledge and to recognize age of master fishermen in the area, a centre for the those fields in which knowledge is lacking. In training of these operatives was urged. Finally, particular, we must seek new means of finding the belief was expressed that little could be achieved and educating researchers, and of supporting in fisheries development until there was an improve- biological investigations over sufficiently long ment in the living conditions of the fishermen periods of time. Increased production would themselves. result from the development of a new The Delegate for Thailand, on behalf of his fisheries science which is really a form of Government, extended once again a hearty welcome husbandry. These aspects cannot yet be fully to the representatives of other Member Countries investigated because of the lack of information on and gave his assurance that it was his Government's the biology of the sea. One of the problems which wish to render all possible facilities both to the was foreseen by the US. Government was that of Council and to the delegates during their stay in his the apparent changes in faunal distribution which country. He was happy to report a rapid expansion were taking place throughout the world. Climatic of fisheries programmes throughout the Kingdom, changes occurring in .one area might profoundly and the establishment of a new wholesale fish market. affect the fisheries of others. The fisheries lite- Further knowledge was required of the fisheries rature is only now beginning to reflect a wide recog- resources of the country, for which more trained nition of these changing conditions and it was personnel was essential. The specific problems believed that a world-wide study of these was an appeared to be (I) improvement of fish culture urgent necessity. It was hoped that this Meeting techniques, (2) stocking of fish in inland waters of the Council might be even more prbductive than including rice fields, (3) possible effects of hydro- those held in previous years and contribute to the electric projects on the fisheries, (4) improvement solution of the problems through co-ordinated of fishing gear and methods, including simple effort. mechanization of local craft, (5) production of The Delegate for Viet Nam stated that his country fish meal and other by-products, (6) improvement was making every effort to rebuild the fisheries in- of living standards of fishermen, (7) cooperative dustries which were still suffering from war-time and marketing systems and- (8) the training of conditions. His Government was taking a11 pos- technicians. It was hoped that these problems sible steps through the recently formed fisheries could receive the consideration of the Council. service to remedy these conditions through opening The Delegate for United Kingdom stated that his authorized fishing zones, assistance to fishermen Government has cooperated in the aims of the Coun- in obtaining materials, and a socio-economic programme. Fishing boats have been provided through 4. Report of the Executive Committee American aid and two fish culture stations have been The Report of the Executive Committee for the constructed. The Viet Namese Delegate would wel- period since the 4th Meeting was studied, item by come any suggestion which the Councii might make item. (See pp. 25-41), together with the Sec- for the improvement of the fisheries and Viet Nam retariat Study of Council Work and Procedure has every interest in implementing the resolutions (p. 42) and the Report on the Status of the In- of the Council. dustry (p. 46). The Chairman then introduced Dr. A. Wolsky, 4.1. Publications and Bibliography Head of the UNESCO Science Co-operation Office The CounciI reviewed the progress in the field for South East Asia, who communicated a message of Council publications. It was believed that the of greetings from his Director-General and stated policies laid down at the 4th Meeting represented that his Organization had been happy to co-operate a long-term programme to be implemented over a in assisting prominent plankton workers to travel number of years. to Bangkok to take part in the jointly sponsored Symposium on this subject. UNESCO has always The synopses of the proposed handbooks on held a keen interest in the Council's work and had "The Culture of Warm Water Fishes " and " The been represented at many of its meetings. Principles of Fish Handling and Processing of FisheriesProducts ",submitted bythe GeneralEditor Dr. Ernest Hess, Chief of the Technology Branch, of Handbooks, Dr. G.L. Kesteven, werestudied and Fisheries Division of FAO, Rome, communicated generally approved. It was suggested that in both the greetings of the Director of Fisheries Division, the Handbooks a glossary, a classified list of references FAO, Rome, who had unfortunately found it and an index should be included and that each hand- impossible to be present in person. Since biological book should have a glossary add index of its own science had both in the past and at this Meeting rather than that a separate dictionary and general been adequately represented, it was believed that index should be published. The Report of the Dr. Hess might be of assistance to the Council on GeneralEditor of the IPFC Handbooks was examined the Technology side. in detail. It was felt that it should not be laid down as a general rule that descriptions of phenomena be Dr. Hess then read a message of greeting from avoided in Handbooks. There is an urgent need Professor Umberto d'hcona, Chairman of the for critical reviews of existing fishery practices in General Fisheries Council for the Mediterranean. the region and descriptions of improved methods for the use of fishery administration and extension Dr. Shen-yi, observer for the United Nations workers ; such publications would therefore be Organization, stated that the Indo-Pacific Fisheries of immediate use in the region. It was felt Council of the Food and Agriculture Organization that if such descriptive material cannot be included and the Economic Commission for Asia and the in the Handbooks themselves separate supplemen- Far East of the United Nations were working to tary publications on the lines indicated above should the same end, the promotion of economic develop- be considered. ment in the region. He cited as an example the co-operative efforts of FA0 and ECAFE in dealing In view of the increasing demand for the with the important problem of water resources Council's publications, the Council recommended development. The control and utilization of water, that the Proceedings as well as the Special Publi- if not properly planned, designed and operated cations and separates be priced. It was also may be detrimental to the inland fisheries. It is recommended that the possibility of the Council only through cooperative effort that a proper deve- establishing an accumulating publications fund be lopment of the two remurces caa be achjeved ;such investigated. common problems being tackled include the means The synopsis of the Handbook on Field Methods whereby the life history of the fishes may be in- in Fisheries Work was examined and it was recom- vestigated in order to ascertain to what extent they mended that Section 2 (7) should also deal with might be affected by the new conditions ; the amphibia and aquatic reptiles and mammals. methods available to remedy any deleterious con- sequences arising out of development schemes ; As regards Volume I11 of the Handbooks (Fishery the controlled use of explosives in hydraulic pro- Statistics) the Council felt that there is sufficient jects ; the controlled diversion of flow from rivers ; interest among workers in the region to warrant proper operation of reservoirs, etc. Another sub- the immediate preparation of Sections 111, IV and ject of common interest was the eradication of weeds V and the availability of such a Handbook would in irrigation canals. induce further interest in the subject.

As the Council.had now been in existence for Parliamentary Procedure adapted to the Council's nearly six years, and Member Governments con- requirements. cerned had from time to time requested some form of report on the activities of the Council and the Finally, the Council commended the careful results achieved from its activities, the Council attention given by the Executive Committee and directed the Executive Committee to dram up for the Secretariat to the problem of procedure and to presentation at the Sixth Meeting of the Council the implementation of the Council's directives a full and complete review of the work of the Council given at its 4th Meeting in this respect. and the results both direct and indirect that have Other items of the Executive Committee's report followed. were referred to the Technical Committees and are It was suggested that the review might be divided dealt with under the corresponding headings. into two parts : 5. Proposals for Amendments to the Agree- I. A Statement by the Executive Committee ment and Rules of the present status of Resolutions and Recom- mendations adopted by the Council in full session. There having been no notice of proposals for This could be supplemented if desired by an analysis amendments from Member Governments, this item of procedural methods and their modifications for was not discussed. the administration of the work of the Council, prepared by the Secretariat. 6. Nomination of Technical Committees

2. Statements from the Member Govern- Delegates were invited to nominate the Members ments assessing the influence of IPFC activities in of Technical Committees I and 11 for the purposes their respective countries, and including suggestions of discussions at the 5th Meeting and for the en- for the future development of the Council's acti- suing period. Nominations were also made, from vities along lines considered to be most generally those present, to the Council's six panels and some beneficial. workers not present at the Meeting were named for co-option to the Panels for work during the ensuing It having been brought to the attention of the period ; in other cases, it was recommended that Council that certain language difticulties are ex- Governments should nominate additional co-opted perienced, particuIarly by the members of the workers for special purposes. (See Resolution No. Delegation from Viet Nam, in satisfactorily partici- I, below.) pating in the work of the Council at meetings and in endeavouring to carry out the projects recom- 7, Council Correspondents mended by the Council, the Council directed the Executive Committee to examine the possibility A few changes were made to the list of Council of providing the Secretariat with facilities whereby Correspondents (see p. I I I). It was recommended the more important papers of the Council might that Council Correspondents should, where possible, be translated into the French language. be assisted and advised in each country by a committee of the nominees to the Council's Panels. The Council, recognizing the merits of the FA0 (See Resolution No. I, p. 16.) Conference Resolution quoted in the Report of the Executive Committee especially the endorsement of projects likely to effect quick results, including 8. Time and Place of Sixth Meeting promotion of fish culture and improvement of craft The Delegate for Japan stated that he had been and gear, resolved that the Director-General and instructed by his Government to extend an in- the Fisheries Division of FA0 should be requested vitation to the Council to hol$ its next Meeting to consider, within the approved budget, the pos- in Tokyo, at a time to be decided by the Council sible redistribution of funds and personnel to and it was suggested that the best season for the strengthen the technical staff of the FA0 Regional Meeting would be either the Autumn of 195j or Office for Asia and the Far East by assigning special- the Spring of 1956. ists on gear and craft, food technology and fish culture to provide advice and assistance toward Some discussion took place as to whether the the immediate and practical application of improved Council Meeting should be held each year or every methods. (See Resolution No. 5, p, 17.) two years. The Delegate for India confirmed the opinion of his Government expressed at pre- In view of certain procedural difficulties which vious meetings that the Council should meet at had arisen at this and other Meetings, the Sec- two-year intervals. This view was supported by retariat was instructed to prepare a brief Manual on the Delegate for Australia. It was decided that the Meeting should take place in October, 1955, which The Council agreed to follo~~the procedure would represent an interval of 20 months. adopted at the current Meeting, of classifying It was moved by the Delegate of the US. and technical papers into : (a) those suitable for presen- seconded by the Delegate for Pakistan that the in- tation in full at the Council Meeting and (b) those vitation of the Government of Japan be accepted. that shouId be merely tabled. The papers chosen A hearty and unanimous vote of thanks was record- for presentation at theMeeting should be introduced ed. by the author or a member of his country's delegation with a brief statement of the background of the work reported and the important points brought B. TECHNICAL ITEMS out. The papers need not be read in full.

Technical Papers Recommended for the 6th 9. Reports of Technical Committees Meeting These reports were carefully studied (see Sections The ~6uncil believed the type of technical papers to be presented at the 6th Meeting to be a V and V1) and are dealt with under their respective matter of great importance as this will greatly in- headings (pp. 8-13 & 13-15). fluence the course of action of the Council. 1011I. Technical Assistance and Technical In the opening-statements, the delegates of several Instruction countries indicated that there was general agreement with the opinions expressed at the fourth The Council discussed at some length the tech- Meeting regarding the functions of the Council nical assistance programmes being undertaken in and the types of papers suitable for discussion at the Region (Agenda Item 10). It was believed that its Meetings, and it was pointed out that certain the extent of 'FAOIETAP activities as set forth in papers presented at the current Meeting-as was the Executive Committee's Report appeared to be also the case at previous Meetings-had not been as great' as could be expected under present con- directed towards the principal aims of the Council, ditions with the existing budget. Some concern was expressed regarding the evident concentration It was decided that technical papers for presen- of programmes in some countries, coupled with tation at Council sessions at the next Meetings should the absence of assistance programmes in others. emphasize the definition of methods of approach to the solution of problems associated with the in- Whatever the reasons for the limited programme, crease or maintenance of fish production and papers it was believed that technical assistance on a larger relating to the following subjects were to be invited scale is desirable. It was suggested that the from Member Governments : folldwing means be considered : (I) The food and feeding of fishes (a) Member countries desiring the same types (2) Fisheries extension work of assistance may pool their requests to (3) Sampling surveys used in the production FA0 to provide continuous services of phase of fishery industry. one or more experts. This would, pre- (4) Advances in fish marketing along with sumably, be an ETAP Project. details of the equipment and technology improve- (b) The possibility of attaching experts to the ments that have contributed to successful market- permanent staff of the Bangkok Regional ing. Office of FA0 to serve the countries of (5) Development of consumer tastes, parti- the area. cularly for noncustomary products. As regards the Council's programme of technical The papers should not be of a general nature and instruction (Agenda Item II), there was general should contain the necessary information and back- agreement as to the great value of technical instruc- ground to facilitate useful discussion. When the tion and it was to be regretted that funds for these paper is of an academic nature it should be pre- activities are limited. ceded by a statement by the author as to how the The Council noted with satisfaction the proposal paper would be of effective value to the Council. by FA0 to conduct a training course in Fish Market- In papers which are reports for information, the ing in Hong Kong in the near future and in view of introduction should state the problems faced and the advisability, for practical reasons, that the Centre this should be followed by a description of the action commence to operate in July, 1954, directed the taken and the results achieved. The abstracts Executive Committee to recommend to Member should be complete and give the salient features Governments that they consider the provisional discussed in the papers. nomination of prospective trainees so soon as might be convenient. It was agreed that participating assessed in another year or two and the possibility Governments should be advised as to the status, of a further course on Statistics should only then experience, ability and level of education be taken up. The Council felt that at the moment expected from persons attending the Centre, that priority should be given to courses concerned with dispersed marketing organization should be con- actual fish production and distribution rather than sidered, as also the htigonish Scheme in the Fisheries Administration and that there are other Maritime Provinces. It mas recommended that the courses which are more urgent ; for instance :- course be for senior officers or market managers. (a) A further course on Fish Culture The curriculum prepared by FA0 was considered (b) Processing & Handling of Fish & Fishery to be comprehensive and it was believed that the Products instructors should be persons with a knowledge of (c) Socio-Economics Problems, with emphasis the special conditions of the Indo-Pacific areas. on raising the living standards of fishery The proposal of the Government of India (Agenda operatives as an integral part of national economy, inchding the organization of Item 12.3) "Urgent Necessity of setting up a Centre in the Indo-Pacific Region for training Master fishermen's societies and co-operatives. This should be a series of courses on various Fishermen " was discussed. aspects. The Council believed that such training is essential to fishery development but that, for various 12. Items Proposed by Member Govern- reasons, including language, differences in fishing ments environment, in the educational and professional level of fishermen and in recommended methods and 12.1 " Fishing in Oceanic Waters" (Govern- gear, etc., it was imperative that the training be ment of the Philippines) See p. 12. organized on a sub-regional basis and that therefore 12.2 " Fishing with Bright Lights " (Govern- more than one centre would have to be considered. ment of the Philippines) See p. 12.

Although it was realized that the organization 12.3 " Urgent Necessity of setting up a Centre and operation of such training centres will be diB- in the Indo-Pacific Region for the Training of cult, nevertheless it was felt that the results to be Master Fishermen " (Government of India) See obtained should be outstanding. It was suggested above and Resolution No. 7, below. that, in the event of a firm decision to go ahead with plans for such centres, other technical assistance 13. Matters Relating to Technical Com- organizations might be requested to cooperate. mittee I (Hydrology & Biology) It was agreed after discussion that the term The Council proceeded to study the pertinent " Master Fishermen " should cover operatives sections of the reports of Technical Committee I. doing mechanized fishing in general and not the specialized Certified Masters in Fishing as under- The Council directed that Technical Committee stood in certain countries. I take whatever action is practicable during the ensuing period to assemble information on current It was emphasized that the training centre should methods used in the age determination of fishes be for the purpose of stimulating the efficiency of in tropical areas and on the basis of the information small fishing boats through mechanization, laying obtained to report to the Council on this subject greater stress on smaller vessels than on large size at its 6th Meeting. trawlers. The Council therefore believed that the training Panel " A "-Inland Fisheries course for Master Fishermen, as suggested by the - Government of India, be assigned the highest The Council expressed its concern in the matter priority, but that as arrangements for this training of the possible adverse effects of the large number centre may take some time, the course in fisheries of river basin development projects on the inland marketing in Hong Kong be proceeded with in fisheries of the Indo-Pacific Area and endorsed the 1954. It was, however, felt that the course in active policy pursued by the Executive Committee in cooperating with the Flood Control Bureau of mechanized fishing should be started as early as can ECAFE of the United Nations in the matter of be arranged in 1955 and that the FA0 should take fisheries requirements in connection with multi- early steps to contact possible host governments p'iose water development. In view of the fact to run such a course. that insufficient information regarding the biology As regards Statistical Training Centres, it was of riverine Fsheries of the Indo-Pacific Region is agreed that the results of the first course should be available and that soxpe of the remedial measures such as fish ladders which are in use in temperate should be continued for such a period as is neces- countries have often been found to be unsuitable sary to arrive at definite conclusions [Resolution to the rix-ers of this area, it was agreed that the C52/2+3 (14-15)I. attention of Member Governments be dralyn to the urgent need for conserving and exploiting the As a pre-requisite for the organization of an fishery resources associated with river basin projects international .fish fry exchange, the Secretariat was by rectifying the adverse effects caused by dams and instructed to circulate the attached questionnaire other obstructions through preventive, remedial and (Table I on p. 10) to Member Governments to faci- restoratory measures and developing fish produc- litate an approximate assessment of the resources of tion in the reservoirs and ancillary waters ; that the stocking material, local requirements of these, avail- fishery requirements relating to each dam should able surpluses and regional demands, existing as be determined by careful survey and experimen- well as potential [Resolution C52124.3 (I 6)]. tation by senior fishery biologists and engineers without indiscriminately adopting conventional fish The action taken by the Secretariat in obtaining ladders and other measures, the suitability of which additional information on cultivable waters in the to Asiatic conditions is questionable, and that the Region was noted [Resolution C52124.3(18)]. findings arising from such investigations should be implemented. (See Resolution No. 4, page 17.) Since considerable data relating to fish culture work are being gathered in a number of countries It was noted that the Secretariat was preparing of this area where this work has actively been taken a chapter on this subject for inclusion in the Manual up, it was believed that the immediate need was for at present under preparation by the Flood Control proper coordination of technical development. It Bureau of ECAFE and this should be made avail- was decided that the subject of food and feeding able to the Council. Contributed Publication of fish be considered by the Inland Fisheries Panel No. 14 on the Fisheries of the Damodar Basin Multi- during the ensuing period and that papers be invited purpose Development Scheme in India by Job eta!. from Member Goverriments for presentation at the was recommended as a valuable contribution to the 6th Meeting and possibly for a Symposium at a problem and it was believed that similar works on later Meeting. other multi-purpose projects in the area should be encouraged. The Council considered at length a communication from the Government of India regarding the The revised synopsis of the Fish Culture Hand- introduction of Tilapa into Indian waters. book was approved with certain suggested amendments. The Council commended the cautious approach of the Indian Government in the matter of intro- The bibliography on weed control and the publi- duction of Tilapia, since previous cases of intro- cation " Improving Duck Marshes by Weed duction of the fish in the waters of this Region had Control " received from the United States not been preceded by exhaustive preliminary trials. Government, were recorded [Resolution Cj2124.3 (12)I. In view of the fact that consignments of T. mossambica are already available at Mandapam and In view of the information obtained from some Nadras in India and that the general merits of Member Governments on the factors of stream Tilapia as a culturable fish have duly been recog- pollution, it was agreed that work should now be nized in that country, a final decision on the question directed towards determining the specific conditions of the desirability of introducing the fish into Indian of concentration, combinations, meteorological con- waters would dependpn two factors: , ditions, etc., under which the pollution factor causes (I) the yield from Tilapia per unit of effort as actual damage to the fisheries and the extent of the compared with other culturable species damage caused by different types of pollution so available in India particularly the allied that proper remedial measures could be formulated Cichlid, Etroplus suratensis, and without undue prejudice to industrial interests (2) the positive danger, if any, to existing fish- [Resolution C52/ 24.3(13)]. Resolution No. C54/3 eries, (p. 17) was passed in this sense. Both the above issues could be decided only by Work on the optimum combinations of compatible field experiments in the different types of Indian species and their different size groups being neces- waters, although regarding (z), the scepticism re- ~arilyof a . long-term. nature, such investigations garding Tilapia' which was understood to exist Name of cultivable species available for outside dim Pmtquantity Potential qmtity tr ibufion* available I on demsnd

Name of cultivable species needed from outside sources Present quanti~ j Potential quantity needed I needed

Are you in hvo~llof r C+tdd Didbution Service for Fish Stding &terid for the Indo-Pacific Region ? If yes, why?...... f...... 1.1...... l...... f...... *.....*......

Yfm, why ?...... ,...,....,....,.,...... ,...... *...... among certain Indonesian and Chinese fish farmers (b) the extension of the pond culture of Ckanos appeared to be exaggerated. Although when Tilapia to include the utilization of inland waters. is reared with carps and Chanos, the yield of the latter is somewhat reduced, this is compensated Panel " 3 "-Sea Fisheries in poundage by the Tilapia yield. However, the The report of Technical Committee I on Tuna monetary returns show some difference since Tilapia Fisheries was reviewed. fetches comparatively a lower price than carps and Chanos. Tilapia is specially indicated in areas The Council confirmed the need for continuing .where other regular fish culture is not established. work in terms of Resolution Cj2/24.3(3) and sug- The fish is noted to be predatory on young stages of gested that particular emphasis might be placed prawns. Besides this, there is no record of Tilapia on :- causing positive injury to other fisheries. (a) compiiation of morphometric data In the circumstances, it would be best to await (b) tagging experiments the outcome of the field experiments referred to (c) development of exploratory fishing opera- above before the fish is freely released into the in- tions. land waters of India. It was agreed that Dr. Royce should be com- With regard to Hilsa, it was noted that the mended for his energetic work on this Sub-Com- Inland Fisheries Panel would form an ad hoc Sub- mittee. It was further agreed that the U.S. Govern- committee to continue to work towards the implement should be requested to nominate a specialist mentation of the recommendation made by the for co-option to the Committee for the inter- Council at its 3rd Meeting that co-operative action pretation of such data as may be provided by the should be undertaken by the Governments of Burma, several Member Governments on the studies of India and Pakistan, to which the Hilsa Sub-Com- racial composition of the tuna stocks and of their Committee had directed its attention during the ecology. past two interim periods ; that nominations were to be invited from Governments and that India's The publication ' Tuna Marking ' by R. C. nominee would be rapporteur. Wilson, California Fish and Game, Volume 39, No. 4, San Pedro, California, October, 1953, was It was noted that a programme for the develop- received. ment of the Hilsa investigation has now received general acceptance by the Member Governments In regard to the future programmes of the Coun- concerned and that the problem of the formation cil and its Member Governments on Tuna Fisheries, of an international co-operative research unit and the Council recommended :- further study of Hilsa is still under consideration. The Council therefore directed the Executive Com- (a) That continuing efforts be made by the mittee to inquire of the Member Governments Member Governments to obtain mor- concerned whether they contemplate approaching phometric data on the several species of FA0 with a view to the implementation of the oceanic tunas, especially in the Indian proposal to establish the Unit and to initiate action Ocean region. in terms of the accepted prograinme. (b) That continuing efforts be made by the Member, Governments to obtain infor- The report by Technical Committee I on Chanos mation on all phases of the ecology of chanos was noted. It was felt that Resolution the tunas. C52/24.3(2) defines a continuing programme. It (c) That Member Governments be egcouraged, was noted that an ad hoc Sub-Committee would be in view of the successful tagging tech- constituted under the Inland Fisheries Panel to deal nique reported above, to initiate tagging with this fishery and interested Member Govern- operations so as to establish the migra- ments would be invited to nominate specialists tion patterns and the interrelations bet- to this Sub-Committee to continue to act within ween the stocks of tunas in the region. the original terms of reference of the Sub-Com- (d) That, since it is evident that great resources mittee, particularly inrelation to Resolution z4.3(2) of tuna are available throughout the passed at the 4th Meeting and which should give Indo-Pacific region, Member Govern- priority to the study of : ments be encouraged to initiate explo- (a) biology and specifically the breeding of ratory fishing operations for these fish- Chanos eries. Agenda Item 12.2 submitted by the Philippine Panel " C"-General Biology, Hydrology and Government, " Fishing with Bright Lights ", u-as ~~isceZlaneousFisheries considered by the Council, together with a com- The Council reviewed pertinent sections of the munication received on the subject from the General report of Technical Committee I and that of the Fisheries Council for the Mediterranean. Because Executive Committee in the light of resolution there are no data to demonstrate that the use of C5z/z4.1, Contributed Publications Xos. 2 PI: 3, bright lights in fishing is detrimental to the stocks, Mr. P. Ch. Veen's Preliminary Charts of Salinity and because many important fisheries in the Region of the Indonesian Archipelago and the Programme are dependent on the use of such lights, it was agreed of Hydrographical Work for 195.1 of I.C.E.S. that the use of lights in fishing should not be dis- couraged at present. In view of the paucity of temperature and salinity data for the region, the Council recommended that In the matter of Agenda Item 12.1 " Fishing in Member Governments be urged to publish tem- Oceanic Waters ", submitted by the Philippine perature and salinity data available with them and Government, because no working paper was presen- to apprise the Council of the existence of such pub- ted, and no delegate from the Philippines was lications. present to offer any explanation, it was agreed to The report of the Executive Committee relating postpone this issue until it shall have been further to the transmission to UNESCO of the Council's clarified. Resolution C52/23 regarding a possible international oceanographic unit, and the attendance of The Council reviewed the report of Technical the Executive Committee at the resulting Meeting Comittee I on the Pelagic Neritic Fisheries and con- of Consultants at Manila in November, 1953, under fimed the need ,for continuing work in terms of UNESCO sponsorship, were considered by the Resolution C52124.3 (8) and suggested that parti- Council. cular emphasis might be placed on attempts to discover the extent of pelagic neritic fish The Council limited itself to noting the report of the Executive Committee on these discussions stocks. and no further action was requested at this time. The Delegates for the US., Australia and the U.K. In view of the large number of species which stated that the attitude of their Governments as fall within the category of pelagic neritic fisheries, expressed at the 4th Meeting of the Council re- and the shortage of scientific personnel available mained unchanged. The Delegate for the U.K. to many of the Member Governments, it was the added that his Government feels that, in the present opinion of the Council that greater progress would circumstances, and particularly in view of the short- be achieved if studies were concentrated on one age of suitable oceanographers and the vital import- fishery at a time. In this connection it appears ance of strengthening technical staff, the Council that the Rastrelliger fishery is one which is of prime would be well advised to seek no more than the importance to most Member Governments in Zone appointment of one qualified oceanographer at- I as defined in the previous year's report of the Sub- tached to the Secretariat of IPFC, assisted by a committee. It was emphasized that this did not small clerical staff. mean that the Council did not encourage investigations on the other pelagic neritic fisheries. The Delegate for Australia stated that his Govern- ment would have no objection to the proposal suggested by the U.K. Delegate, although it would There was general agreement that co-operative agree to the training of oceanographers by UNESCO., research on Rastrelliger was highly desirable and provided that it involved no additional financial it was noted that an ad hoc Sub-Committee was to be commitment. appointed by the Sea Fisheries Panel for the study of Rastrelliger, consisting of nominees of the in- The Council then studied those sections of terested Governments and it was recommended Technical Committee I Report and the Executive that a special meeting of that Sub-Committee be Committee Report dealing with Plankton. The convened at a time and place to be agreed with Council recorded a formal expression of thanks to the Executive Committee, to design an appropriate the UNESCO for its joint sponsorship with the research programme for the study of Rastrelliger IPFC of the plankton Symposium conducted in on a co-operative regional basis, to incIude an out- connection with the 5th Meeting. The success of line of the problems, recommend methods for the the Symposium was largely due to the UNESCO solution of those problems and the requirements assistance which made it possible for the distin- for implementing such a programme. guished plankton experts, Professor A. Thienemann, Dr. C. J. Fish and others, to participate (See f4. Matters a elating to Technical om; Resolution So. 8, p. 18). mlttee I1 (Technology)

The Council examined the reports of the Rap- The Council directed : porteurs, Dr. K. F. Vaas and Mr. R. S. Esguerra, (a) That Technical Committee I1 through its resulting from Resolution Cjz/+.~. Because of Panel on Craft and Gear take whatever the poor response from members of the Plankton action is practicable to assemble infor- Sub-committee and other plankton workers, the mation concerning the relative merits Rapporteurs were not able to prepare detailed of inboard and outboard engines as used recommendations on standardization for considera- in fishing vessels and report to the Coun- tion at the 5th Meeting. The Council took ad- cil on this subject for consideration at vantage of the presence of the plankton experts the 6th Meeting. Professor A. Thienemann and Dr. C. J. Fish and (b) That this Committee through its Panel invited them to present their views on standardi- on Socio-Economics should give con- zation of plankton gear and methods. These are sideration to the question of the signi- recorded in Appendix I. ficance of fish-culture as an integral part of rural economy and having re- The papers presented and the conclusions reached viewed the available information on this at this joint Symposium will be published separately. subject, report to the Council at the 6th In the field of Taxonomy, the Council reiterated Meeting. the need for simple field keys for the identification of organisms by non-specialist workers, and sug- Panel "A"--Craft and Gear gested that wherever possible, such keys should be accompanied by simple illustrations. The Council The Council felt that gear classification had been therefore directed the Executive Committee to brought to a point where further work would not be communicate with UNESCO Regional Office to fruitful. The work to date should be made avail- ascertain the possibility of publication of such able to the editor of the handbook on gear tech- illustrated keys [See Resolutions C51/20.3(8) and nology. C52/24.3(10)1 Papers Nos. 19 and 27 presented at the FA0 International Fishing Boat Congress were con- The work of Technical Committee I in relation sidered to be of great interest and it was believed to Mollusca and Crustacea as laid down in Resolu- that No. 19 should be made available for wide dis- tion C52/24.3(1) and the UNESCO charts pub- tribution in the region. No. 27 presents valuable lished on the Council's recommendation were con- material for improving beach-landing operations sidered. These UNESCO charts were believed but it was suggested that local types of vessels be to be of value to those initiating studies in the developed further for this purpose. groups concerned. The report of Technical Committee I1 discussing The Council directed (I) that the Keys in Tech- non-indigenous gear was examined and it was stres- nical Papers Nos. 14 and 16 be mimeographed for sed that the introduction of non-indigenous fishing distribution to field workers on the particular methods must be carefully evaluated in the light of group in the region with a view to testing out local economic, technical and fishing conditions. their application, soliciting comments and sug- gesting any necessary revision, (2) that the pre- The report of Technical Committee 11 on the paration of field keys for these and other inverte- implementation of Resolution Cp/25:1(4) was brate groups be encouraged, (3) that the subject examined. Experimentation under fishmg con- of the Symposium at the next Meeting should be ditions in order to arrive at a comparative critical the Prawn (shrimp) Fisheries and that the Ivlis- review of the effectiveness of the various methods cellaneous Fisheries Panel continue to work on these described and possible improvement should be problems during the ensuing period. undertaken.

The Technical Committee I Report on Seaweed It was decided that the work of the craft and gear was considered and Contributed Publication No. 4 panel over the next few years should be on the was reviewed. The Council agreed to draw this following phases :- Contributed Publication and the papers of the I. Introduction and appraisal of mechanized " First International Seaweed Symposium " to the fishing methods for small, indigenous attention of Member Governments. type of fishing craft. . 2. Introduction and appraisal of non-in- reference book ~~ouldhave to be translated, in digenous types of fishing gear. each Member Country, into the various national 3. Preparation of basic plans, perhaps based languages, to serve as a text in extension ~~orkandto on the findings of the F-4.0 Fishing Boat impart information and instruction to managers and Congress, of craft recommended for operators in the various branches of the fishing in- small boat fisheries of the region. dustry, it was agreed that this .master reference 4. Appraisal under fishing conditions of book might be issued first as a series of separate various methods of net and rope preser- booklets or pamphlets, as soon as each could be vation. prepared, each dealing with the methods employed 5. Exploratory and experimental fishing opera- in one of the stages of handling and processing of tions to find new shrimp resources. fish. It was also suggested that the preparation of 6. Further practical investigation on the use these booklets describing the most suitable and and effect of fishing with lights. effective methods should receive priority over the 7. Studies on the use of indigenous materials preparation of the Handbook mentioned above; for constructing nets and gear. furthermore, it was decided that the publication of a "Classification of Fish Processing Methods" It was emphasized that the proposed training be abandoned. centre or centres for " master fishermen " requested It was agreed that the panel should study during by the Government of India under Agenda Item the ensuing period improved methods of pr?ducing 12.3 should be designed to provide a maximum of and storing dried fish and, in particular, methods practicd training under actual fishing conditions suitable for use in humid or rainy weather. with small boats. (See Resolution No 7, p. 18.) The Council believed that the interchange of Panel 'C'-Socio-Economics, Marketing @ information and equipment for use in capturing Statistics pelagic-neritic species is of great value and that this exchange might be made directly between The Report of Technical Committee I1 was countries, the Council being kept informed of the studied and the Chairman's remarks on the poor results and consulted as might be found necessary. response from Members were recorded with regret. It was agreed that it would be most desirable for The fact that F.A.O. could only provide a marketing delegates at future Meetings to have the oppor- specialist under the technical assistance programme, tunity to observe actual fishing operations, includ- i.e. on specific request from Member Governments, ing experimental fishing. was noted. It was decided that the work assigned at the 4th Meeting to the Sub-Committees on (a) Statistics Panel 'B'-Food Technology and (b) Socio-Economics, be the continuing assign- The Council placed on record its disappointment ment of Panel " C " during the ensuing period, that little progress had .been made in the Council's including the collection and dissemination of in- work in the field of food technology, since the last formation and the preparation of papers of value meeting. for the next Meeting. As there were only two Member Governments The papers read at the Symposium on Marketing represented at the Panel Sessions during the 5th covered a wide range, including : (I) the setting Council Meeting, it was agreed that, after all Mem- up of Marketing Organizations, either Govern- ber Governments have nominated their represen- ment sponsored and controlled, or cooperatively tatives to the Panel, the Chairman of Technical or privately organized; (2) the description of Committee I1 should select and appoint a Chairman marketing facilities at points of landing and at points of Panel B from the complete list of panel members. of consumption, as well as the methods of their Prince Kosol Suriyong (Thailand) was chosen as operation and administration ; (3) the organization temporary Panel Chairman for the duration of the and operation of fisherinen's marketing cooperatives, Meeting. their successes and preliminary failures ; (4) the role of governments in the organization, develop- The Council was of the opinion that, in addition ment and control of marketing schemes; (5) the to the Handbook, the title of which should be problems of government subsidies and loans. changed to " Principles of Fish Handling and Pro- cessing of Fisheries Products ", a separate Special Much valuable material, mainly of a descriptive Publication should be prepared, as a master refer- nature, was gathered through the Symposium papers ence book on the best methods of fish handling and and also contributed during the discussions, and processing suitable for the region. -Since this has thus become available to all Delegates and through them to Member Governments and their Mr. J. A. Tubb, alternate delegate for the United Fisheries Administrations. It was felt, however, Kingdom and Head of the Fisheries Research Unit that to be of full value, the symposium should not of the Hong Kong University, was unanimously have stopped (for lack of time) at the mere presen- elected Vice-chairman. tation of descriptive papers and their discussion, but should have had an opportunity for a critical D. OTHER BUSINESS discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of World Survey of Fishery Resources various systems of marketing and the marketing principles involved. Such topics suggest them- A communication received from the Fisheries selves as : auction sales versus contract sales ; simul- Division of the Organization regarding the proposal taneous auctioning in several ways versus consecu- to resume work on a world survey of fishery resour- tive auctioning ; accounting systems used in auction ces was examined at length by the Council. Two sales ; commission charges ; etc. specific requests for assistance were addressed to the Council, namely :- General discussions took place in the fields of (I) to review a digest of information on the Socio-economics, Marketing and Statistics. fishery resources of the Indo-Pacific Region to be submitted by the Fisheries Inter- Committee Warking Group Division of F.A.O. to the Sixth Meeting An Inter-Committee Working Group was con- of the Council. The Council declared stituted in accordance with Section X, paragraph its willingness to review such a digest 3 of the Council's Rules of Procedure, consisting but pointed out that its Sixth Meeting of Mr. F. F. Anderson (Australia), Mr. C. I. will take place in October, 1955, i.e. Bottemanne (Netherlands), Monsieur R. Serene presumably affer the proposed World (France), Dr. N. K. Panikkar (India), Mr. M. J. Congress on Fishery Resources ; Lobell (U.S.-Chairman) and Mr. Tham Ah Kow (2) to state whether there is any particular ,fU.K.) for Jisheries development. The terms of aspect of methodology in the survey, reference of this working group would be to draw appraisal and management of fishery upon material made available to the Council's two resources in respect of which the special Technical Committees and provide therefrom a circumstances of the Indo-Pacific Region review of fisheries development. would make it desirable to arrange a special subject meeting in the Indo- 15. Sixth Meeting Symposium Pacific Region, either as part of or in The Council resolved that only one Symposium conjunction with a regular Council be held in connection with the 6th Meeting and that Meeting. The Council felt that it could the subject be on the various aspects of the shrimp not recommend such a preliminary sub- fisheries, including trawling in deep and shallow ject meeting to be held in the region waters, life history and ail aspects of the utilization beyond the provision of data which al- of the shrimp catches including their use as fresh, ready exist or are being collected nor salted, dried,, smoked and canned shrimp in domestic could it contribute, for some time to as well as export markets, the processing of come, towards the formulation of an shrimp into pastes and sauces and the utiiization estimate of world fishery resources, for of by-products. It was stressed that papers on the following reasons. these items should not merely describe the methods The high rate of population increase combined used, but should include technical and economic with an urgent and increasing demand for better evaluations of them. It was suggested that, where- living conditions by the peoples in the area, has ever possible, models of gear and samples of pro- already called for national action of the highest ducts be exhibited by authors. priority by Member Governments to increase fish production from all sources. It cannot be em- C. ELECTION OF CH-MAN AND VICE- phasized too often that the I.P.F.C. area covers ap- CHAIRMAN proximatelp half of the human population of the Kai Boon Indrambarya, Director-General of the world and that fish is the primary protein staple Thai Departmefit of Fisheries, and head of the Thai in the diet of most of them. As matters stand at Delegation, who had served as Vice-chairman present, there are directives for stringent financial during the period since the 4th Meeting, was un- economy by Governments throughout the area. animously elected as the Chairman of the Council Therefore additional staff cannot be recruited to and its Executive Committee for the ensuing period, undertake' survey duties, existing staff cannot be with acclamation. diverted to perform survey functions due to the priority demands of increasing production nor can continuity within the membership of the several Member Governments afford to send delegates to a sub-committees- special meeting. The Council Resolves It would only be on the occasion of the October That the attention of Member Governments be 1955 Meeting that any concerted action could be invited to the new form of organization of Tech- taken. If F.A.O. at Rome is of the opinion that a nical Committees I and I1 into three Panels each useful purpose at an I.P.F.C. level can be served as follows :- by reconciling action with the conditions mentioned above, the Council recommended that steps ,might Technical Com- Technical Com- be taken via the Council through its Adminis- mittee I mittee I1 trative Correspondents to Member Governments Panels Panels in the usual way. The Council assumed that Mem- A. Inland Fisheries A. Craft and Gear ber-Governments would be addressed by Rome and B. Sea Fisheries R. Food Technology that overlapping or duplication of work should be C. Miscellaneous C. Socio-Economics avoided. Fisheries includ- and Statistics As a corollary to the above remarks, it was pointed ing Hydrology, out that the National Fisheries Departments of the Plankton, etc. Region with the exception of Japan are young. All and that Member Governments be requested to Member Governments are fully aware of the need endorse the Council's action where members of for survey of fishery resources to prepare the way Delegations have been appointed to these Panels, for future planned exploitation and have National or, if they so desire, to nominate for co-option to Programmes planned or recently started. It is the these Panels alternative and/or additional workers sincere and earnest wish of all Members of the who may not have been present at the Meeting, and Council to be able to make a real and more con- further that Member Governments might consider structive contribution to a world survey, in, say, the possibility of setting up a committee of such ten years time and much of the Council's work 1s nominees to advise and assist the Administrative directed to this end. Correspondent. CLOSURE OF MEETING Resolution No. 2 Votes of appreciation and of thanks were expressed to the Chairman, Monsieur R. Serene, In view of the fact that great changes have occur- for his successful conducting of the Meeting ; red in faunal distributions throughout the world's to the Secretary, Dr. Cecil Miles, his assistants and seas, as is evidenced especially by changes in the staff for the efficient manner in which the Sec- abundance of sardine-like fishes in many areas, in- retariat work had been carried on, especially in rela- cluding the Mediterranean, the Pacific and Indian tion to the streamlining of the procedure in accord- Oceans, as well as changes in the distribution of the ance with the Resolution adopted at the 4th Meet- cod-like and tuna-like fishes and others in the ing ; and to Dr. E. Hess, Chief of the F.A.O. Tech- Atlantic and elsewhere ; and since the causal factors nology Branch for assistance and guidance on a associated with these faunal changes are at present number of subjects in his special field. unknown, and the association of these faunal changes with the changes in hydrological and mete- The 5th Meeting was closed by H.E. Field Marshal oroIogica1 conditions is little understood at present- Phin Chunahavan, Minister of Agriculture, on Friday, February 5, 1954, at 5 p.m. The Council Resolves : (I) That Member Governments be invited to RESOLUTIONS give consideration to these matters as being of major significance in relation to Resolution NO. I world fisheries production. In view of procedural difficulties that have arisen (2) That Member Governments be requested from time to time, militating against the efficient to explore means by which evidence of operation during inter-meeting periods, of the Sub- such faunal changes and phenomena committees appointed at Council Meetings and as related thereto might be fully docu- frequently it has occurred that members appointed mented. to these Sub-committees have, for various reasons, (3) That the Fisheries Division of F.A.O. be been unable to act effectively, and further, in an requested to explore the possibilities effort to ensure as far as possible a degree of of obtaining similar information from Governments and Organizations outside The Council Resolves the immediate zones of interest of the That the attention of Member Governments be Indo-Pacific Fisheries Council. drawn to the urgent need for conserving and exploiting the fishery resources associated with river Resolution No. 3 basin projects by rectifying the adverse effects on the resources caused by dams and other obstruc- In view of the intensity of national programmes tions through preventive, remedial and restoratory for the development of both primary and secondary measures and developing fish production in the industries, and as the unwise discharge of waste reservoirs and ancillary waters. products into rivers, estuaries and bays appears frequently to have resulted in serious damage to To achieve this the fishery requirements relating commercial fish stocks by pollution of the water or to each dam should be determined by careful sur- by other deleterious changes in the aquatic en- vey and experimentation by senior fishery biologists vironment- and engineers, without indiscriminate adoption of conventional fish ladders and other measures, the The Council Resolves : suitability of which to Asiatic conditions is questionable, and the findings arising from the in- That the attention of Member Governments be vestigations should be implemented. drawn to the information on this subject already assembled by the Council ; Resolution No. 5 That Member Governments be requested to explore ways and means for the further study of The Council recognizes the merits of the FAO. actual extent of damage which may be caused to Conference Resolution quoted in the Report of fish populations by industrial or other pollution and the Executive Committee, especially the endorse- suitable remedial action ; and further, ment of projects likely to effect quick results, including promotion of fish culture and improvement That the advice of competent workers as to of craft and gear. With a view to the implemen- methods for avoiding or overcoming such damage tation of the Resolution of the Conference- should be given consideration when plans for urban, rural and industrial development are under The Council Resolves review. That the Director-General and the Fisheries Further, the Council is aware that certain recom- Division of FAO. be requested to consider, within mendations on this subject were made by the FAO. the approved budget, the possible redistribution Regional Meeting on Land Utilization in Tropical of funds and personnel to strengthen the technical Areas of Asia and the Far East and the Islands of the staff of the FAO. Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific convened by the Food and Agriculture Far East by assigning specialists on gear and craft, Organization of the United Nations in Ceylon, 1951, food technology and fish culture to provide advice and suggests that Member Governments may con- and assistance toward the immediate and practical sider it desirable to bring the views of the Council application of improved methods. to the attention of National Land Utilization Com- mittees where these exist. Resolution No. 6 Resolution No. 4 In view of the widespread distribution and com- The Council feels greatly concerned about the mercial importance of fishes of the genus Ras- possible adverse effects on the inland fisheries of trelliger in the Indo-Pacific Area and as the fisheries the Indo-Pacific Area of water development pro- departments of certain Governments have already jects and endorses the active policy pursued by the initiated investigations designed to develop the ~xecutiveCommittee in cooperating with the Flood fisheries of this genus as well as to gather infor- Control Bureau of ECAFE. of the United Nations mation upon which programmes for the efficient in the matter of fisheries requirements in connection management of these resources may be drawn up, with multi-purpose river basin development. In it is considered desirable that attention be given to view of the fact that insufficient information regard- the possibilities of establishing collaborated research ing the biology of riverine fisheries of the Indo- projects on Rastrelliger, to foster the interchange of Pacific Region is available and that some of the data and scientific material between workers in the fisheries measures such as fish ladders which are area, including those countries in which it has not in use in Western countries have often been found yet been possible to initiate specific projects con- to be unsuitable to the rivers of this area- cerned with these fishes. Also, it is considered desirable that further intensive studies on these Resolution No. 8 fishes should be undertaken- The Council notes the success of the Symposium Therefore, the Council Resolves on Plankton and the application of the subjects discussed to the development of fisheries- That Member Governments be invited to gi~e their urgent consideration to this problem and at the earliest possible opportunity to nominate ex- The Council therefore Rrsoh-es perienced 11-orkers to form an ad hoc committee of That an expression of grateful appreciation for the Sea Fisheries Panel in Technical Committee I. the assistance given by U.N.E.S.C.O. in organizing the Symposium on Plankton and facilitating the That this committee meet, at a time and place attendance of eminent specialists be placed on to be arranged, to design an appropriate research permanent record, and that it be communicated programme for the study of fishes of the genus to the Director-General of U.N.E.S.C.O. Rastrelliger. That this programme include an outline of the Resolution No. g problems, recommended methods for solving these, and definition of the requirements for implementa- The Council Resolves, tion. That this Council place on permanent record an expression of sincere appreciation to the Govern- That the ad hoc Committee present its recom- ment of Thailand for the kind hospitality and ex- mendation through Technical Committee I, to the cellent facilities that have been extended to the Executive Committee of the Council, which would Council and to the delegations of Member Govern- then circularize the Member Governments con- ments during the Fifth Meeting, and that this ex- cerned to seek endorsement of these recommenda- pression of appreciation be communicated to His tions and to ascertain how far such a programme Excellency the President of the Council of Minis- might he implemented within the framework of ters by the Executive Committee of this Council. existing national programmes and to what extent and in what form external assistance might be sought. Resolution No. 10 Resolution No, 7 The Council Resolves As mechanized gear is being introduced into That the Council express its deepest thanks to many countries of the Indo-Pacific area and the his Excellency Field Marshal Pibul Songkram, absence of suitably trained personnel for operating President of the Council of Ministers of Thailand, this gear is proving a serious handicap to fishery for the welcome extended by him to the delegates projects requiring the use of powered vessels, the of the Member Governments attending the Fifth Council is of the opinion that there is an urgent Meeting of the Council. need for the provision of suitable facilities within the area to provide the necessary trained personnel- Resolution No. 11 Therefore .the Council Resolves The Council Resolves That the Food and Agriculture Organization be requested to take urgent steps for the establish- That this Council extend its grateful thanks to ment within the Indo-Pacific area of centre (s) for the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and through training in mechanized fishing on a sub-regional him to the Director-General and staff of the Fisheries basis, when possible taking advantage of the facilities Department of Thailand for the unremitting care existing in certain countries and when necessary and foresight exercised in meeting the needs of the seeking close cooperation with other international Council and of the delegations from the Member or intergovernmental agencies. Countries. The Delegations were entertained at the follow- factory at Ta-chin, with Buffet Dinner, by cour- ing field excursions and receptions :- tesy of the Fishermen's Society, on January 30. A reception by the Minister of ..Agriculture on Excursion to Ayuthia ruins, return by launch on the Chao Phya River, by courtesy of the Thai the eveni.ng of January 22. A visit to the Bangkok Fish Market with buffet delegation, on January 31. breakfast by courtesy of the Thai Department Buffet Dinner by the President of the Council of Fisheries on January 23. of Ministers at Government House, evening of Sightseeing in Bangkok by courtesy of the Royal February 3. Household and the Ministry of Agriculture on Reception by the Director-General of Fisheries, January 23. evening of February 5. Tour of Bangkhen Agricultural and Fish Two film evenings were organized on January Culture Station -and lunih at the Kasetsatra 27 and 29, at which were shown the Indian film, University, on January 24. " Wealth of our Waters " and two underwater Classical Thai Theatre, by courtesy of the British films, " The Trawl in Action " and " The Under Secretary of Agriculture, evening , of Danish Seine ", provided by courtesy of the Thai January 25. Government and the Foreign Operations Adminis- A Reception in honour of the Delegates by the tration (F.O.A.) of the United States. A lecture on Regional Representative of the Director-General " Sound Production by Marine Fishes " was given of F.A.O., evening of January 26. by Mrs. M. P. Fish on January 27 with lantern Inspection of marine fisheries fish and sauce slides, colour film and tape recording of fish sounds. APPENDIX I

OX THE STASDARDIZXTION OF PLANKTON GEAR =1ND METHODS

by Professor A. THIESEMASX H~drobiologisheAnstalt, Ploen, Holsteif~,Gerermat~y and Dr. C. J. FISH A-arragansett Marine Laboratory, L-niversity oj. Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Isli~nd,U.S.A.

I. The minimum frequency of plankton sump- annual biological cycle of the zooplankton which ling in freshwaters should be not less than will provide a basis for determination of augmen- once a month in natural bodies of water tation and depletion rates, and frequency of replace- and once a day, or 3 times a day if ment (number of generations) of component species. possible, in cultivated ponds. This information is essential in the study of zoo- 2. AS-complete a study as should be plankton productivity, and as the organisms com- made of the environment. The ob- prising the marine population are relatively wide- servations and procedures listed on page spread they should be a favourable subject for cor- 69 of the Proceedings, I.P.F.C., 4th related studies by Member Nations utilizing stand- Meeting, Section B.2 were approved as a ardized methods. It is for investigations of this minimum programme. In addition it type that international standardization of field and is desirable that the study should in- laboratory methods is recommended. clude an analysis of bottom deposits and Field Methods-Suggestions for standardiza- of the soil surrounding the body of water tion of zooplankton field methods must necessarily under investigation. be based on the following considerations :- Two methods of sampling were advocated for (a) Not all plankton can be sampled in one freshwater plankton studies. operation with any single type of ap- I. Filtration of 18 litres of water through an paratus so far devised. One must there- ordinary plankton net with a mesh aper- fore decide on the size range of the ture size of 25 U. plankton organisms to be collected and 2. Sedimentation of organisms in 50 cc of select appropriate collecting gear. water by the. addition of Potassium (b) For a representative sample the haul must Iodide (until a faint yellow color is be of sufficient duration to overcome apparent). The organisms may then inequalities in horizontal and vertical be counted and studied by means of a distribution. reverse-field microscope. (c) Standardization will in most instances be The suggestions for continued work on the practical only for quantitative studies. biology of marine plankton, contained in the Report In planning for fie!d work, zooplankton can be of Technical Committee I to the 5th Meeting, considered in four categories, each of which requires appeared to summarize very well desirable zoo- special adjustment in type and mesh of collecting plankton studies of importance to the commercial fisheries. gear :- (a) MACROZOOPLANKTON(+5mn)-typical of Several of the suggestions, such as items (b), (c) oceanic and outer neritic zones. and (g) in paragraph 6.23 of the above report, do not of course lend themselves to standardization as (b) ZOOPLANKTON(- jrnn)-inland waters they must necessarily be largely of a qualitative (bays, lagoons, along shore). nature and carried out with methods adapted to the (c) JUVENILESAND MICROU)OPLANKTON-~~V~- particular conditions obtaining in the area or areas lopmental stages of entomostraca and under investigation. However, item (a) on the ~crocopepods. relative productivity of different ocean areas in- (d) SPECIAL ECOLOGICAL GROUPS-semi- volves quantitative and qualitative analyses of the pelagic fauna adjacent to the bottom. Quantitative Sampling-The mesh sizes listed As most of the marine plankton studies in the below refer to silk bolting cloth, numbers o, 2 and Indo-Pacific Region are in inland waters the stand- 12. This may be replaced by any readily acces- ard half metre net equipped with a simple flow- sible material of comparable mesh, such as grit meter (IIb) is recommended for standardization as gauze. the zooplankton sampler for general quantitative work. I. Macrozooplankton (oceanic and neritic) 111. Microzooplankton and Juveniles (a) Standard metre net of Michael Sars of POFI type (both of approximately the (a) Clarke-Bumpus open sampler with No. 12 mesh. Oblique hauls from 50 metres same dimensions) of No. o and No. 2 meshes or their equivalents. Minimum to the surface for juvenile stages of plank- requirements might be met with an ton organisms, or IOO metres to the sur- oblique haul of uniform speed and dura- face when microplankton species such tion through the epjplankton zone (upper as OITHONAand MICROSTELLAare present. 200 metres on the open ocean; bottom to (b) The pump method is also suitable for surface in areas of less than 200 metres depth). sampling juvenile zooplankton, parti- (b) For shallow coastal waters the Albatross- cularly nauplius stages which are usually type half metre net may be utilised. centered in the upper 50 metres. When This is of the same general shape and operating from a vessel the end of the mesh combination as the Michael Sars hose is attached to the sounding weight metre net, but with a mouth diameter and lowered to the proper depth recorded of 19.5 inches and length of .i&feet. by the meter wheel. The desired (b) Same as (a), but with a flow-meter of volume, commonly 350 litres, can be Atlas or comparable type in the mouth pumped into a graduated cylinder and opening. filtered through a small net attached to a (c) Gulf I11 half metre metal sampler with bottom spigot, or pumped directly into mouth and cod end flow-meters for the net if a water meter is attached to towing up to 6 knots. This is the most the pump. The hose can be gradually effective and accurate quantitative zoo- raised to form a vertical haul or taken plankton sampler yet devised for open in a series of separate hauls from different oblique and surface hauls but it is cum- levels. bersome and cannot be operated from very small vessels lacking a winch and IV. Special Studies boom. These are generally only roughly quantitative (d) Clarke-Bumpus Sampler of No. 2 mesh for and include : open oblique hauls where piankton is (a) Heligoland trawls for sampling the semi- abundant and small. Not satisfactory pelagic fauna, comprising amphipods, when plankton is sparse. mysids, cumacids, ostracods etc., adjacent to the bottom during daylight Of the four offshore methods, (c) and (d) would hours. Towing trawl a measured dis- appear too expensive for general adoption ; (b) is tance will permit calculating the area of recommended as a practical, relatively inexpensive the bottom sampIed. method. (h) High speed samplers-not recommended for consideration in their pres9nt stage 11. Zooplankton (Inland waters) .of development. (a) Standard half metre Xo. 2 mesh net of Albatross type or foot net of similar Laboratory Procedure mesh where water is shallow. Oblique The standard laboratory displacement method hauls of uniform speed and duration of quantitative measurement of zooplankton is from the bottom to the surface. recommended, with the modification described by (b) Same as (a) but with a flow-rneter in the King (p. 43 (I)) in samples containing both large mouth opening of the half metre No. 2 and small specimens. mesh net. (c) Clarke-Bumpus Sampler with No. 2 mesh, For a quantitative analysis of species composition, oblique or surface hauls in shallow water. a stempel pipette is generally used, and a fraction (2 cc) of the measured sample removed. This is 3. While the Couneil does not, at the present placed in a petri dish on a counting plate, and the juncture, propose that the procedures number per cubic metre of each species computed. suggested by Prof. Thienemann and It is then customary to inspect the balance of the Dr. Fish be adopted as standard, it is sample and to make the list of species complete by recommended that these methods of adding as traces (T) forms not taken in the pipette. proved utility be used whenever possible To Summarize. The following relatively in- by plankton investigators in the Region. expensive sampling methods, now widely used, 4. That quantitative methods be employed would appear most practical for standardization in whenever possible and that replicate inland water research : hauls or samples be taken to provide an (a) Zooplankton-standard half metre net of evaluation of the sampling variability. No. z or equivalent mesh, with a flow- 5. In view of the desirability that plankton meter in the mouth opening. data be comparable between different (b) Phytoplankton and Namoplankton- bodies of water and between regions it is Water sample taken with a Nansen bottle strongly urged that in reporting results (for vertical series) or any convenient of plankton studies (a) the plankton sampler for surface collection. collecting devices be fully described, For ocean and open coastal neritic waters the including especially the dimension of metre-net of Nos. o and 2 or equivalent meshes, and the gear and the size of mesh apertures, with a flow-meter in the mouth opening as recom- (b) the method of hauling and the mended for standardization. Phytoplankton and stratum of water sampled be given, nannoplankton collecting methods would be the (c) the method of measurement or esti- same as in inland waters. mation of the amount of water strained be fully described, as well as (d) the After discussion and consideration of the state- method of processing the sample in the ment of these plankton specialists, the Council laboratory. believed : I. That at present there are apparently no If investigators will follow these suggestions it is instruments or methods generally recog- believed that plankton data will have more compara- nized as standard in plankton research. tive value regardless of the manner or means by 2. Objectives for carrying out plankton studies which they are obtained. It has not been found vary in different countries and the possible to set up standards at this meeting and methods and gear employed must usually we doubt the wisdom of doing so. New and im- be modified to conform with the parti- proved plankton collecting devices are currently cular objectives in view and the facilities being devised and in all probability any presently available to the investigator. adopted standards would soon become obsolete.

APPENDIX I1 COUNCIL'S STUDY OF THE SUBMISSION OF THAI FISHERIES PROBLEMS BY THE THAI DELEGATION In accordance with the suggestion contained in Experimental Station in Bangkhen and other centres the Study of Council Procedure at the 4th Meeting, of fishery activity. The points raised by the Thai to the effect that the Council should give attention Delegation are extremely important for the fisheries to the research, technical and developmental needs development not only of Thailand but of the various of the host country, the Thai Delegation submitted countries of South and East Asia, but it is not easy at the 5th Meeting a list of eight points, upon which to provide a ful1 answer to the general questions.. the Council comments as follows :- Some of the aspects within the general points raised in the submission of the Thai Delegation are dealt The Council is glad to have a statement of the with in the following notes. principal fields of fisheries development in Thailand which has been submitted by the Thai Delegation, together with the various papers (I) Itnprovemevtt of jish culhre techniques on the fisheries of Thailand distributed as Contri- The Council has noted with great pleasure that buted Publications. The Members of the Council much advancement in fish culture techniques has have also had the opportunity to visit the Fisheries already taken place in Thailand. A notable coa- tribution in this field is the introduction of Tilapia portance of fisheries in the economy of Thailand from Malaya which is well suited to the condi- and that hydro-electric projects should not prove tions in Thailand. This fish seems to have git-en inimical to fisheries. The engineers drawing up very successful results in various parts of the coun- the projects should especially understand the re- try: The Council feels that the pattern of fisheries quirements of fisheries when these are plan- m ~nlandwaters may slowly vary as Tilapia becomes ned and that close liaison should be maintained established and therefore the subject of its relation- between the Department dealing with river develop- ship to other cultured fish in establishing a biologi- ment and the Department of Fisheries. cal balance should be closely studied. It is hoped that research work along these lines will be taken The above-mentioned programmes will be pos- up in Thailand. There is room for improving sible only if the Director-General of Fisheries has on his staff experienced and trained research workers. fish cultural practices by such studies. The Council is convinced that (a) equipment The Coundl also noted with pleasure the dis- (b) personnel and (c) funds for carrying out recovery of Chanos fry in Thailand by the Fisheries search on a scale sufficiently advanced as to be Department and this has opened up a possibility effective are essential. From the scientific points of a new industry similar to the Chanos industry of of view, answers to the submission of the Thai Indonesia and Philippines. The Department be- Delegation will come if the best scientific talent lieves that this industry could possibly be develop- in the Country is selected and encouraged in re- ed. It will, however, be essential to carry out con- search studies on fisheries, both by giving openings siderable extension work to encourage people to in Thailand and by the awards of fellowships for take up Chanos Fish Culture. *The Fisheries training in other countries. The Government Department may construct some brackish-water should do everything possible to establish a strong ponds, on a pilot scale, to investigate the possi- programme of scientific research under the Director- bility of promoting a successful Chanos cultivation General of Fisheries and provide funds for this industry. purpose. The officers of Thailand might find the 4th Meet- ing's recommendations of the Council on fish culture (4) Improvement of Jishing gear and methods, techniques valuable for this purpose and the including simple mechanization of local craft Council also suggests that the Fisheries Depart- Some of the fishing gear introduced in Thailand ment of Thailand might take advantage of the waters have worked satisfactorily especially the proximity of the library and other facilities of the Otoshi-Ami and the fish trap which can with ad- I.P.F.C. Secretariat. vantage be taken up by other countries. It is hoped that more facilities may be provided to the Thai (2) Stocking of Jish in inland waters including Department of Fisheries for improving the methods rice fields of capture. Special attention should be paid to The Council has learned from Contributed mechanizing the boats of the fishermen and equip- Publications that Tilapia has been successful for ping them with improved gear. In achieving this, growing in rice fields in Taiwan (Formosa). The a school for training fishermenwillbe necessary. results seem to suggest that Tilapia will be useful for growing in the rice fields in areas where the (5) Production of fish meal and other by-products fields have sufficient water. This could perhaps be tried in Thailand where conditions might be The programme of the Thai Government of suitable. developing small fish-meal plants suitable for installation in isolated fishing villages is commended (3) Possible qfects of hydro-electric projects on and it is suggested that other member countries may profit from similar projects. Other by-products the Jlsheries which require attention are liver oil, fish sauces and The discussions during the Council and the fish pastes. Committee Sessions have indicated the need for detailed fisheries surveys of areas before hydro- electric projects are taken in hand. It is assumed (6) & (7) Improvement of living standards of that the Government of Thailand will be conducting Fishermen; Cooperative and Marketing Systems such fishery surveys through the Fisheries Depart- Without improving the living standards of fisher- ment or through specialists attached to the men, it is impossible to develop the fisheries of a Fisheries Department. The Council feels that country. They are often heavily indebted; ways such surveys are essential owing to the im- and means should be found to help the fishermen to independence. The Government might have (8) The training of techaicians a re~olvingfund for extending loans to the fisher- There is' a great dearth of technicians in the field men, preferably through their Cooperative Societies. of fisheries throughout the region and it is essential It is also suggested that the material required by that special attention should be paid by the Govern- the fishermen may be procured at subsidized rates ment towards this aspect. It may, however, be and that the import duty on this material be abolish- pointed out here that officers, after training, are ed or considerably reduced. often expected to revolutionize the fisheries ; the The Council was pleased to see the working of development of fisheries in this region is and will the fish market and to be acquainted with the future be a slow process as the governing factors are such plans. This programme warranted the continued that revolutionary or abrupt progress can neither active support of the Government. be expected nor are they desirable. REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE TO THE FIFTH MEETING I. MEMBERSHIP OF THE COUNCIL travel item for Executive Committee Meetings \t7as not, however, reduced. The following sixteen Governments, all Mem- Apart from travel to the above Committee Meet- bers of FAO, at present constitute the Council : ings, the Chairman, accompanied by the Secretary, Australia attended the Pre-Conference Meeting of the Orga- *Burma7 , nization held at Bangalore (India) from July 27- LCambodia August 5, passing through Calcutta and Madras. ! Ceylon Opportunity was afforded by the Executive Com- *France mittee Meeting held in Japan to inspect Japanese *India fisheries activities throughout the main island, by Indonesia courtesy of the Government of that country. The *Japan Secretary also paid visits to Cambodia, Laos Korea and Vietnam, to the Portugese colony of Macau *Netherlands and on two occasions to Hong Kong, besides Pakistan a tour of the interior of Thailand in the company *Philippines of the Director-General of Fisheries and his officers. Thailand The Council was represented by Dr. G. L. Kesteven, *United Kingdom FA0 Fisheries Division, at the 41st Meeting of *United States of America the International Council for the Exploration of Vietnam the Sea at Copenhagen from September 28-October 5, and by the Secretary and Chairman at the joint The Government of the Kingdom of Laos and UNESCO/FAO Meeting of Experts on Oceano- of Portugal have announced the intention to send graphy, and at the 8th Pacific Science Congress at Observers to the Council's 5th Meeting, under Manila from November 12-28. Arrangements were Section XI(2) of the Council's Rules. A similar made through the Secretariat for Dr S. W. Ling, invitation has been sent to the Government of ETAP specialist assigned to the Government of Nepal. There are at present no Members of the Thailand, to travel to Cambodia and Vietnam in Council which are not Members of FAO. October, 1953 in connection with the fish culture programmes of those countries. 11. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS The Executive Committee, consisting of the IV. STATEMENT ON BUDGET AND Chairman, Vice-chairman and Retired Chairman, FINANCE has convened on four occasions since the 4th Coun- cil Meeting, at the following times and places : Budget (I) At the residence of the Director of Fisheries, It is provided in Article VI, paragraph 2 of the Manila (November 7, 1952). I.P.F.C. Agreement that certain expenses of the Council shall be determined and paid for by the (2). . Conference Room, Gajoen Hotel, Tokyo (April 9-15, '953). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United (2).", Office of the Director, Bureau of Fisheries, Nations within the Iirnits of an annual budget pre- Manila (~ovembek8,9, 1953). pared and approved in accordance with the current (4) Santhidam Building, Bangkok (January regulations of the Organization. 20-21, 1954). The Organization has, in fact, continued to maintain the small budget allocated to the Council with- 111. TRAVEL out any significant reduction, in spite of the critical financial situation with which, it is understood, the The travel of regional officers serving the Fisheries Organization is confronted as a result of its expand- Councils of FA0 was somewhat curtailed during ing commitments vis-a-vis its Member Govern- the year owing to budget restrictions. The I.P.F.C. ments. -- ______--__ ------*Original signatories of the 1948 Agreement formulated at Baguio, Republic of the Philippines. Below is given a comparison of the Council's Budget provided by the FA0 for different years :-

Travel , . .. I 2,000 1 2,500 1 2,000 2,000 Meeting . . 750 i 750 --(I) Printing . . .." I, 2,023 2,000 2,500 2,500 - Miscellaneous . . .. L joo , 1,250 1,000 1,000 . Total . . 5,273 1 6,500 I S,joo I 6,2jo (I)No Meeting in 1953. The existing budget item for Miscellaneous Ex- Other expenses, including the salaries of the pro- penditure does not cover expenditure in connection fessional staff of the Secretariat, continue to be paid with translation services (French/%lish) for the from the budget of the Fisheries Division of FA0 purpOSe of t'ne Council's publications and papers through its Regional Office for Asia and the Far and a small amount of correspondence through the East, located at Bangkok, which also provides cer- Year with the French speaking countries, although tain clerical assistance. several requests that such material should be The budget allocations for 1952 and 1953 were communicated in French have been received by revised subsequent to the statement contained in the Secretariat. Part I of the 4th Meeting Report, additional funds having been requested and made available towards Expenditure the end of 1952. The Meeting item of the 1953 The following is a statement of expenditure for budget was redistributed, there having been no the financial years 1952 and 1953 grouped accord- Council Session in that year. ing to the different sub-headings of the budget. It The Council has during 1953 been represented is pointed out that these figures are subject to con- at Meetings in various countries either by the firmation or re-allocation by the Budget and Finance Secretariat staff or by members of the Executive Section of the Administrative Division, FAO, Committee. This, however, involved no expen- Rome, and that the major part of the 1953 commit- diture against the travel item of the Council's budget. ments will be paid late in 1953 or early in 1954. Statement of Account for xgsz

I A. Executive Committee Travel : ...... / . . I.P.F.C. '3rd (1951 / 52) Executive Committee Meeting, Nha Trang, Viet Nam, February, 1952. Expenses of Chairman and Member I.P.F.C. 4th (1951 152) Executive Committee Meeting, Bangkok, Thailand, July, 1952. Expenses of Chairman, Vice-chairman and Member . . , ...... I.P.F.C. 5th (1951/52) Executive Committee Meeting, Quezon City, Philippines, October, 1952. Expenses of Member . . B. Printing : ...... Current Affairs Bulletin Nos. 5-9 ...... Library cards ...... Letter Head . . , ...... 4th I.P.F.C. Proceedings, Section I, (Manila) including distribution and postage . . . . . 4th I.P.F.C. ~rocekdings(~adias) section' 11 .. . . C. Meeting : ...... Expenditure for 4th I.P.F.C. Meeting, Quezon City, Philippines, Oct./Nov., 1952, to cover cost of air freight, shipping charges, interpretation services and other incidental secretarial expenses . . D. ~isceilaneousExpenses : . . , . . . , , Office equipment ...... Shipping and freight ...... Stationery and supplies . . , . .. . . Telegrams and postage ...... Bibliographic services ...... Mailing expenses incurred by FA0 Information Office, New Delhi. .

(i) Part payment made in March, 1953 but chargeable to the 1952 budget. 26 Statement of Account for 1953

Revised Expen- Budget Budget diture Ulocation .411oca- USS US% tion US$

6;. Executive Committee Travel : ...... I.P.F.C. (1952/g~+)Executive Committee Meeting, Manila, Philip- ~ines.Kovember, 19j2. Expenses of Chairman and Vice-chair- kan {no expenses) ...... I.P.F.C. 2nd (1952154) Executive Committee Meeting, Tokyo, Japan April, 1953, Expenses of Chairman, Vice-chairman and Member. . I.P.F.C. 3rd (1952/54) Executive Committee Meeting, Manila, Philippines, November, 1953. Expenses of Chairman and Vice- chairman......

B. Printing : ...... Printing letterhead, envelopes, and seals . . . . Drawing charges ...... Current Affairs Bulletin Nos. 10 and 11 ...... Despatch of 3rd I.P.F.C. Proceedings (Madras) . . . . Commitments (see below) ......

C. Meeting : ...... I (No meeting in 1953 and therefore no budgetary allocation for this ~tem)

D. Miscellaneous : Postage and Telegrams ...... Stationery & Supplies . . . . Mailing expenses incurred by the FA0 Information office, ~ei' Delhi, Jan. 1952 to May, 1953 ......

NoM : Printing : Commitments have been requested in respect of the following :- (a) Balance of printing charges in connection with Section I1 of the 4th I.P.F.C. Pro- ceedings ...... (b) Balance of printing chaiges for the revised " pt of Scientific and Other Perio- dicals published in the Indo-Pacific Area ...... (c) Printing of Agreement and Rules (revised) ...... (d) Printing of Abstracts for the 5th I P.F.C. Meeting ...... (e) Printing covers and binding of papers for the 5th I.P.F.C. Meeting . . . . (f) Printing CAB. No. I z ...... (g) Office supplies ......

It was possible to charge the majority of the print- would be utilized for the printing of at least one of ing charges in respect of the Proceedings of the 4th the projected Handbooks. No manuscript having Meeting to the 1952 budget, thus relieving the 1953 become available, this balance was unspent. budget of an amount of $524.36. Had this amount Miscellaneous. It is to be noted that there may been paid in I9533 the printing charges have be further mall charges incurred by the FA0 In- amounted to $ 1,9'3.56. There was thus a formation Ofice, New Delhi, for the period June- available of $1,110.80 which, it had been hoped, ~~~~~b~~,1953. I*. IMPLEMENTATION OF COUNCIL (UNESCO) for the holding of a jointly sponsored DIRECTIVES AT qTH MEETING Symposium and UNESCO has been principally responsible for the presence of the large number of The Committee presents the printed Proceed- plankton workers at this Meeting, both from the ings of the 4th Meeting. Apart from the activities Reglon and from other countries. A satisfactory outlined in subsequent sections of this report, the number of papers on the subject has been contri- following steps were taken to implement the Coun- buted by Member Governments and by individual cil's directives given at the last Meeting. workers invited to attend the Symposium. In- dication tables of Zooplankton Organisms published A. Technical Committee I by ICES between 1949 and 1952 are available for consultation in the Secretariat, C52/24. I In the field of Hydrology, communications were C52/24.3(') address'ed to the Indonesian Government and to The General Biology Committee was directed to Mr. P. Ch. Veen soliciting the latter's assistance in deal with the prawn fisheries during the present making a survey of the existing oceanographic in the period and the results are contained in the report of stations having water sampling faciIities Committee I. A number of technical papers Central Sector, and in collecting temperature and has been submitted by Member Governments on salinity data from shipping lines for incorporation the subject at this Meeting. It now becomes neces- in standard monthly charts. No reply has been sary to decide which activities of those set forth in received to date. The intention of Member Govern- ments and of the Council's Hydrology Sub-Com- Resolution 52/24.3(1) should be embarked on during the ensuing period. Two taxonomic charts, pre- mittee was drawn to the desirability of conducting pared by Dr. M. W. F. Tweedie, Director of estuarine and neritic hydrological investigations Raffles Museum, Singapore, were printed by and to the Council's wish for papers at the 5th UNESCO at the instance of the Council and are Meeting giving details of these programmes. Charts available at this Meeting as contributed publica- of the General Current Circulation, Isotherms of Air and Sea Surface Temperature, Air Circulation, tions Nos, 10-1 I. Isobars and Gale Frequency, published by the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute, in c52 /24.3(3) respect of the Indian Ocean, the China and 24.3(4) Australian Seas, and the World Atlas of Sea Sur- face Temperature issued by the Hydrographic 24.3(5) Officeof the United States Navy, are now available Information was requested of Governments in in the Secretariat. The Executive Committee respect of Tuna in accordance with the terms of suggests that these documents, compiled from in- Resolutions 24.3(3) & (4) and the members of the formation gathered over a number of decades, be corresponding committee were circulated. A satis- consulted by the Hydrology Committee during the factory number of replies was received and passed 5th Meeting, with a view to ascertaining in which on to the Tuna Committee, while in some cases it ways the information contained therein might be has been stated that no information is available. utilized and expanded by the Council. The analysis of these data corresponds to the Rap- porteur of the subject committee and will be presented, through Committee I, at this Meeting. C52/24.2 In the field of Plankton studies, the rapporteurs C52/24.3(6) for. freshwater and marine plankton were reminded of their undertaking to continue correspondence In the field of Seaweed, Dr. J. S. Zaneveld, who with specialists of the region in an effort to present is now in Holland, has accepted the Council's at the 5th Meeting a report on standardization of assignment to undertake the revision of his three methods and planktonology programmes suitable papers on the Economic Marine Algae of Malaysia for the region and their reports will be submitted in consolidated form applicable to the Region as a through Technical Committee I. Few plankton whole; and Member Governments have been re- workers were present at the 4th Meeting, and this quested to co-operate in the form suggested in was therefore chosen as the subject of the Sym- Resolution C52/24.3(6). Material has been re- posium at the present Sessions. Your Committee ceived from Burma, Cambodia, India, U.K. and is happy to report that successful arrangements U.S. and has been passed on to Dr. Zaneveld in have been concluded with the United Nations connection with his assignment, and to the Sea- Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization weeds Committee. C52/24.3(1') Member Governments were requested to supply In accordance n-ith the Council's directive, an information on methods of seaweeds resources approach was made to the Science Co-operation survey and replies have been received from seven Office of USESCO for South East Asia and it was Member Governments, together with documentation ascertained that, for the time being, there u-ere no from the Institute of Seaweed Research, Inveresk, scholarships available for taxonomic training in Scotland. This material has been utilized by the museums or other institutions. Sub-Committee in its report and attention is called to the requirement of Resolution 24.3(7) passed C52 j24.3(12) at the 4th Meeting that " if the further develop- In the field of Fish Culture, the United States ment of such survey techniques seem necessary Government has announced the completion and the Sub-Committee for Seaweeds be authorized dispatch of a bibliography of the publications avail- to examine the means whereby experimental work able on weed control and it is hoped that this will for this purpose be undertaken " . The Seaweeds be available at the 5th Meeting. Sub-Committee, in its report to this Meeting, recommends that all Member Governments of the Council carry out studies based on the methods C52/'24.3(13) used by the Scottish Institute. Governments which had so far given no information on the pollution of natural waters were Attention is called to comments received from circulated shortly after the Meeting and replies the U. S. Government to the effect that " the have been received from Ceylon, India, Netherlands, marine vegetation of the tropics is still ecologically New Guinea, Pakistan, the Philippines and US. and biologically too poorly known to make deduc- territories (Hawaii). This information is in the tions as to plant associations and volume of occur- hands of the Fish Culture Sub-Committee. rence from data couected in temperate zones " and that " a more detailed reply to (the Council's) query would require several months of intensive Member Governments were duly requested to study of all published and much unpublished provide information regarding fish associations and material ". The Executive Committee believes that the Council and similar institutions engaged optimum densities. Most of the replies indicated in the encouragement of research in tropical waters that little work had been done on these problems in the Far East should seek to ascertain whether although some information was provided by Cam- such exploitable resources exist in the tropics. bodia, India and Pakistan, which has been com- This work would engage the full-time attention of municated to the Sub-committee. The Govern- ment of the Philippines has indicated that, as a specialists. result of the suggestion implied by this Council Resolution, research is now being planned along C52/24.3(8/' 9) these lines. Attention is called to the paper sub- In the field of Pelagic-Neritic Fisheries, the Coun- mitted to this Meeting by Mr. S. Y. Lin, FA0 cil deemed it advisable that a survey be made of Fish Culturist assigned to Haiti, on these aspects, the biology of the stocks on which these fisheries in accordance with the Council's wish. operate. The questionnaires prepared at the 4th Meeting were circulated to Member Govern- C52/24.3(16) ments by the Secretariat and the replies have been In accordance with the Council's desire, the forwarded to the Sub-Committee. Member Go- paper relating to an 91nternatonalFish Fry Exchange vernments were further apprised of the Council's was circulated to Member Governments with the opinion that certain of these fisheries should be request that consideration be given to :this matter. the subject of technical assistance, especially Comments were received from Ceylon, India, those which depend on migrations which periodi- Pakistan and the Philippines and from the British cally fail for little known reasons. territories of Malaya, Sarawak and Hong Kong, all of whtch were favourable to the establishment of such an exchange. In respect of Taxonomy, steps have beentaken for the drafting of the different sections of the propos- C52/24.3(17/ '8) ed hand-book on the economically important The request for information on the area of cul- species and many of these sections are now in the tivable waters was circulated to Member Govern- process of editing. ments. Completed questionnaires have been received from Xetherlands, Sew Guinea, Philippines ~52125.3 and Viet Nam, which are in the possession of the The Sub-Committee for Socio-economics was Sub-committee. The United Xations Economic requested to concentrate on improvement of market- Commission for Asia and the Far East (ECAFE) ing conditions and a Marketing Symposium has has replied that it is unable to supply the infor- been arranged in connection with this Meeting. mation required. The Council's directives that the FA0 Fisheries Division be contacted regarding the provisidn of a CS2/ 24.3(19) marketing specialist was complied with but it is not possible under present budget conditions to Regarding the Hilsa Committee, the Council's supply such a specialist on a regional basis at the recommendations were communicated to the Governments of Burma, India and Pakistan. The present time. It is outside the functions of the Government of Burma has submitted a study on Secretariat to contact "other sources of technical the Hilsa Fishery of the Mergiii idistrict. The assistance ". Government of India has communicated with the All other directives of the Council expressed Governments of Burma and Pakistan regarding in subsidiary resolutions were put into execution. the possibility of forming a co-operative research During the year November I, 1952 to October 31, unit. 1953, 1,341 letters, 53 circular letters and 26 telegrams were despatched by the Secretariat. B. Technical Committee I1 VI. CO-OPERATION C52/25.1 In the field of Food TechnoZogy, the Sub-Com- 4.21 United Nations Organization mittee was requested to give attention to the matter Contact has been maintained with several sec- of Seaweeds in the course of its work. The Govern- tions of the Economic Commission for Asia and the ments of Japan and Korea were requested to furnish Far East, especially with the Bureau of Flood Con- information. The Seaweed Research Institute at trol under the directorship of Dr. Shen-yi, which Inveresk, Scotland, was contacted and a fruitful has recently expanded its scope of action to in- correspondence and documentation has resulted. clude all aspects of the development of river basin Attention is drawn to the paper on Agar-agar presen- resources. The Executive Committee held meet- ted by Yanagawa and Tanii at the 8th Pacific Science ings in Tokyo with Dr. C. Y. Li of the Industrial Congress and available as Contributed Publication Development Division and Dr. K. Martin of the No. 4 at this Meeting. Survey Section of ECAFE. It has been the concern of your Committee to C52 /~s.I(I) draw attention to the complex nature of the In the matter of Gear, Messrs. Bottemnnne, repercussions of such schemes, some beneficial, Tran Van Tri and Umali were requested to colla- others harmful, on the freshwater . fisheries borate in the testing and application of the key -and to the dangers of generalization, and more developed by Mr. T. W. Burdon. A paper from especially of adopting without further study the Japan containing suggestions on gear classification construction of devices such as fish ladders which is presented at this Meeting. may have been used more or less successfully in temperate waters to enable fishes of essentially different life habits to surmount river barriers. c52/25.1(4) There is still insufficient information regarding Information on the problem of net and gear the life history of the economicalIy important preservatives was supplied on ' the Secretariat's tropical freshwater fishes to enable constructive request, by the Governments of Australia, Cambodia conclusions to be drawn and it is obviously dangerous Hong Kong, India, Pakistan and Sarawak, and a to attempt generalizations. It is believed that bibliography was sent by the US.and is in the hands Governments should be urged to assign senior of the Sub-committee. biologists to this task without delay so that measures may be adopted in the earliest planning stages of c52/25.1(5) river development schemes to take the fullest ad- The Council's wish to be informed as to the vantage of the new conditions created, having availability of fisheries engineers was communica- recourse as necessary to technical assistance. ted to the Fisheries Division, FA0 (see " Technical The Secretariat- has been invited to prepare a Assistance " below). short chapter for the use of river engineers and administrators for incorporation in the compre- ments essential to health. Fish is, moreover, a hensive manual which is in the course of preparation relatively accessible crop, which although it demands and it is hoped that a draft of this may be available rather a specialized kind of harvesting, occupies no at the hleeting. land and usually requires no tilling or sowing. Liaison has also been maintained n-ith the Inland " Severtheless, although fish is a free gift of Waterways Sub-Committee, which plans to hold a nature, or perhaps because of it, this great resource training centre and demcnstration project for in- has, with notable exceptions, received little atten- land water personnel. tion from administrators, and the action of Govern- ments in this respect tends to lag behind the efforts 4.22 Food and Agriculture Organization made in other phases of their national economies. Arrangements were made by the Secretariat for " Perhaps because the actual fishing operations theDirector-General ofFAO to contact thaDirector- take place out of sight of those on land, it has been General of UNESCO regarding the Council's considered sufficient that the fishermen should proposal for an international oceanographic co- continue to bring in from the sea more or less ade- operative project in the Region and this is dealt quate quantities of fish, without regard to the with elsewhere. The Council's Food 'Technology return per unit of effort, to the over-fishing of Sub-Committee has had correspondence with the valuable stocks, or to the necessity to find new fishing FA0 Interim Committee on Fish Handling and grounds.

Processing. " Another important activity which has only Close contact has been maintained with, and recently begun to receive attention is fish market- guidance received, from the Fisheries Division and ing. Fish is a highly perishable commodity and, also with the General Fisheries Council for the if it is not consumed quickly, or if its deterioration Mediterranean, which held its 2nd plenary meeting is not arrested, it will spoil. It must be admitted from October 26-29, 1953 and at which Dr. G. L. that even in many of the larger cities of the Region, Kesteven acted as observer for the Indo-Pacific the conditions under which fish is marketed leaves Fisheries Council. The Summary Report of this much to be desired, and since ice has in the past not Meeting is available as Contributed Publication usually been available, much of the fish consumed No. 9. in the region is either salted or smoked or converted into fermented pastes and sauces. The Council was represented by its Chairman, assisted by the Secretary, at the FA0 Pre-Confer- " Since consumer tastes and habits play an ence Meeting held at Bangalore, India, from 27 important role, the necessity has been realized in July to 5 August, 1953. The following is the text many countries of perfecting these traditional proof the address given by Monsieur Serene in in- cesses and of establishing standards. However, troducing the subject of fisheries : with.the greater availability of cooling methods and better transport, it is hoped that more and more " I consider it an honour, as Chairman of the people will consume fresh fish, especially in the in- Indo-Pacific Fisheries Council, to have been called land areas. upon to introduce the important subject of Fisheries at this Meeting. " It will therefore be seen that the development of transportation and processing must march hand " The Fisheries- Division, which sponsored in hand with the improvement of the actual fishing the formation of the Council, has in the basic work- operations ; in fact, increased landings at the ports ing paper given the Delegates a general over-all may be of little utility if they merely result in a picture of the Organization's targets and accom- local surplus and low prices for the fishermen while plishments in this field ; a brief statement has also inland areas continue to suffer from a shortage of been tabled by the I.P.F.C. informing you of the fish. ways in which the Council contributes to the aims of F.A.O. in the Region. The belief is there stated " Even assuming that the most efficient methods that such regional bodies will tend more and more have been used in the capture, transportation and to be called into consultation in all major fisheries marketing, there are still many by-products which questions, and I sincerely hope that this may be so. are not suitable for human consumption. In some parts of the region these are thrown away ; efficient " It has also been emphasized that fish has operations would ensure that they are utilized in quite a special place in the diets of the peoples of the form of fish meal, fiour, fertilizers, etc. It has, South and East Asia. It is, in fact, second only to in fact, been proved that the proper use of these rice in importance, and in most sectars it takes first waste products may well convert a losing fishery place as a source of animal protein and other ele- into a profitable one. " Perhaps the field in which the most visible engaged in recommending the holding of a series practical results have been seen is that of fish culture of international training courses. I am happy to in ponds and rice fields, many countries having now say that the Fisheries Division, in spite of severe carried their efforts in this direction to the level of budgetary handicaps, has given the most sympathetic the farmer. attention to the Council's recommendations in this respect and that Governments, realizing the " It will be appreciated from the above that value of this type of training, have likewise indicated much still remains to be done by Governments in their endorsement by the practical means of sending the field of fisheries. It is true that almost all the some of their most promising workers as trainees. Member Governments of the Indo-Pacific Fisheries Council now have some form of fisheries adminis- " The Council moreover believes that it has tration, even though in some cases this may consist contributed to the state of knowledge, within exist- of only one or two officers ; there are, of course ing possibilities, through its periodical Meetings notable exceptions, such as India and Japan, where of fisheries workers and also by its committee work a comparatively large staff of fisheries officers are between Meetings, and that it has significantly working, and in those cases it merely remains to advanced the aims of the Organization in compiling direct the resulting administrative measures in the and disseminating information, in reducing wastes right direction. and losses, in increasing the yield of the sea and in the improvement of nutritional standards. " It is, however, a fact that, in about half the countries of the region, there is no reliable statistical " In this latter respect, while an increase .in record of commercial fish landings, while almost fish landings will in itself contribute in no small without exception it is impossible to estimate the degree to the improvement of general living wndi- amount of fish which is caught and consumed at tions, the Council believes that it has a special res- the subsistence level. In these circumstances, it ponsibility in respect of the living standards of that becomes diffcult for Governments to assess with section of society constituted by the fisheries opera- any degree of accuracy the requjrements and defi- tives themselves. ciencies of the industries or to take measures for their improvement. " While fishing must essentially involve some element of risk and the return on the capital invested " In fact, it may be said that, in general, our in the industry must always take proper account of knowledge of the fisheries and of the natural con- the possibility of loss and deterioration of the gear ditions surrounding them are still fragmentary. used, it has been apparent that in many sectors of It is for this reason that the Council, concurrently the Region, the financing of fisheries operations has with the Government of Japan, has recommended not been carried on at the most economically bene- at the most recent UNESCO Conference that an ficial level, because it has traditionally involved international unit be formed for the coor- a large number of individual investors, each of whom dination of practical oceanographic work in the has required a considerable return on his invest- Indo-Pacific Region. This project is to be studied ment in order to make a living. The financing of by a panel of experts which has been convened by the fisheries on a somewhat broader scale and the UNESCO to be held in Manila later this year. elimination of much of the risk will, it is hoped, enable fishermen to enjoy a more rational share of " In the field of inland fisheries, again our scanty knowledge of the habits of wild fishes makes the retail value of the fish they catch, and this in turn will make them better producers. This may it impossible to predict what will be the effect on require some degree of financial and administrative the fisheries resources of the numerous river develop- assistance from governments and banking institu- ment schemes which are being planned in the Region. Only the advice of competent biologists, tions in the early stages. based on extensive field work carried out in the " I should like, in closing these introductory earliest planning stages, will make it possible to remarks, to emphasize that the Indo-Pacific Fisheries avoid a repetition of the errors committed in coun- Council is constituted by the same Member Govern- tries outside the region in this respect due to short- ments represented at this Meeting and to request' sighted policies. that your respective Governments continue to make the fullest use at all times of the Council in the solu- " In view of the many gaps in our knowledge, tion of their fisheries problems". the Council therefore believes that urgent need exists for the encouragement of fisheries adminis- The Fisheries Adviser to the Government of tration and that this should be based on a hard core India reviewed the progress in fish culture and stated of workers having a certain degree of technical that it was still premature to say whether Tilapia training. To this end, the Council has been actively would be a suitable species for India. In the field of marine fisheries, a successful mechanization attention to the following aspects - of the pro- programme had been undertaken and research on gramme of work for the next two years. suitable types of fishing craft was being undertaken Work in the field of fisheries biology during I952 with F.10 assistance. Measures mere being taken and 1953 was carefully reviewed. The Conference to improve transport and mdrketing conditions, considered that there were two phases of activity and extensive research and training programmes in this field which could contribute tangible results had been undertaken. Dr. Chopra believed that in a short time towards relieving shortages in pro- the vaiuable information which had been collected tein deficient areas, namely, the improvement of and disseminated by the IPFC should now be im- fish culture practices and the management of in- plemented through practical measures through the land fisheries. Experience in these areas indicated promotion of international activities, which might the urgent necessity for the continued guidance to include investigation on the stocks of Rastrelljger member governments in their management pro- and the Oil Sardjne and the possible effects of the grammes. major hydro-electric projects on the fisheries. A resolution was adopted recommending " that the The Conference noted the series of events which Organization should profitably direct its attention had led to the under-staffing of biologists responsi- to initiating practical programmes of co-ordinated ble for this section of the programme and considered research in relation to problems such as the above it of the utmost importance that the establishment which are common to more than one Government ", should be brought up to full strength as soon as and " that the efforts in promoting training courses possible. The Conference emphasized the value of be intensified, with special reference to the training the preparation of a world series of fisheries maps in of master fishermen in the use of mechanized fish- connection with the Survey of Marine Resources ing methods" and suggested that this work should be given full priority. The 7th Session of Conference of FA0 met in Rome from November 23 to December 13 and the The Conference recognized the importance of Director-General reported in his opening address the development of fishery surveys which are of interest and benefit to a11 nations ; it considered that that during 195 z/ 53, total agricultural production was about 7% higher than the average of 1948/50, the development of an international approach to representing an average production increase of this very important subject might best be advanced by action initiated by the Organization with a view about 2% per year, or slightly more than the annual increase of population of 1.4%. to international co-operation in the conduct of survey operations especially in unexplored areas. It was The Conference reviewed the work carried out accordingly recommended that proposals for such in the field of Fisheries during I952 and 1953, and international action should be placed before the examined the programme for 1954 and 195j. It Meeting on Fishery Resources, which it is proposed was noted that an extended description of the to convene in 1955. rationale on which the programme is based is given in In examining the programme of work for fisheries an article published in the Fisheries Bulletin, Vol. technology, the Conference commended the pro- 6, No. 5, September-October 1953, entitled cedure which has been followed of bringing to- " Improving the Fisheries Contribution to World gether experts and technicians in international Food Supplies ". The Conference considered this meetings, as for example in the recent successful document to be valuable to Member Governments Fishing Boat Congress held in Paris and Miami in and to the fisheries industries and services through- late 1953. out the world and the hope was expressed that it would be reprinted in both the scientific and the The Conference considered that amongst the deter- trade journals devoted to fisheries. The Confer- rents to fisheries development is the lack of general erence commended the Director-General on the im- knowledge of improved types of fishing gear and plementation of the programme to date and express- their use and attached high priority to the work pro- ed the view that it had contributed materially to in- posed. The Conference emphasized that the pre- creasing the world's supply of animal protein and sent attention to the needs of particular regions for other foods. It recognized the difficulties-and specialized technological advice should be con- noted the impossibility in many respects-of measur- tinued, since only in this way can the work be most ing in precise figures the increase attributable to effective. the work of the Organization, but the hope was The programme relating to fisheries economics expressed that by the time of the next Conference and statistics was carefully considered and the close some progress will have been made in overcoming relationship of this work with that of the rest of the these difficulties, The Conference drew special fisheries programme was fully recognized. The Conference-wasof the opinion that member countries of 1954 and 1955, due to unforeseeable circum- should do more to assist in the provision of com- stances, any modification should be left to the prehensive and detailed information and statistics discretion of the Director-General and, in in order to enable the work of FA0 to be carried such case, still further in this field. It emphasized that the Wishes him to take into account its view that solution of marketing problems and the organiza- projects likely to effect quick results, such as tion of more efficient distribution arrangements the promotion of fish cultural practices, im- were of an importance equal to increasing produc- proved management of inland fisheries, work tion, in view of the urgent need in many areas to towards the improvement of fishing boats, provide the incentive for expanding fish prodiuction landing, marketing and distribution facilities, and consumption. It hopes that the documen- fishing gear and methods, especially in countries tation resulting from the Hong Kong Fish where there is need to increase protein food Marketing Training Centre to be held in 1954 would supplies for the indigenous population, should afford material assistance in this respect. The be given preference, value of the Yearbook of Fisheries Statistics was stressed. Expresses its satisfaction that the figures of expenditure in the budget for each group of The Conference reviewed the programme drawn projects are well founded and represent the up for regional activities. It was emphasized that minimum of expenditure on which the pro- where similar bodies are not already in existence gramme for fisheries work, as described, could Fisheries Councils provide an excellent means of reasonably be conducted and, therefore, establishing contacts between fishery experts and advancing the development of the fisheries in their Approves the Director-General's proposed Pro- particular areas. The difficulty of financing these gramme of Work andBudget for 1954 and 1955 Councils with their extending activities was appre- in the field of fisheries to the extent that the ciated and it was considered that in the future the expenditure involved is compatible with the participating countries might reasonably be asked general level of the Budget adopted by the to contribute part of the costs incurred by the Conference. Organization in its role as Secretariat to these 4.23 United Nations Educational, Scientific bodies. and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) The Conference took particular note of the progress which had been made in developing the Fisheries Bulletin. It felt that an extremely high Close relations have always existed since the standard had been attained and it hoped that care- formation of the Council with this United Nations ful consideration would be given to every possible Agency, which has usually been represented means of expanding the existing distribution. by an Observer at Plenary Sessions. Council Finally the following Resolution was adopted : Liaison Officers with UNESCO were appointed at the 4th Meeting in New Delhi, Djakarta and Manila. The Conference - Hasing reviewed the activities of the Organization in the field of fisheries The Council was concerned, at the 4th Commends the Director-General for the results Meeting, with the lack of information on oceano- achieved, and graphy as it affects the fisheries and the Secretary Having examined in detail the Programme of Work was directed to approach UNESCO on this matter. and Budget for 1954 and 1955 in the field of As a result of the Council's action and a parallel fisheries as submitted by the Director-General suggestion at the UNESCO Conference by the Japanese Government, UNESCO called together Recognizes that there exists a high degree of in- a Meeting of Experts which convened in tegration between the different aspects of the Manila immediately prior to the 8th Pacific programme and that, therefore, it would be Science Congress in November, 1953, to discuss difficult to introduce significant amendments the advisability of such an international co-opera- or alterations without a careful appraisal and tive project. Technical Committee I was requested recasting of the financial details of the whole to undertake meanwhile a further examination of programme, but the needs for such a project and will report on Agrees that in the event of any revision of the results at this Meeting. This Meeting of Con- programme becoming necessary in the course sultants was held at the United Nations Building, Manila, on November 12 and 13, 1953, Dr. P. (b) Technical training in oceanographic pro- Auger of UXESCO being elected Chairman and cedures. the Secretary, IPFC, Rapporteur. Also present (c) Interchange of scientific personnel for the mere the three members of your Executive Com- purposes of advising, lecturing, teaching mittee, the Chairman and Rapporteur of Technical and research, both intra-regional and Committee I, Dr. N. K. Panikkar (India) and Mr. inter-regional. 3. A. Tubb (Hong Kong), eight other consultants (d) The organization of symposia on subjects and three observers. Using as a basis the Coun- related to oceanography. cil's " Report on Oceanographic Requirements ," the Meeting of Consultants arrived at the following " 3. Research conclusions : (a) The establishment of arrangements where- " The MEETINGOF CONSULTANTSjointly con- by national programmes may be encour- vened by UYESCO and FA0 in Manila aged and co-ordinated and methods and equipment standardized. "RECOMMEXDS (b) The establishment of a consultative service "THAT there is an urgent need for the establish- available for the use of vember Govern- ment of an organization in the Indo-Pacific ments in the planning and execution of Region for fundamental oceanographic research. their oceanographic programmes. "THAT the term INDO-PACIFICREGION be con- (c) Entering into research contracts and/or sidered for the present purpose to include the the granting of subventions to insti- water masses between the tropic of Capricorn tutions to assist them in the aspects of and 35 degrees north latitude and between their national programmes which bear the east coast of Africaand 160 degrees longitude on the organization's co-ordination pro- east of Greenwich. gramme. " THAT the objects of the organization be to (d) Research projects to be carried out by the contribute to the advancement of scientific organization itself, including the opera- knowledge of the oceans, in the fields of physics, tion of vessels, either the property of the chemistry, geology, meteorology, and biology organization or on charter.

with the principal aim of providing the basic " The Meeting of Consultants moreover information necessary for the greater exploitation of the resources of the sea. "RECOMMENDS " THAT the principal functions of the organiza- " THAT the above organization be established tion in the pursuit of these objectives be defined under the joint sponsorship of UNESCO and as follows : FA0 by means of a Convention to be signed by the

LS Governments within and without the area above I. Documentation defined which are interested in the development (a) The establishment of a register of the scien- of oceanographic science in the Indo-Pacific Region. tific personnel, institutions, vessels and projects concerned with oceanography " THAT the governing authority of the orga- existing in the Region. nization should be a council of qualified scientists (b) The compilation of a record of oceano- representing Member Governments, constituted graphic data relating to the Region and in a similar way to the Indo-Pacific Fisheries Coun- its reduction to a form which could be cil, who may be assisted by advisers. usefully published or otherwise made " THAT the governing authority should report available to workers in the Region. annually to the Conference of UNESCO and FAO. (c) The establishment of a documentation and bibliography service in oceanography, " THAT provision should be made for the con- for the Region. siitution of suitable technical committees. (d) The maintenance of the closest possible " THAT invitations to be represented by scien- relations with institutions having similar tific observers at the meetings of the governing aims in other regions throughout the body of the organization shall.be sent to Govern- world, ments which are not contributing members of the organization but which are members of UNESCO " 2. Personnel and/or FAO, and to such international scientific (a) The scientific training of graduate students. institutions as the governing body may direct. " THAT the organization be provided with a " THAT a senior qualified scientific worker be SECRET-~RIATand ~i-ith the financial resources neces- eventually appointed as the Director of the orga- sary for the carrying out of its functions. The nization and that he be nominated from a panel of Meeting of Consultants, in recommending these possible candidates which will be drawn up for the functions contemplates that the secretariat might, guidance of the appointing body by a committee for the time being, not be able to extend its acti- consisting of Professor A. C. Hardy (Chairman), ~itiesto all the phases mentioned and would be Professor Th. Monod and Professor Hans Petters- obliged to limit its operations in the first place to son which will canvass suggestions from informed the more essential matters according to the avail- persons and be convened jointly by UNESCO and ability of financial resources. The Meeting firmly FA0 some time in 1954. believes, however, that the programme should be an expanding one. " THAT the technical and legal details not contemplated above be incorporated in a draft conven- "THAT the secretariat of the organization should tion to be prepared jointly by UNESCO and FA0 act in the closest liaison with the INDO-PACIFIC and that this be considered, revised and eventually FISHERIESCOUNCIL which is charged with similar signed by the meeting of accredited delegates of responsibilities in the field of applied fisheries Governments contemplated in the UNESCO reso- science and thb the secretariat of the organization lution passed at Paris in November, 1952 authoriz- might most conveniently be located during the for- ing the holding of this Meeting of Consultants. matwe years as closely as possible to the seat of the Council so that the most complete interchange of " THAT the Meeting, after considering the information and results may be achieved. The number of Governments within and without the Meeting believes, moreover, that library and docu- Region which might become signatories to the Con- mentation facilities might be held in common with vention, believes that the number of ratifications to the INDO-PACIFICFISHERIES COUNCIL secretariat be given in order that the organization come into and that it might be advantageous, in the interests existence might be five." of economy and the avoidance of duplication of effort, that the meetings of the governing body be c52/24.3(11) convened, insofar as may be practical, consecutively Three further lines of contact with UNESCO with and at the same place as the meetings of that were recommended by the Council. The first, COUNCIL. relating to the training of taxonomists in fisheries " THAT the execution of the suggested pro- subjects at museums, was not found to be avail- gramme of co-ordinated oceanography be carried able at the present time. The second, relating to out principally through the agency of the existing the printing of taxonomic charts of the Crustacea national institutions and those which may be created and Mullusca, was taken up by UNESCO and these in the future and that it would be advantageous if charts are available at,the Meeting as " UNESCO Member States could, so far as may be possible, Marine Biology Chart " Nos. I and 2. The third authorize such institutions to collaborate in this point, viz. UNESCO co-sponsorship of a Sym- sense with the secretariat. posium on Plankton at this Meeting, has been most successfully pursued and it is to the good offices " THAT the essential co-ordinating functions of and financial assistance of that United Nations the organization could be carried out on the basis of Organization that the Council is indebted for the a tentative initial yearly budget of C.S. $70,000 presence at this Meeting of qualified plankton (seventy thousand United States dollars) ; if the workers from within and without the Region. initial yearly budget were increased to U.S. $~oo,ooo this would permit the carrying out of a limited num- 4.24 8th Pacific Science Congtess. ber of specific short-term research projects, and The Executive Committee having held its 3rd that an annual budget of $200,000 would be required Meeting for the period in Manila immediately if research were to be carried out on the basis of an prior to this Congress, ail the Members were there- ocean-going research vessel (this does not include fore able to attend and represent the Council. the cost of the vessel). " THAT this budget may be derived from : The following papers were presented through the (a) Contributions of Member Governments Council and are made available as Contributed of the organization Publications at this Meeting : (b) Subventions from the United Nations and I. " Oceanography and Fisheries " by G. L. its specialized agencies, from non-govern- Kesteven. mental scientific bodies and from private 2. " Fundamental Studies on the Fish Lamp ", foundations, by N. Y. Kawamoto. 3. " On the Circulation in the North Pacific j. The Congress commends the excellent in Relation to Pelagic Fisheries ", by research work of the Bureau of Fisheries M. Uda. of the PhiIippines and respectfully suggests to the Government of the Repub- 4. " Studies on Agar Agar in Japan " by T. Yanagawa and K. Tanii. lic of the Philippines that it explore the possibilities of establishing further j. " Oceanographical and Fisheries Research oceanographic and fish culture research in India" by N. K. Panikkar. through the provision of extended facilities. Some 86 papers in all mere presented at the various Symposia of the Oceanographic Division (includ- A device for the simple and rapid determination ing one on the Marine Provinces in the Indo-Pacific of salinity based on an adjustable hydrometric Region sponsored by UNESCO), and will eventually float, was demonstrated by Mr. D. H. Rochford be printed. Printed abstracts may be consulted (Australia). in the Secretariat. 4.24 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea. A series of resolutions were drafted as follows The CounciI was represented at the qst Meeting I. The Congress notes with interest that the of the ICES held at Copenhagen from September, oceanographers attending the Eighth 28 to October 6,1953, by Dr. G. L. Kesteven, Chief Pacific Science Congress propose to Marine Fisheries Section, FA0 Fisheries Division. establish an Oceanographic Institute of This Meeting was attended by some 130 partici- the Pacific. pants and more than 50 papers were submitted. 2. The Congress strongly supports the pro- Films were shown on the life history of the eel and posal, recently examined by the special on some new equipment for tagging herrings. New UNESCO meeting of consultants on equipment for work in hydrography, planktonology oceanography, to create a legally con- and biology was demonstrated. For the most stituted inter-governmental organiza- part, the work of committees was devoted to re- tion for oceanographic research in the ceiving accounts of investigation~in progress and Indo-Pacific region. reviewing the situation of the fish stocks in each of the Council's sub-areas. Special attention was, 3. The Congress urges member countries however, paid to conservational problems by cer- (a) to exert every means to develop re- tain committees, and recommendations were made search programmes upon which may be in regard to regulation of fishing gear and minimum based sound policies for increased deve- size of capturable fish. An address was given by lopment and wise use of marine resour- Dr. Kesteven regarding the interests of FA0 and ces. (b) To develop the fullest inter- IPFC in the aquatic resources, which is available national cooperation in the management in the Secretariat. of marine resources so that they may be maintained permanently. 4. The Congress draws attention to the VII. COUNCIL'S REPORT following types of oceanographic study which can be maintained at a small Csh cost, and whose results when correlated In accordance with the variousb resolutions passed with other available data can provide under Agenda Item 15 at the 4th Meeting, the large returns : (a) Daily observations Executive Committee's Report, as adopted at that of surface sea water temperature and Meeting, was suitably arranged for presentation salinity which can be made at light to the Organization. Two hundred copies of Part I stations, and by commercial shipping of the Printed Proceedings were despatched to the lines. The work may be extended to Organization direct from.Madras printery. daily observations of the nutrient and respiratory elements, and the state There will be no FA0 Conference in 1954 at of the sea. (b) Study of specific which the Council's report might be directly sub- organisms of academic or economic mitted as was the case in 1953. It is therefore interest in the locality. There are many proposed that the Summary Report of this Meeting species which have been taxonomically be forwarded by the Secretariat to the Director- described, but whose life history, habits, General FAO, and eventually a sufficient number and economic value are unknown. of copies of the Printed Proceedings. VIII. PUBLICATIONS 4ND EDITORIAL tion that the programme of Handbooks was of a POLICY (4.4) long-term nature and it is felt that, except for such re~isionsas the Council may wish to make from 4.41 Proceedivgs : Part I of the Proceedings time to time, the ilnplementation of these wishes of the 4th Meeting 1%-ascirculated shortly after he now placed in the hands of the Editor of Hand- the termination of the hleeting. It is expected books over a period of several years. that Part I1 will be available in printed form at this Meeting. The Executive Committee has, nevertheless, been 4.42 Special Publications : The re-setting of the concerned at its Meetings during the current year, with the fact that during the short period between type of Special Publication No. 2 " Fish Culture in Indonesia ", which became necessary owing to the 4th and 5th Meetings it has not been possible the unsatisfactory nature of the roo copies run for to utilize to the fullest extent the printing alloca- the Fish Culture Seminar held in Indonesia in tion provided by the Organization. 1952, has entailed the correction of further printer's In the field of Food Technology, some doubt errors. The final proof is now awaited from the has existed in the minds of your Executive Com- press and it is hoped that the printing may be committee as to the proposed status of the three pub- pleted before the 5th Meeting. Much basic material lications which were proposed by the Council at is to hand from Dr. Hardenberg for incorporation its 4th Meeting, as follows :- in the work on the important groups of economically I. Food Technology Handbook important fishes and it is hoped that this may be 2. Fish Processing Handbook issued between the 5th and 6th Meetings. j. Classification of Food Processing Methods. c52/17.1 Considerable correspondence has been exchanged in regard to these three projects which, in the c52124-3(5) opinion of the Committee, appeared to overlap. 4.43 Handbooks : The Council, at its 4th The interpretation which has been placed on the Meeting, determined a provisional order of priority Council's directive has been that whereas the Food for ten handbooks which it was proposed should Technology Handbook would record the basic appear under the aegis of the Council. A Hand- principles involved, and would require some time book of Field Procedures was also called for under for its preparation, the Fish Processing Volume Resolution z4.3(5). A Handbook on the Culti- should appear as a " Special Publication " rather vable Fishes of the Indo-Pacific Region is in the than as a " handbook " and would be a compilation course of preparation by Dr. S. L. Hora under an of the application of those principles in the Indo- arrangement with the Fisheries Division, FAO, and Pacific Region, which could be brought out in a it is hoped that this may be made available for relatively short time, provided an author were publication as part of the Council series. The available. The Committee nevertheless believes first two chapters have been circulated to workers after perusing the prospectus approved at the 4th in the region for comments but publication of the Meeting and a revised prospectus submitted by the complete work will not bc practicable until the Fisheries Division that certain sections would be middle of 1954. incomplete without some reference to the process- Dr. G. L. Kesteven, in his capacity as General ing of fish in the Region. It was therefore decided to Editor of Handbooks, has informed the Executive withhold action on the preparation of these volumes Committee that work on these Council publications pending the recommendations of the Council's is well under way and that, although it is unlikely Sub-committee, which has now given its opinion that any manuscript can be placed with the printers that two publications are necessary. This matter in 1953, substantial progress is predicted for the is now submitted to the Council. early part of 1954. Much progress has been made There wouId appear to be a consensus of opinion in the crystallisation of ideas and in establishing that the limited number of processing methods important principles which should determine makes the third project (i.e, the taxonomic analysis) the future development of the project. It is unnecessary and this would, in fact, be adequately recommended that there should be a first volume provided in the List of Contents of the other two. dealing with the general definitions and scope of fisheries science and its component parts and it is 4.44 Bibliographic Work : The Executive Com- hoped that a draft of this volume may be available mittee has kept in mind the Council's policy that for the jth Meeting, together with a detailed synop- this work should proceed along two lines, as follows : sis of each of the other volumes. (a) Sector Bibliographies, consisting of a general The Council established the priorities set out on stock-taking of the literature which has page 11 of the 1952 Proceedings in the fulI realiza- appeared in the Region, and (b) Current Bibliographies, which would con- otherwise duplicate the subject indexes of the sist of lists of works subsequently pub- Sector Bibliographies. It is possible that this lished. criterion may have to be reviewed in case means are not found of completing the Sector Bibliogra- (a) Sector Bibliogruphics : phies in a reasonable period of time. Betu-ecn the Council's [st and 2nd Meetings, the Secretariat took actil-e steps to compile a Bibliography of the Western Sector (Burma, Ceylon, As was reported to the 4th Meeting, Bibliographic India, Pakistan, Thailand). This was reviewed at Correspondents have been named by Member Cronulla by a specially appointed Committee, Governments, whose task is to keep the Secretariat which recommended that " Sector Bibliography informed regarding fisheries papers which appear lists as made for the Western Sector and com- in their territories. These Bibliographic Corres- menced for the. Central Sector by the Secretariat pondents have been circularized by the Secretariat should be continued ". The Executive Committee with the object of obtaining abstracts of such papers recommended at the 4th Meeting that these Sector as appear in the Region, in compliance with point 6 Bibliographies should be listed by author and date of Resolution 16 of the 3rd Meeting to the effect and that they should be indexed subject-wise. that bibliographies shall be printed in the form of library cards, and it is hoped that the Secretariat It was also decided at the 3rd Meeting that the may from time to time be able to give a limited bibliographies should be submitted to a panel of abstracting service in connection with its Current experts. Nominations to this panel were received Affairs Bulletin. from India (8 specialists), Thailand and Burma, while Dr. H. K. Bhatti, the Council's Bibliographic The Fisheries Division, FAO, has offered to pre- Correspondent for Pakistan, has recently submitted pare a selected, annotated bibliography on Fishing a list of publications for that country. Gear as a contribution to the 6th Meeting. Apart from the completion of the Bibliography of the Plankton of the Western Sector by Dr. 4.45 Other Publications : Panikkar, no response has been received from these (a) Occasional Papers : The following three panel members and they have recently been re- occasional papers have been circulated : minded of the Council's wishes. There are, however, now in existence other subject bibliographies (a) The Fishing Industry at Sakanthit. which have appeared in the region, notably on (b) A General Pilot Survey of the Inle Lake. Iiilsa by Dr. S. Jones, on Fish Culture by Mr. 'I?. V. R. Pillay, on Chanos by W. H. Schuster, on (c) Summary of Investigations carried out in Food Technology by Mr. K. Chidambaram and a India on Chanos. Bibliography of the papers of Dr. S. L. Hora which (b) Accession Lists :Monthly lists of accessions should provide good material for the Western to the Regional Office Fisheries Library have been ,Sector Bibliography. issued. As regards the Central Sector, the Secretariat (c) List of Periodicals : A11 sections of this had, prior to the 2nd Meeting, brought together proposed publication excepting that for Japan some information in the form of library cards and (which has now been received) are in the final proof these have been added to from time to time through stage. the co-operation of Dr. J. Westenberg and others. (d) Current Affairs Bulletin : Three issues of This information is, however, far from complete. this Bulletin have been issued and a fourth is under The Executive Committee is convinced that such preparation. More regular contributions from the Sector Bibliographies would serve a useful purpose Council's Administrative Correspondents would and again recommends (see page 36, 4th Proceed- make it possible to bring out this paper with greater ings) that the Council give serious consideration regularity. as to the means whereby this work may be brought (e) Agreement and Rules of Procedure: A to completion, in view of the present heavy com- revised issue of the Council's Agreement, Rules mitments of the Secretariat staff. and Committees' terms of Reference is in the press and will, it is hoped, be distributed at the 5th Meet- Another phase of the cataloguing aspect is constituted by Subject Bibliographies, and it was ing. recommended at the 4th Meeting that these should (f) Register of I?zstitutions : The bulk of the only be issued in annotated form, since they would material for this publication is now ready. Pricing of Publications : in this respect are communicated to the competent The Secretariat has received during the year government agency charged with co-ordination of many requests for copies of Council Publications such requests to international organizations. from institutions outside the region and from in- In 1953, a ne\v system for the submission of dividual workers. TVhile every endeavour is made requests for technical assistance was inaugurated to satisfy the former, the present system of dis- by FAO. This involved the preparation of a contribution, which is on a free basis, mill not allow solidated request by governments covering experts the second type of demand to be satisfied. The in all the five technical fields of work of FA0 for Committee believes that these enquiries are an index duty in 1954. AS a result, FA0 received official of the growing status of the Council and feels that requests .for 91 fishery experts and for 49 fishery if a small extra number of all Council Publications fellowships from 33 governments, and offers to could be printed for sale purpose, through the FA0 sponsor three fishery training centres from three Publi$ations Section, and a price placed on these, governments. The approval of all these requests circulation among workers to whom they are not would have required a budget of some $r,goo,ooo normally available might be achieved. to $1,8oo,ooo. It was therefore only possible, in the light of the foreseeable FAO/ETAP budget for IX. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE 1954, to provide for 33 experts and 11 fellowships C52/25'1(5) for that year and to hold two training centres, at an estimated cost of $363,000. These projects c52/25'3(2) have been placed in Category I, while a further 14 The Council's desire for information from the posts will be established and 2 fellowships provided Fisheries Division, FAO, regarding the availability in Category I1 if additional funds are forthcoming. of fisheries engineers is noted above and a similar directive is given in Resolution 25.3(2) regarding The Conference of the Organization, at its the possible services of a marketing specialist. Xovember 1953 sessions, considered the Expanded Both of these requests were communicated to the Technical Assistance programme and noted with Organization. regret that all the assistance asked for could not be rendered under the limited budget, but nevertheless In the case of fisheries engineera, the Division congratulated the Director-General on the results has given careful consideration to this matter and achieved. believes that this term covers such a wide range of activity that it is necessary to know precisely in Ceylon : The two FA0 experts who are conduct- what field governments wish to have assistance ing the FAO/ETAP fisheries programme in Ceylon before being able to suggest the names of individuals will continue their assignments in 1954 in view of who are competent from the numerous personnel the keen demand among the fishermen for mechani- which has offered to undertake work of this type. zation. The training of fishermen in the running The cost of employing such people would, more- and maintenance of engines is being planned. over, vary, depending on the individual expert's experience and qualifications. India : An assignment on fish culture and weed eradication methods was completed, and another With regard to the enquiry as to whether a market- expert carried out a study on the improvement of ing specialist could be provided, it has been ascer- fishing methods in the estuarine waters of West tained that the ordinary programme of the FA0 Bengal. A naval architect has commenced to take does not permit any action for the time being and off the lines of local fishing craft. It is hoped to it is hoped that the training centre for fish marketing recruit two fisheries engineers in 1954 to take up proposed to be held in Hong Kong in 1954 will duties in different States. meet to some extent the need for assistance in this respect. Malaya: It is hoped to include a fish meal technologist in the 1954 programme to advise the The Organization has, in fact, assisted a number Government on the most efficient utilization of of Governments in these fields under its Expanded fish waste. Technical Assistance Programme. It is perhaps not out of place here to indicate that technical aid Pakistan, West: Kurt Ohlsson of Sweden has been cannot, under the Organization's terms of refer- compiling the records on country craft collected ence, be given at its option, even when based on earlier this year by K. H. Magnusson and scale recommendations of the Council, but only by models will be tested in Sweden. The Govern- request of the Governments concerned. Fisheries ment has under study the report of the FA0 Marine departments in need of such international technical Engineer and Port Master on plans for the landing aid should therefore ensure that their requirements and transportation of fish and the design of a new fish harbour. A report has been submitted by an the ever-increasing requests from Member Govern- FA0 refrigeration engineer on cold storage requirements for Technical Assistance, which cannot be ments. satisfied in their entirety from the proportion of the Cnited Nations Technical Administration Funds Pakistan, East :A team comprising a commercial available to the Organization, it has become neces- fisheries consultant and a fish harbour specialist sary to restrict to two the total number of fisheries have completed a survey of the distribution of fish training centres throughout the world' during 1954. supplies and improvement of fish handling. While it is realized that each of the above projects Thailand: Dr. S. W. Ling of China continues to is vitally essential to the development of fisheries assist the Government of Thailand in its freshwater in the area, and no attempt has therefore been made fish culture programme. The distribution of finger- to establish priorities, the approaches made to lings to the public is increasing rapidly ; public Governments showed that the scheme which it demonstrations ' and training courses are being would be possible to implement with the least delay conducted as well as experimental work in the culture would be the proposed Fish Marketing School and of fish in rice fields. an Agreement is now under discussion with the Governments of the U.K. and Hong Kong. There are further signed agreements and requests to be filled from Ceylon, India, Indonesia, Pakistan It will therefore be seen that, as in the case of and the Philippines, although it is likely that bud- Handbooks, the fulfilment of the total of the Coun- getary restrictions will make it necessary to place cil's wishes in this respect is, as far as assistance from some of these in Category 11. the Organization is concerned, of a long-term nature and it is assumed that the guiding principles of the Collaboration has been maintained as closely as Secretariat in its contacts with Rome will, at least possible with technical assistance programmes during the next year or two, be along the lines laid being provided in the region by other international down in the above Council Resolutions. agencies and Governments, among others by the Foreign Operations Administrations (FOA) of the The Government of India has advised the Sec- United States Government ; assistance from retariat by cable of proposed Agenda Item 12.3 Government to Government by members of the " Urgent Necessity of setting up a Centre in the Colombo Plan Economic Development Programme; Indo-Pacific Region for training Master Fisher- and the technical aid provided by the Government men " and the Council will no doubt wish to give of Norway in the State of Travancore-Cochin, full discussion to this proposal. South India. As regards the first Fisheries Statistics Training Centre held in Bangkok, the Council's wish that X. TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION the organizers be thanked has been complied with. As regards a second similar centre, Governments Cjz/19 have been canvassed, at the request of the Division, with a view to ascertaining whether trainees would The Council, at its 4th Meeting, passed eight be forthcoming for such a second course and some resolutions bearing on technical instruction, as replies have been received. It is probable, how- folIows : ever, that this could not now be held in I 954. I. School for Master Fishermen. The Director-General of Fisheries, Thailand, 2. Fish Culture Seminar. graciously extended an invitation, threugh the Coun- 3,4. Fisheries Statistics Training Centre. cil's Secretariat, for the participation of trainees 5. Centre for Fisheries Administrators. from the Governments of Burma, Cambodia, Laos 6. Gear Technology Training Centre. and Viet Nam in the Thai Fisheries Officers' Train- 7. Fish Marketing Training Centre. ing Course in Fish Culture Methods held in May, 1953. Students from three of these countries suc- Information has been received to the effect that cessfully attended the course through assistance the Division has given considerable attention to from the United States Technical Missions and the the matter of training centres which it may be Executive Committee believes that this type of co- possible to hold under the aegis of FA0 during operation between technical assistance agencies 1954. Owing to the expanding programme and should be encouraged to the fullest possible extent. 3 STUDY OF COUNCIL WORK & PROCEDURE1

In accordance with the directiw gi~enin Reso- (2) 'f hat " Secretariat " Meetings would con- lution 52/s2 . the Secretariat has given careful centrate on the formulation of problems : consideration to the conduct of the Council's work the encouragement of co-ordinated re- and submits the following analysis, which should search and application of methods ; and be read in conjunction with the general review the collection and dissemination of tech- submitted to the +th Meeting." nical information (items a. to c. of the It mas the Council's primary concern, in that Coancil's functions). document, to ascertain to what extent the functions (3) That Meetings in a host country should set forth in its Agreement had . been effectively centre on extension and encoufagement discharged, and whether the work performed had with special reference to the contri- contributed, or was likely to contribute in the near butions by the host government to the future, to the increased availability of fisheries Council's aims and study of the local products through improved landings or better fisheries problems and needs (items d. utilization. to i. of the Council's functions). In accordance with the Council's terms of refer- (4) That the work of committees should be a ence as set out in its Agreement, it was believed that continuing task and not merely a revival the discharge of these functions depended on (a) of interest immediately prior to Meet- the identification of the problems, (b) the selection ings. of such of these for Council study as hold promise (5) That the Secretariat should recommend of effective results, (c) the means whereby the measures for the simplification of pro- Council's committees might substantially contri- cedural work with a view to economy of bute to their solution and (d) where possible, the time and cost. assignment of permanent technical staff for the (6) That means be found of expanding refer- co-ordination and application of results. ence facilities at Meetings. The Council believed that the scope of the technical and working papers presented by Member As regards (I) to (3) above, apart from con- Governments at its Meetings is one of the principal siderations of budget and clerical assistance, the criteria in assessing progress. These were divided Council's library facilities are at present extremely for purposes of analysis into four categories, as limited and it is improbable that they would be as follows : complete as those available in the fisheries departments of host governments. D. Those describing phenomena R. Reviews of accomplishments Turning to point (4), the Secretariat has had close M. Methodology papers contact with all committees with a view to main- F. Formulation of problems taining interest in the Council's work. It has been found that, as a rule, those persons who have act- It was pointed out that the last two groups were ually attended Council sessions have given a more most likely to contribute to the effective work of enthusiastic response, and this in itself speaks well the Council, and that while purely descriptive papers of the co-operative spirit engendered by attendance should still be encouraged from those Governments at Meetings. which have so far submitted few contributions, in- Committee work has, however, again during the creasing emphasis should be laid on those which current year, fallen into three distinct categories: formulate problems and describe procedures adopted or proposed to be adopted for their solution. (a) those committees which have maintained contact during the period and have sub- In pursuance of the above aims, it was praposed mitted a substantial report on the trends that the Council should give further study, at the in their particular fields. present Meeting, to the following matters : (b) those which have, through pressure of (I) That future Meetings might alternate be- heavy national programmes, not found tween the site of the Secretariat and a host country, it ~ossibleto maintain contact by cor- including that in which the Secretariat is located. respondence, the report having been ------.. ------' Revised and presented as a Secretariat Document. Proceedings of the 4th Meeting, pp. 6, 24-26. and 49-52. 42 prepared by the rapporteur on scanty Some changes in terminology are suggested. As information, and rcgards the sea fisheries, demersal and column fcj Committees which ha~e subrnit:ed no fishes have at present no assigned place in the report. Council's work and it is proposed that an Inshore Fishcries Sub-Committee might deal with these aspects in addition to the neritic-pelagic fisheries. Khilc a satisfactory number of committees falls -In Oceanic Fisheries Sub-Committee would deal into the first category, it would appear that the not only with Tuna but also with other aspects of Council may in the future find it necessary to elirni- fishing on the high seas. nate from its worksheet certain items in regard to which no significant progress has been recorded, -in Inland Fisheries group might well, at this since non-functional committees are depressing to stage, absorb the duties of the Fish Culture Sub- Council work. committee as well as Chanos and, eventually, Hilsa, although no firm recommendation is made in the The Secretariat, while hesitating to recommend latter respect in view of the active prograrnmc which sub-committees might be considered to haw of this last Sub-Committee. achieved their purpose, believes that the present number of fourteen (10 in Committee, I, 4 in Com- \Yhereas panels (a) and (b) refer to fisheries mittee 11) to be excessive in the absence of co-ordi- which can be reasonably allocated as between marine nation by full-time specialists and in view of the and freshwater, the proposed panel (c) is environ- fact that many workers are under the present system mental (as far as the fishes are concerned) but also called upon to serve on more than one committee. includes organisms (e.g. prawns) which do not inhabit either element exclusively. Each panel would This is reflected in the decision recorded in deal with the taxonomic problems relating to the Resolution 52/10 that, insofar as committee work groups falling within its terms of reference. at Council Meetings is concerned, separate sessions of the numerous groups of Committee I tended to As regards Technical Committee 11, there has hold up the Council's business, and that therefore been less proliferation. It still remains to be con- the Committee should, at Meetings, split hto three sidered whether there are sufficient statistical work- panels only, dealing with the following matters : ers in the region to constitute a committee, or whether the Socio-Economics and Marketing Panel A. Physico-chemical environment might make such recommendations in this respect B. Biotic-aquatic environment as might be proper from time to time. The C. General fisheries biology. following divisions of Committee I1 are therefore recommended :

Careful consideration was given to this grouping, (a) Craft and Gear but the value of this division is not clear ; panel A (b) Food Technology would be, restricted to hydrology ; while panel B (c) Socio-Economics and Marketing (includ- would presumably be limited to plankton studies. The remaining eight subject committees would ing Statistics) therefore gravitate into panel C which would be The question arises as to whether the CounciI expected to deal with all the numerous problems may wish to continue to work during the year relating to freshwater, estuarine and marine orga- through Sub-Committees, which would group to- nisms. The following three panels are therefore gether into the above panels for Meeting purposes, now proposed : or whether it would be more convenient to continue (a) Inland To deal with Fish Culture to work during the interim periods by means of Fisheries (including Chanos), and these panels alone. In the latter case, it would be Hilsa . most important to bear in mind at all times the consolidated terms of reference of each group so that (b) Sea To deai with Oceanic Fish- Fisheries eries and Inshore Fisheries. the various aspects of the fisheries may not be neglected. On the other hand, there would be no ob- (c) General Bio- To deal with Hydrology, jection to each panel, if it so desired, forming domes- logy and Plankton, Miscellaneous tic sub-committees, but it is believed that these Hydrology Fisheries, including Sea- should be small in order to work effectively. (related to weeds. both the The responsibility of the Council's Adminis- above) trative Correspondent might, where possible, be expanded to include the encouragement of interest Collection of information in Council work at a local level, through meetings The next step is to collect together in one place of members of the various groups within his coun- all the available information bearing on the problem, try, and the Administrative Correspondent might, including the results of national research pro- additionally, and subject to his Government's grammes. This can be done either directly by approval, maintain Council liaison with, and even- correspondence between the committee members tually accept co-option to, his National FA0 Com- themselves or by means of questionnaires to Govern- mittee. ments through the Secretariat. It must always be borne in mind that the collection of data for its It has been suggested in correspondence that the own sake is not the primary object, but that the use committees of this and other Regional Councils to which it will be put by the Council's committees might advantageously receive guidance during the is the important thing. year from branch specialists at FA0 Headquarters. It is felt that such assistance would be of great Solution of the problems value and the Council may wish to discuss the most appropriate means whereby advantage might be Although the Council has been able to assemble taken of this offer. much information on the fisheries of the region, the collection of basic data is of little value unless Formulation of the problems means are found of arriving at useful conclusions and of applying the results in practice. The prin- It has been the object of the Council in making cipal work of the Council will, therefore, take this study to determine the means whereby the place subsequent to the two initial steps described problems might be better identified, pertinent data above. collected and action recommended. The following appear to be the principal channels open to the It will be recalled that among the functions of Council for the identification of the problems : the Council as laid down in its Agreement are to recommend, and also to undertake, co-operative (i) Agenda items proposed by Member research and development projects. Member Governments. Governments of the Council have not, up to the (ii) Statements by delegations at Council present,' engaged in any joint investigations com- Sessions. parable with the International Co-operative Rice Hybridization Project and it might be considered, (iii) Reports from Governments on the status at this stage of the Council's evolution, whether of the industries. such schemes involving the commitment of funds (iv) Information obtained by committees. and the employment of full-time specialists, might not be desirable. In fact, the ability of the Council (v) Technical papers submitted at Council and the willingness of Member Governments to Meetings. engage in such international co-operative measures, may well prove to be the touchstone of the Coun- It is believed that it is one of the functions of the cil's effective contribution to fisheries development Council's subject committees when reporting pro- and the improvement of nutritional standards. gress, to call attention to the outstanding problems, taking care, however, not to limit the scope of such However, until such formal co-operative projects reports to a yearly repetition of the existing are brought into existence, the principal means problems without making suggestions for their available to the Council for carrying on international solution. research is through its committees. The work of the Council must still therefore depend to a large It may be said that the Council has, in the past, extent on the successful operation of these working always to some extent carried on its function of groups, which, for a number of reasons, have not defining problems and these are recorded in many always made their full contribution to the Council's committee reports and council resolutions, and to work. some extent in the technical papers published. It is realized that committee members are at Once the problems have been defined, the Coun- present often fully occupied in their immediate cil should then take action on such of them in respect national fisheries programmes and that unless of which it can reasonably expect to contribute to Governments may find it possible to assign workers the development and proper utilization of the to the Council's special sphere of action, this task resources. is essentially of a voluntary nature. Nevertheless, proper consideration of certain aspects of the work It is believed, therefore, that effective work of assigned to committees would require the full- committee members will depend in the long run on time attention of a number of workers over a long their receiving authorization from their Govern- period. ments to dedicate at least a portion of their time to Council work, and it is not unreasonable to suppose It cannot be ,emphasized too strongly that the that workers participating in committees might Council is constituted by its Member Governments eventually be instructed to direct their laboratory and that, in the long run, it has no separate existence and other work towards the elucidation of certain over and beyond the collective personality given to of the problems submitted by Governments to the it by those Governments. Council. REPORT ON THE STATCS OF THE FISHEKY IXDUS'I'RIES (December, 19j3) The conditions under which the fisheries operate The fisheries are mainly marine, and only two and the general tendencies xhich n-ere dealt with true native freshwater species exist, although there on a regional basis in this Committee's report to is a programme of trout acclimatization. Two the Council at the 4th Meeting, remain essentially companies operated 12 steam trawlers on the South- unchanged. It is, therefore, believed that the present east Coast of Australia and Danish seining is carried report will be most useful if the status of industries out by boats varying from 32 ft. to 70 ft. equipped is, for the purposes of this Meeting, dealt with on a with diesel engines. Pole fishing for barracouta, country basis. Thyrsites atun, is peculiar to Tasmanian waters, The total world catch in 1952 amounted to some while trolling is used for taking several species of 26.0 million metric tons, of which Japan produced pelagic fishes. Long-lining, set-nets, purse seines 4.7 million tons and China an estimated 2.0 million. and beach seines are also in use. The aggregate output of the other countries of There has been a marked decline in the catch of the South and East Asia region amounts annually to both the Danish seiners and steam trawlers over the between 2.0 and 2.5 million metric tons. last few years and at first sight it appears that, des- Reliable statistical data on the fisheries of this pite the reduction in the eastern trawling fleets region are lacking for most countries. Average from 5,500 to 4,000 trawler tons, the fish stocks are figures indicate that the catch increased rapidly unable to stand up to the present intensity of fishing. during the four post-war years, 1946-49. It should This is, however, offset by somewhat increased be stressed, however, that these increases reflect only catches in other Australian States. In a number of the post-war rehabilitation processes. The level important species, e.g. the sea mullet and barra- reached during the three years 1950-52 remained couta, production is probably limited by economic stabilized, with only minor local fluctuations. In factors rather than availability and the most signi- all countries except South Korea the 1950-52 pro- ficant species, the pelagic fishes, await large-scale duction at least equals the annual output during the exploitation for which the necessary investment pre-war years, while in Malaya the catch in 1951 is so far lacking. The Commonwealth Fisheries was appreciably higher than the pre-war output. Officer has instigated conferences between Com- monwealth and State authorities with a view to Australia conservation measures in respect of the tyger flat Although Australia has a long coast line and an head (Neoplatycephalus macrodon) and the school apparent abundance of tuna, this industry is little sharks. developed. Interest is, however, growing and trial According to the latest census figures (Yearbook shipments have been successfully marketed in the of the Commonwealth of Australia, No. 39, 1953) United States and the British Isles. The three there were some 15,637 persons engaged in the major species of potential commercial importance industry. are Katsuwonus pelamis, Thunnus maccoyii, Kishi- The Australian fish canning industry has, during meEla t onggol. the last one and a half decades, developed into a According to the Statistics of the Commonwealth vigorous, progressive industry, estimated at acapital Director of Fisheries, the 1952 production of fish value of LA. r ,ooo,ooo. The yearly production (whole fresh weight, including crustaceans and from 17 canneries operating in 1952 catered to about molluscs) was of the order of 37,100 tons* plus the one-quarter of the annual requirements. 50,629 bags of oysters, with a value of &A.6,140,262. The Australian Whaling Commission and three Total imports of fisheries products were 21,200 local companies are engaged in active whaling. tons** with a value of ~A.4,983,000consisting of The total catch for the I 952 season was I ,787 hump- 7,700 tons of fresh or frozen fish, 3,500 tons of cured back whales. fish (principally from New Zealand and South Africa) and ~o,oooof canned products (principally Burma from Norway and the United Kingdom). 3,300,ooo Ibs. of crayfish tails valued at EA.r,065,ooo were There is. still little information on the marine exported to the United States. fisheries of Burma, beyond the information con------.------.- --- * Monthly Serial Bulletin, Fisheries Department, W. Australia. '* Communication from the Government of Australla. 46 tained in the official publication " Fisheries in back of the forests and the " brush-pile " method Burma " by t' Maung Khin (1944). of fishing (see paper "Apercu General sur la Mig- ration et la Reproduction des F oissons d'Eau Douce Fish landings in 1950 are estimated to have been du Cambodge" presentcd at this Meeting). 43,200 tons* presumably excluding subsistence fishing. Imports of fisheries products in 19521j3 The production of fish in Cambodia is estimated were 10,71 I tons and exports $0 tons.* to have been 156,800 tons in 1g51**. A joint fishing company has recently been established by Bu'rmese and Japanese private concerns Ceylon with a view to operaring a commercial deep sea Ceylon has a fishing population estimated to ex- fishing enterprise in the territorial waters of Burma ceed rm,ooo. Marine fisheries, which account for and the adjacent high seas, with a capital of 500,ooo the bulk of the catch, are at present concentrated kyat. One trawler of 375 tons is to be chartered very near to the coasts and engage some 12,000 and two further vessels of 275 tons and 80 tons simple craft and numerous beach seines. are to be constructed together with refrigeration The catch is estimated to have been of the order storage and a salting and drying factory. of 43,000 metric tons in 1950, 37,000 tons*** in A study entitled " The Fishing Industry at 1951 and 34,000 tons in 1952"**. TWO++-foot Sananthit, Mergui District " by U Ba Kyaw, Union fishing boats have been received from British Government Fisheries Officer, was circulated as Columbia shipyards under Canadian aid through Occasional Paper 53! I and information on the the " Colombo Plan ", a steel-hulled deep-sea occurrence of Hilsa has been made available to the trawler is being re-fitted in the United Kingdom and Council's Sub-committee. a cold storage plant and other facilities are to be supplied as well as a chief engineer for the " Raglan As regards the fresh-water fishes, a research station Castle ". It is estimated that the cold storage project has been initiated near the Hlawga Lake plant will be in operation by the middle of 1954. with American technical assistance, in which con- Further extensive aid is planned. The Fisheries nection the advice of the FA0 regional officers was Department arranged for the aerial survey of a invited, and the construction of the fish ponds was number of harbours during 1952 in order to study started in April, 1953. It is stated that in view of the silting up of channels and with a view to the the recent formation of the Fisheries Bureau, construction of jetties for these vessels. A fish foreign assistance is earnestly desired to help with auction room has been constructed at Passaiyur. this project. A paper entitled " A General Pilot FA0 technical assistance is also being provided Survey of the Inle Lake " by U Ba Kyaw, was circulated as Occasional Paper 5312. in the mechanization of smaller fishing craft, under the guidance of Mr. Alan Glanville and 1Mr. E. R. Kvaran, while a Marine Biologist, an Economist Cambodia and two Fish Harbour Specialists are under recruit- There is at present little but subsistence fishing ment. There is, in the marine provinces of Cambodia. Ceylon is said to have imported about 42,000 however, one of the most flourishing fresh-water tons of fish products in I 95 I, with a value of nearly fisheries in the world based on the Great Lake and 54,000,mo rupees, consisting principally of dried its tributary, the Tonle Sap, involving numerous salted fish from India and Pakistan, the Aden Pro- costly barrages and other large-scale fishing devices tectorate and the Maldive Republic. There is a as well as in the river Mekhong. This fishery, large import of fish manure from Pakistan, while based on the periodic inundations of vast tracts canned products from various sources accounted of land surrounding the lake, sustains a large fish for 2,250 tons. Exports of fisheries products were drying co-operative and a fermented fish sauce in- negligible, consisting mainly of shells. dustry, in regard to which there is abundant literature in existence (see paper, " Situation de 1'Indus- A Co-operative Fish Sales Union was formed to trie du Poisson Sec au Cambodge," presented at provide marketing facilities for Co-operative Fish this Meeting). The National Fisheries Service is ing Societies, of which there were 108 registered at at present concerned over the possible interrup- the end of 1952. NO new Government loans were tion of the great fish migrations through the cutting made during the year.

* Communication from the Government of Burma. ** Source, Fisheries Division, FAO. *** FA0 Yearbook of Fisheries Statistics. **** Estimate of round fresh weight from Government Administration Report. Chanos is captured in large quantities by local In 1949 part of the larger vessels were evacuated fishermen on the Maunar Coast and rearing experi- from Shanghai to Taiwan and the operations of the ments are being carried on. Freshwater fish pro- Administration have since been confined to only a jects are also in existence for rearing T~iclzogaster small area in the waters north of Formosa and the and Tilapia, which has now bred profusely. Formosa Strait. As a result of the great depth, Gourami has also been widely distributed. strong currents and unfa\-ourable climatic conditions, The fish marketing activities, which had hitherto fishing methods and gear have been modified. been carried out on commercial lines, were handed Small trawls of 500 mesh were experimented with over to a Co-operative Organization, viz., The and adapted to the operations in 1949 winter. By Ceylon Co-operative Fish Sales Union, Ltd. The the following winter all trawls of 600 mesh were idea of an organization to deal with fish marketing abandoned and other improvements have been on modern lines was sponsored both by this depart- made in order to meet local conditions, including ment and the Co-operative Department in 1951, the lengthening of the " cod end " and the entire scheme was handed over to the Union on October 24, 1952. As a result, there has been a steady increase in fish production since the termination of World War 11, the 1952 catch of 121,600 tons having China passed the pre-war high in 1940**. Coastal fisheries No recent information is available regarding fish are by far the most important category, comprising landings on the China mainland, but this was esti- zbout 60% of the total landings. The building mated to have been of the order of 2,500,000 to of small powered vessels is being encouraged to 3,o~o,ooo*tons in 1948 and 1949. replace the numerous light country craft. Four In Taiwan (Formosa), fishing is also an important net treating plants have been constructed, operated industry. The Joint Commission on Rural Recon- by the local fishermen's associations. Funds have struction has supported a modest programme of been provided for the rehabilitation of two ice assistance to the industry, directed primarily to making plants at Makung and Hsinkang although inshore fishing (with due regard to conservation the total production of 20 tons a day is proving in- methods), fish farming, training and construction sufficient to meet the demand at the height of the and rehabilitation of fish harbours and anchorages, fishing season. Under the 1953 programme, the while the U.S. FOA assistance has been concen- Chunan Fishermen's Association will be assisted trated on deep-sea fisheries. Both organizations in putting up cold storage machinery, and portable work in close harmony with the Taiwan Fisheries refrigerators have been supplied to 28 communities. Bureau and the Taiwan Fishery Production Bureau. Training schemes include adaptation of fishermen to powered vessels and a series of short training The Fisheries Rehabilitation Administration was courses have been given on the operation of diesel first established by the United Nations Relief and engines. Rehabilitation Administration in 1946 for the purpose of rehabilitating China's post-war fisheries and Production from fish culture has increased from handling the distribution of fishing supplies and 5,242 tons in 1945 to 29,580 tons in 1952. The equipment. chief problem of fish culture in Taiwan is the supply The first relief fishing vessels were received by of fish fry. Since the fry of the three principal the Administration in the summer of 1946. They species of Chinese carp has ceased to be available, were all purse seiners, which had been purchased the programme envisages the substitution of com- by UNRRA from the west coast of the United mon carp, and four carp hatcheries have been estab- States. On account of scarcity of surface fish along lished. Chanos is an important food fish and the China coast these purse seiners were converted accounts for about 60% of the total pond fish pro- into otter trawlers operating in the vicinity of duction. The JCRR has given technical and finan- Chusan Archipelago. cial assistance for experimentation on pond fertilization in milkfish ponds by the Taiwan Fisheries In the summer of 1947 a second lot of trawlers Research Institute. converted from purse seiners arrived from the United States. These were specially ordered by Tilapia mossambica was introduced to Taiwan UNRRA and were of larger size. They have an from Malaya in 1944, and has become widely cul- over-all length of 87'-6" each, 92 tons net and 130 tured under a large-scale extension programme, tons gross, of steel hull construction. which includes its cultivation in ricefields (see " The -- * FA0 estimate. ** Source, J.C.R.R. Culture of 'l'ilapia in Rice Paddies in Taiwan " Government assisted in providing assorted varieties available at this Meeting). of fish seed from Calcutta to the deficit States and -4s regards seaweeds, the rehabilitation of the also obtained special concessions and facilities for beds has resulted in the production of some 15,ooo the transport of fish on the Indian railways. kg. from the Pescadores in 1952 as compared with Steps were taken by the State Golernments to a pre-war figure of +o,ooo kg. increase the number of fishermen's co-operatire societies and to liberalise the supplies of yarn, French Territories timber, sail cloth, fishing hooks and other require- There is no information on the fishing industry ments during the year. These organizations have in French Territories in Asia. been particularly active in the States of Saurashtra, Bombay, Travancore-Cochin, Madras, Orissa and India West Bengal. The registered fish landings for India were, in Research programmes taken up at the two Central 1952, 497,280 tons as against j51,j61* tons in Fisheries Research Stations and Sub-stations and 1951 (these figures do not include Kathiawar). also by the research units of the various Fisheries This reduction is largely due to the failure of the Departments of the States were continued. sardine and mackerel fisheries along the Malabar Coast. This figure does not, however, include Long-range schemes were also continued for fresh-water subsistence fishing which may well development of both marine and inland fisheries. bring the actual total up to the r,ooo,ooo tons mark. Two Dutch Cutters and two Reekie Boats of the Central Deep Sea Fishing Station continued to Some 5,200 tons of fisheries products were im- carry out exploratory fishing off the Bombay and ported in the year 1950/51 consisting largely of Saurashtra Coasts. A private Japanese fishing cured wet-salted and dried fish from the Arabian vessel worked successfulty during the year and Coast and Pakistan. Imports of canned fish were landed 1230 tons of fish in 26 voyages from 27 negligible. Exports are listed at 19,659 tons for November, 19j1 to 11 December, 1952. TWO the same period, an increase of over 3,000 tons on Danish Cutters of the West Bengal State continued the previous year, consisting mostly of dried, dried- to conduct exploratory fishing in the Bay of Bengal. salted and wet-salted fish to Burma and Ceylon. Their operations indicate the richness of fishing During the year under review, efforts to increase grounds at the head of the Bay of Bengal specially production of both marine and fresh-water fish were in regions off the mouth of the Mahanadi river. continued. In this connection the following measures were adopted. In Bombay State there has been an increasing demand for marine diesel engines for fitting in the The Central Government granted financial assist- local fishing craft operating in in-shore waters, there ance amounting to about Rs. 3,2z3,000 to different being 70 such powered craft in operation. In States for implementing 40 Grow More Food Madras, 11 small powered craft were fitted with Schemes for fisheries development. These schemes marine diesel engines. were directed towards increased production by undertaking (a) directly productive schemes, (b) Steps taken to improve the quality of cured fish schemes for powered fishing in the seas and (c) were continued in the maritime states of Bombay, for increasing the availability of fish. The schemes Travancore-Cochin, Saurashtra and Madras. were mostly continued from the previous year and An Indo-US. Operational Agreement signed the estimated additional production will be about early in the year, provides for an expenditure of 95,000 tons. $2,462,000 and Rs. 6,895,000. Under this Agree- Development of inland fisheries continued in ment preliminary steps were taken to procure most States by increasing the area under fish culture. equipment for the mechanisation of 144 small This has required surveys of cultivable waters, country craft, introduction of 14 mechanised multi- reclamation of derelict tanks and beeis and stocking purpose boats, two vessels for mother-ship opera- them with fry and fingerlings of suitable varieties tions, two purse-seiners for off-shore fishing, three of food fishes. About 2 lakh acres of inland waters trawlers for deep sea fishing, a dredger for clearance were surveyed during the year and more than 450 of small fishing harbours, establishment of nine lakhs of fry and fingerlings were collected and ice factories and cold storage plants and I i insulated utilised for stocking purposes. The Central road-vans for storage and transport of fish. -- - .. .-. .. - * Source, Govt. of India. The Government of India's cold storage plant pr~marilyof skipjack, with small amounts of yellow in Bombay mas completed by the end of 1951 and fin. Fishermen operate from March to December started freezing operations from March, 1952. using hook and line v-ith live bait. The catch is During the year 1952, this plant has handled 968 landed fresh, sold at n-holesale public auction, and tons of chilled fish, 924 tons (for g months) of frozen generally distributed smoked. fish, and 202 tons (for 7 months) of frozen meat and The total fish landings in Indonesia in 1949 has sold z,So3B tons of ice. Two ice-cum-freezing were recorded as 420,000 tons.* Imports of plants of the Madras State are nearing completion at fisheries products were 53,600~tons in 1951, con- Mangalore and Kozikode. The Bombay State gave sisting mainly of cured fish from Singapore (14,ooo t.) assistance to fishermen's co-operative societies for and Thailand (16,ooo t.) while canned sardines from erecting ice plants. Further facilities for quick the V.S. (9,700 t,) and Japan (8,oco t.) accounted transport of fish by means of fish carrier launches for the bulk of the remainder. Exports were and road-vans were provided by the Bombay 21,200 tons for the same period, consisting largely and Madras States, respectively. of crustacean and mollusc offal. Navigational test tank equipment has been in- Sea fisheries in Indonesia are said to support stalled at the Central Water and Power Research about 320,000 fishermen or about one million Station, Poona. persons. The catch in 1952 amounted to 365,000 The services of the following experts were obtained tons of fish to the value of 1,666 million rupiahs. from abroad through the F.A.O. and F.O.A. : One The development of sea fisheries is not merely a Industrial Consultant to advise on the working of technical problem of increasing the fish produc- the Government of India Deep Sea Fishing Station, tion; long term socio-economic factors play an one Fishery Consultant to advise on the working of important role. The Government Sea Fisheries the F.O.A. -4ssistance Programme, one Inland Service is concerned with both these aspects. The Fisheries Specialist and one Fishery Engineer for technical part is based on the results of pre-war West Bengal. Steps were taken also to obtain research ; the efficiency and the production of the the services of a Harbour Specialist, a Naval Archi- sea fishery can be increased rapidly only through tect, a Fish Culturist and a Fishery Engineer. modernization and mechanization, and in order to increase the production capacity of the existing Training for fisheries administrators continued sailing boats, it is necessary to use carriers in order at the inland fisheries research station, Barrack- to transport the fish from boats to the fish market. pore, and eight state-sponsored officers and private Additional measures are : the establishment of candidates completed the course during the year. stations and workshops in important fishing centres, Training in fishing methods from powered vessels the erection of ice plants and cold storage installa- was imparted to eight men on the vessels of the deep tions, and, eventually, canneries. sea fishing station and 17 men on the Japanese vessel Taiyo Maru No. 17. Twenty-six fishermen The development of the sea-fishery must provide of Bombay State received training as mechanical a better living for the fishermen and their families. drivers and navigators. Four officers of the State The Government believes that the fishermen must Fishery Departments were deputed to Indonesia have an opportunity to modernize their own indus- to attend the fish culture seminar conducted by try and they must not become labourers of big in- F.A.O., five officers were deputed to receive fishery dustries, and that this can only be done if the fisher- statistical training at Bangkok under the Technical men organize themselves -in cooperatives, which Assistance Programme, and one officer was deputed must have Government credit facilities. to U.K. under the Colombo plan. Fisheries schools Early in 1952 through the intermediary of the organised for the benefit of the small children of U.S. technical aid programme, 60 motorized mayang fishermen continued to function successfully in boats purchased from Japan were sent to fisher- the Madras and Bombay States. men's organizations in various fishing centres and some mayang boats were also built in the country. Indonesia A number of hulls built by the Sea Fisheries Ser- Indonesia's tuna fisheries are in an early develop- vice have been equipped with engines from abroad. mental stage. Very little tuna is taken at present, Fifteen bonito boats made in Japan of 20 tons each but pre-war Japanese fishing operations indicated were also sent to East Indonesia and two tuna clip- that there were substantial stocks in several areas pers of jo tons each have arrived from Fiji while of the archipelago. Present tuna catches consist five experts from Fiji have come to Indonesia to --- - -. ------* Source, FA0 Yearbook of Fisheries statistics. train workers in their operation. Two refrigerated fact that fish is in itself one of the most complete fish carriers hare been purchased from the Nether- foods, it might even be said that there is an im- lands which, it is hoped, will arrive in Indonesia balance of diet in reverse proportion to that of other in the course of I9j3. .Isian countries, since according to the Japanese Fisheries Agency 78O, of the animal protein con- Since the sea fisheries cannot at present supply sumed by the urban population (including milk and the amount of fish needed, fish farming is of great importance. Fish farming includes brackish-water eggs) is derived from fish, while in rural districts fish culture co~eringan area of 112,450 hectares, this figure may be as high as 8700. fish culture in 14,000 hectares of fresh-water ponds, Japan has 2,044 fishing villages along 13,845 fish culture in 270,000 hectares of rice fields, fishing miles of coastline (including islands), with some in about 9 million hectares of lakes and marshes, 1,500,000 fisherfolk which with their families re- and fishing in rivers. The Bureau for Inland Fish- present 6O/, of the total population. These people eries aims to improve existing methods, to pro- and their operations have been the special concern mote the use of improved hatcheries and selected of the Government in its rehabilitation and re- fingerlings, distribution of better species of fish, organization programmes. to diffuse information on the lay-out and main- The recovery of the fishing industry since the tenance of fish ponds, release of fish into swamps cessation of World War I1 has been rapid, produc- and lakes, to supply improved fishing gear, to con- tion having increased from 2,260,850 short tons in duct courses for extension workers and for fish 1945 to about 3,800,000* metric tons in 1951 (other farmers, to promote through demonstrations the large producers were, the U.S. 2,345,000 tons, use of organic manure in ponds. Norway 1,820,000 tons, China and the U.S.S.R. The repair of 338 kilometres of ditches has resul- with unknown quantities in the neighbourhood of ted in the improvement of 15,760 hectares of fish two million tons each and India with a possible ponds. 5,100 breeding fish have been distributed, ~,ooo,oootons). The number of fishing boats in- and 6,737,500 fingerlings have been released into creased from 297,723 in 1946 to 480,340 in 1950. swamps, lakes and fish ponds, covering an area of The herring group accounted for 852,500 tons, 17,000 hectares, resulting in a total production in- and molluscs 876,800 tons, tuna and other mackerel- crease of 12%. like species 338,400 tons, the perciformes 230,000 tons and the gadoids 2r1,ooo tons. The following technical assistance has been received : Exports in 195 I were 78,260 tons* of which frozen tuna shipped to the U.S. accounted for nearly 20,000 A sea fisheries specialist, 2 engineers and 3 assist- tons, while canned products accounted for another ant engineers from Fiji (experts in tuna fishing) to 22,500 tons. As might be supposed, imports were train Indonesian fishermen in tuna fishing and in negligible. the operating of refrigerated tuna clippers, supplied by the U.S. programme. The .Government has There has been a considerable increase in recent requested the Organization for two experts on years in shellfish culture in inshore waters. ' shrimp fisheries. One of the features of Japanese Fisheries Adminis- tration is the complete network of fisheries radio stations, on which a paper has been received for the Many problems of the Japanese domestic fisheries, present Meeting. A further paper has been sub- which are essentially of the temperate zone, are mitted on fisheries education in Japan, as well as somewhat foreign to those of the Indo-Pacific numerous descriptive and method papers on the Region as originally defined by the Council. Never- different phases of the industries themselves. theless, the benefit of the store of fisheries know- The food fish taken in fresh waters are eel (Anguilla ledge which is available to the most outstanding fishing country in the world, cannot but be of great japonica) ayu or sarnlet (Plecoglossus altivelis), pond benefit to the Council, especially as regards the smelt (Hypomesus olidus) dace, and the common high seas tuna fisheries and the general adminis- and crucian carps (raised in rice fields), while salmon trative approach to the problems. ascend the northern rivers. Rainbow and brook trout were transplanted from the U.S.in the early Perhaps the most striking single aspect of Japanese goo's, grass carp was imported from China inthe life is the large amount of fish consumed by all 1940's. The best production from freshwaters in classes of the population ; in fact, discounting the recent years was 102,000 tons in 1942, this figure - * Source, FA0 Yearbook of Fisheries Statistics. haring dropped in 1949 to below 42,000 tons. The to Ceylon in 1951 were 2,151 tons of Maldire output of fish from rice fields was 1,946 tons in that Fish (about half the pre-war figure) and 387 tons year, from I j8,j00 acres, the present production of other types of cured fish. being less than I ,000 tons from 226,000 acres. The chief government administrative institution Netherlands Territories (Xetherlands Sew is, since 1948, the Japanese Fisheries Agency, al- Guinea) though the Prefectures hare their own programmes, The fishing industry in Western New Guinea is often including numerous experimental stations and for the major part still on a subsistence level. Near large research vessels. the major coastal towns-Hollandia, Manokawari, Sorong, Fakfak, and Merauke-a limited amount The high seas tuna fleet, including mother-ship of fresh fish is sold to European and Chinese in- operations, now numbers many hundreds of large, habitants. weli-equipped vessels ; the salmon expedition operating in the North Pacific exceeded the target set of The fishing methods employed by the native 1,500,ooo fish for the 1952 season. Japanese peoples are primitive, although fairly well adapted whalers have resumed fishing in the North Pacific. to local circumstances. Since the establishment with an uncompleted target of 5.5 whales per day. of a Fisheries Service by the Government a consider- Antarctic whaling remains steady at about 131,000 able amount of cotton fishline, netting, hooks and tons per year. other implements is being imported and distributed to the local fishermen, resulting in an increasing use of these materials. Statistics of the fish pro- Korea duction are not yet available but there are indica- The Council has little information on the fisheries tions of increased catch and consumption. of Korea. Statistics for South Korea show that fish production has declined to about one third of No signs of a lack of protein in the diet of the the pre-war figure and in 1951 stood at about 277,000 people are found, except in the interior, where tons. Landings in North Korea were reported fishing is sporadic. Extensive water areas for fish in 1938 to have been 1,326,000 tons. culture are however available for future development. Laos It is believed that there is an abundance of neritic- The fisheries of Laos are exclusively in the river pelagic fish, especially of Rastrclliger and Surdinella Mekhong and other freshwaters. Little is known and also oceanic stocks of tuna and related species. in regard to the landings, which are of a subsistence A steel experimental tuna boat of go gross tons nature. There has been little attempt to encourage for tuna long lining and live bait fishing in equatorial fish culture practices which would undoubtedly waters became available in the latter part of 1952. contribute to better nutritional standards. The A trawl cutter of 80 gross tons for experimental Government has recently assigned a member of the fishing on the Sahul Shelf between New Guinea staff of the Ministry of Agriculture to make pre- and the coast of Australia is under construction in liminary investigations in this respect and it is Holland and was to be available in June, 1953. announced that the Royal Laos Government will Both ships will be operated by local crews under for the first time be represented by an Observer at the command of Dutch fishery captains with tropical this Meeting of the Council. experience. Maldives Republic Improvement of fishing methods and more particularly the methods of fish preservation by salting The Maldive Islands in 1953 became a Republic and smoking, is the concern of the Department of under the protection of the United Kingdom Sea Fisheries. Government which is responsible for the Republic's international relations. The territory was pre- With a view to the improvement of the diet of viously administered by the Sultanate with foreign the rural population, an investigation is being made relations through Ceylon. Although fishing is an into the cause of the low supply of fish and it is important industry and a thriving export trade in considered important to increase the fresh-water " Maldive Fish "--a specially prepared hard, dur- fish population. Trials made with the planting able product with a consistency somewhat similar of carps in the Wissel lakes in I940 failed and the to the smoked bonito sticks of Japan-the Council planting of Trichogaster in the Ajamaru lakes was has little, information on the fisheries. Exports rather unsuccessful. Pakistan Pakistan 10,300 tons* (principally fresh fish to West Bengal, India), while there was a large export of The registered statistics of fish landings are given 6,500 tons of fish fertilizer principally to Ceylon as 77,000 tons* of which roughly half corresponds and the U.K. to East and West Pakistan, respectively. It is evident, however, that this figure ignores subsis- The Government of Pakistan has taken an active tence fisheries, which may account for as much as part in the Council's Hilsa Sub-committee, which 200,000 tons, it having been estimated that 50,000 has proposed an international research project for tons of freshwater species alone are caught annually investigations on the bioiogy of this species. Several in East Bengal. papers have been presented at this Meeting by the The fisheries of West Pakistan engage a large Government of Pakistan. number of the traditional vessels, the design of which is being studied by FA0 naval architects. Much mechanization has taken place, while two Philippines fisheries research vessels are being constructed in From 1946 through 1951, the catch statistics the U.K. The industry of East Pakistan is still showed an overall increase in the total production largely dependent on small country craft which are of fresh fish with some apparent recession between not suitable for fishing out of sight of land, and are 1948 and 1950. A year after the cessation of hardly mechanized at all. World War 11, production started with 49,600 metric tons in 1946 reaching a maximum of 296,100r Production and distribution are greatly handi- metric tons in 1951. The recession between 1948 capped by the lack of berthing accommodation and and 1950 was attributed mainly to the intensive organized marketing facilities, which makes for government campaign against illegal fishing methods, rapid deterioration of the catch and low prices for while the inland fisheries were likewise being dep- the fishermen. An FA0 team has at the request of the Government designed a new fish harbour and leted due to over-fishing. market for Karachi. In East Pakistan, the absence There has been a consistent increase in the total of organized distribution is much more evident number of commercial fishing craft from 358 units and an FA0 team has made its recommendations in 1946 to 1,148 in 1951. The increase in number for the establishment of collection points and water- of powered craft was more preponderant than in borne carriers. The situation in East Bengal suffered non-powered craft. In 1946 there were 215 power- a serious deterioration subsequent to the cutting ed and 143 non-powered craft but in 1951 the former off of its largest natural market, Calcutta. There increased to 792 and the latter to 356 units. The is no doubt that the vast network of inland water- successful introduction of the American Otter ways of the Pakistan Sundarbans could well form Trawl in 1946-47 and the use of improved trawling the basis for a thriving fishing industry, in addition winches in the trawl fishery; and the adoption of to which there are considerable possibilities of in- cooler refrigeration in the fish holds are outstanding tensive culture operations in over 8,000,ooo hec- developments in the mechanization of marine tares of lacustrine waters and rice fields. fisheries. One modern fishmeal plant of 10 tons capacity per 24 hours has been installed at Karachi. A joint This mechanization of craft and gear has involved Company with American and Pakistani Capital has a reduction in the number of commercial fishermen been formed to freeze and export shrimps from in the insular fisheries from 12,318 in 1949 to 9,463 Karachi to foreign countries. The building for in 1951. the installation of the plant is under way, the plant The coastal trawl fishery ranks first among the has been shipped and it is expected that the work principal marine fisheries of the Philippines with will start by February, 1954. in aggregate catch of about 26,345 metric tons. There is need of basic research on the biology This fishery developed from a modest beginning in of both the marine and freshwater stocks in order 1900 employing sailing sampans until the 1930's to facilitate Government appraisal of its future when an over-all mechanization of both the craft development policy. and gear occurred. World War I1 brought considerable damage to the entire fishing industry, but Exports of fish products for 1951 were : West immediately after liberation. in r945, the industry Pakistan (principally cured fish) 21,800 tons, East has steadily increased to its present level.

.-- - ... - .. .------.- -- * FA0 Yearbook of Fisheries Statistics. Since 1949 there has been an increasingly evident 8,242 metric tons in 1947 to an all-time low of about over-expansion of the trawling fleet in operation. 3,176 metric tons in 1950. A slight increase in With very limited coastal trawling grounds, esti- landings in 1951 occurred brought about by the mated at about 4,500 sq. miles, some areas are being opening of next- grounds in Sorthern Palan-an after over-fished and signs of depletion are noticeable. depleting the Visayan Sea sardine grounds. During Expansion beyond the existing 40 fathom-line this period there was almost a wholesale transfer of the sardine fishing fleet (bag netters and round of commercial operation has proved unprofitable haul seiners) from the Visayan Sea to northern on account of the absence of commercial market- and northeastern Palawan. Three commercial able species at this depth and any large-scale ex- Only one pansion of the fishery would be by the use of larger species of Surdinella support this fishery. species of freshwater herring, Harengula tawilis of trawlers in the oceanic grounds along the south and Lake Taal is taken in commercial quantities. Of southeast coast of China and Hong Kong. late, this lake fishery seems to be showing signs of Regulation of the coastal fisheries is under serious decline due to over-fishing activity with the aid study by the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries. The of poxerful mantle and electric lamps. trawl fishery depends upon 30 families of fishes represented by about 98 tropical species most of The Carangoids (crevalles, cavallas and scads) which are percomorphs. are included in this group, contributing about 5.4% of the landings of the insular marine fisheries The reef fishery ranks second to the trawl fishery m 1950. The landings had declined from 4,863 with a total landing of about .7,140 metric tons in metric tons in 1947 to 2,641 metric tons in 1950. 1950. At the outbreak of World War I1 there were However, in the latter part of 1951, a relatively 16 (muro-arni) fishing vessels in the Philippines new carangoid group, the round scads, entered the but during the post-war period it has decreased to fishery. In 1951 alone, 4,644 metric tons were 2 in 1951. The fishery is apparently reviving on landed by the bag net and round haul seiners, more account of the intensive campaign being waged by than the combined landings of crevalles and cavallas the government against the use of explosives and in the same year. Commercial fishermen have noted fish poisons. The fishery depends upon 20 families lately that the round scads are replacing the clupeoids consisting of 55 species. Of these, five species of and chub mackerels in the pelagic-neritic fisheries. Caesios contributed more than 50 per cent of the total catch. The tunas and bonitos are the least exploited of the pelagic-neritic fisheries and are well below the In the pelagic-neritic fisheries, the anchovies, potential output, having contributed less than one chub mackerels, clupeoids, and the carangoids are per cent of the total landings of the insular fisheries considered the commercially important groups. in 1950. Since the cessation of the operation of In 1950 the combined landings from these three the two Taiwanese long-line vessels in the early fisheries amounted to about 32% of the total catch. part of 1951, the catch has declined to 297 metric tons. Any industrial development of this fishery Anchovies rank first among the pelagic neritic will depend upon the yellowfin and striped tunas fisheries contributing about 12.5% of the total and would require large investment for the con- production of the insular fisheries (1950). The struction of vessels and processing plants. production from this fishery has steadily increased from 409 to about 9,001 metric tons. The line and trap fishery contributes less than one per cent but has prospects if developed on an The chub mackerel (RastrelZager) ranks next to extensive scale. Snappers and groupers are the the anchovies in commercial importance, contribut- commercial species contributing to the fishery.. ing about 7.4% of the total landing of the insular Before the war the Japanese organized small fishing fisheries in 1950. The catch has fluctuated from dinghies attached to a mother vessel using multiple 3,928 to 3,516 metric tons in 1950, and soared to handlines operating at depths up to 80 fathoms. an all-time height of about 8, 501 metric tons in 195 I. There seems to be no apparent depletion of the The depletion of the fishery for Teuthis owing fishery; the fluctuation may be attributed to its to over-fishing during the last ten years is receiving relative availability for the fishermen due to un- serious consideration. known biological factors. The fishery for lantern fishes (myctophids) is Clupeoids (herrings and sardines) are next in a comparatively recent development. Because of importance to the chub mackerels, contributing the relatively high protein and ash content its general about 6.7% of the landings from the insular fisheries utilization as a source of fish meal for the rapidly in 1950. The landings started to decline from growing livestock industry has great possibilities, In the fish pond fishery, the use of mechanical an important activity in Macau and Timor, the shovels, bull-dozers and centrifugal pumps in the principal methods used in the first-named being reclamation and construction of ponds has been sailing junks and a large, special type of lift net. successfully adopted. Small gasoline inboard engines have been extensively used to propel the Thailand age-old dugout crafts. Second only to rice, fish is the most important Of the three sources of fish produced in the item in the Thai diet and it is the only complete Philippines, the baiigos (Chanos chanos) fish pond protein food that can be produced in laige enough fishery has steadily developed in extent by a con- volume and cheaply enough to reach the mass of tinuous increase in acreage under cultivation. The population ; nevertheless, although the Gulf of areas under cultivation started with about 52,000 Thailand is one of the most productive marine areas hectares in 1946, reaching about 85,000 hectares in Southeast Asia, it is not being utilized efficiently in I 95 I. An additional area of about I 5,000 hectares or sufficiently. was expected to be developed in 1952, thereby making a total of about ~oo,ooohectares under In 19j1 the sea fisheries showed a decline as cultivation during the 1953 season. Cultivation compared with 1950. The fish sold in the Bangkok of Tilapia, Gouramy and Carp is also being inten- Wholesale Fish Market was composed of 40,800 sified. Substantial financial assistance is being tons of fresh fish and 27,300 tons of salted fish in provided to fish farmers and demonstration ponds 1950, and 23,000 tons of fresh fish and 22,700 tons are being constructed, while there is a programme of salted fish in 195 I. for stocking natural waters and rice fields with The Government has given loans amounting Tilapia and Carp. to 4,000,000 bahts to the fishermen to recondition The stability of the fish pond industry compared traps damaged by typhoons. with that of the sea fishery and the effective finan- In 1952, the number of fish fry and fingerlings cing program of the Philippine Government through distributed to the people throughout the Kingdom the Rehabilitation Finance Corporation have con- by the Fisheries Department was 830,000 as com- tributed to the development of this industry during pared with 167,000 and 691,000 in 1950 and 1951 the last two years. About 400,000 hectares of respectively. potential brackish-water areas capable of large TO meet the demand of fish-pond owners in production are still available in the Philippines. Bangkok and in the other provinces, Chinese carp The production from the fish ponds has continuously fry have been imported from Hong- Kong.- increased from 22,379 metric tons in 1946 to 38,570 The sum of 114,ooo bahts was appropriated in metric tons in 1951, an increase of about 72%. 1951 and 66,900 bahts in 1952 for the promotion Projected development of the fish ponds under of pond culture in Bangkok and Dhonburi. There the U.S. Technical Aid Programme includes the were 305 fish ponds totalling 162,000 sq. metres in establishment of fish nurseries, demonstration farms 1951, and 545 fish ponds totalling 661,500 sq. and a systematic fish stocking programme of in- metres in 1952. About 29,400 fish fry in 1951 land natural waters. and 256,500 fish fry were stocked in 1952. TO- The baiigos (Chanos) fish fry industry is the wards the end of 1952, there was a great demand most important of the municipal fisheries. Normal for Tilapia for pond culture, some 307,000 fish production is sufficient to stock about 161,000 hec- having been distributed. tares. This supply will be ample for the require- he average annual catch of freshwater fish is ments of the next three or five years assuming the about 50,000 tons, worth about 25,000,000 bahts. rapid development of the inland fisheries and the One of the principal sources of freshwater fish fish pond industry. This fishery presents no picture is the leased areas where fish are, shortly after the of depletion and new fry grounds are being opened rainy season, assembled and grown to m'arket size. and developed in many coastal areas of the They are also exploited from various rivers and Philippines. swamps by means of stationary and moveable gears. The Philippines imported 46,318 tons of fish The conditions of inland fishing grounds in products in 1951, an increase of 61% over the Thaiiand are, at present, badly deteriorated. The previous year. The main item was canned sardines yield of fish from those grounds has, as a result, from the United States. Exports were negligible. diminished from year to year. A scheme for developing the inland fishing grounds is there- Portuguese Territories fore required. Little is known of the fisheries of Portuguese Large numbers of Chanos (milkfish) fry and territories in the Region except that these constitute fingerlings have been collected from Prachuab and Chanthaburi Provinces and investigations of local Culture Training Courses for Thai fisheries officers ; fry grounds haw been continued through 1952. (5) development of fish culture in paddy fields, An experimental station has been under construc- irrigation tanks and sn-amps. Financial assistance tion at Prachuab. Other prominent brackish-water has also been received from FO.1 in connection animals suitable for culturing are the area shell with these projects. (Arca),sea mussels (-VIj~tilrrs),oysters and shrimps F.10 fellowships were awarded to four Thai which all gron- plentifully. fisheries officers 1%-hoparticipated in the fish culture In 1951 and 19j2 the sum of 61,200 bahts and training centres in Indonesia. I 53,290 bahts respectively, were appropriated for In 1950, one expert in the field of marine fisheries the establishment of a marine station at Rayong. and fishing craft, and two refrigeration engineers It was expected to start work in 19j3. were provided by the American Aid Programme ~iiheriesofficers of the Department of Fisheries to assist in initiating a marine fisheries programme, together with U.S. personnel conducted a prelimin- make a survey and plan the construction of a refri- ary survey of the Gulf of Thailand. Experiments geration and ice plant. on the operation of the Japanese Muro-Ami net Five FOA fellowships have been awarded to were carried out at Prachuab, with satisfactory fisheries officers for one year's training in the C.S. results. in fisheries technology and refrigeration, fisheries The study of the fishing gears operated in the biology, fisheries management and co-operatives. inner gulf and around the eastern coast was pro- Some 20,900 tons of cured fish was exported ceeded with. Various fisheries equipment such as from Thailand in rgjr* principally to Indonesia, giH net, otter trawl net, Danish seine, Muro-Ami, while imports were registered as 3,300 tons. fathom meter, electric generator, fishing boat and marine demi-diesel engines were received under the U.S. Technical Assistance Programme. The United Kingdom Territories shark and shrimp resources are also to be assayed Brunei. There was a marked increase in the num- with FOA assistance. FOA is also assisting Thai- ber of registered fishing craft, from 224 in 1950 land, through its fisheries officer, Mr. M. J. Lobell, to 692 in 1951. Appreciable progress has been in the experimental operation of different types of made towards increasing the supply of fish and indigenous and Japanese gear and simple trawl prawns and reducing the time which elapses be- nets, fish handling and processing, and other in- tween capture and consumption, with the enthusias- vestigations. tic co-operation of the fishermen. Government Thailand has been authorized to spend US$x~,ooo loans have been granted for the purchase of ow- for the purchase of fishing gear in the U.S. and board engines, larger and more seaworthy craft and other equipment, and co-operative societies possessions. have been encouraged. It is considered premature Pla-thu (Rastrelliger) is the economic fish of to suggest any further changes in the traditional Thailand because of its abundance in Thai waters. fishing methods. It is, therefore, the common daily food of the poor and the only low price animal protein food. The Federation of Malaya and Singapore. Despite amount of catch of this fish is estimated at not less a series of emergency situations during the post- than 50,000 tons per annum. At present the fishery war years the fisheries of the Federation of Malaya is badly depleted owing to over-fishing and un- and Singapore had, by 1949, been rehabilitated to controlled exploitation. the point that the production of 126,000 tons was above the pre-war average of 85,000 tons, and The Thai Government Bangkok Wholesale Fish there was a further increase to 144,700 tons in Market commenced operation in -4pri1, 1953 and 1950. This recovery was the more remarkable construction of a large cold storage has commenced. since 45% of Singapore's fish was in pre-war years produced by a Japanese fleet and there were con- In 1951, Dr. S. W. Ling was assigned by FA0 siderable imports of cured fish from Indonesia, to the Thai Fisheries Department. Dr. Ling has Thailand and Burma, the availability of which was advised and assisted in (I) the introduction of reduced after the war. The coastal fisheries of many practical fish cultural techniques; (2) Singapore are mainly exploited by fishing stakes. developing the four inland fisheries stations ; (3) offering practical technical training to Thai fisheries There was, however, a decline in landings in 195 I technicians ; (4) organizing and conducting Fish and I952 to 138,000 tons in each year, which is -- * Source, FA0 Yearbook of Fisheries Statistics. attributed partly to security operations and partly petition from Opkicepltabs and other predaceous to the infestation during 19j1 of many species of fishes and the experiments have been discontinued. fish by the post-larval stage of a platyheiminth worm, .Although the Malayan fisherman gets perhaps which made the fish unacceptable to the buyers, a higher price than his counterpart in neighbour- 11-hile 1952 ws a bad fishing year, particularly on ing countries, there is still an urgent need for the Sorth-TVest Coast. In 1942 the total pop- greater efficiency in methods and especially in lation was .+% million and in 1952 it was 64 million transportation and marketing facilities. Statistical people. analysis shox-s that the price of fish is closely cor- The total number of powered fishing craft rose related with the price of rubber in Singapore. from 588 in 1949 to 1,822 in 1952 and 2,422 in The Director of the Regional Fisheries Research June, 1953, while the number of unpomered craft Station for South-east Asia arrived in Singapore dropped from 22,954 to 17,025 in the same period. in June, 1952 and is planning the building of his The total number of fishermen fell from 72,000 laboratory, research craft and the purchase of in 1947 to 65,000 in 1952, showing an increased equipment. The Commonwealth Fish-culture Re- catch per unit of effort. search Station has been delayed for a number of reasons, including the availability of water supplies. Mechanization has been achieved with the assistance of the Fisheries Department through the The Department of Fisheries now po,wesses seven fitting of outboard engines to native craft which mechanised vessels, varying from a 26-foot inboard act as fish carriers and as tugs for country boats. diesel-engined inshore craft to a 107-ton seiner- Pair trawIers have been used on offshore grounds trawler. It has also three inspection launches. and diesel craft have been developed for inshore Experiments were carried out in Singapore on the fishing and purse-seining. Demonstration of proto- preservation of fishing nets. type craft has been followed up by schemes for Imports of fish products to Malaya and Singapore financial assistance to fishermen. In order to keep increased from 40,500 tons in 1949 to 58,300 tons pace with increasing mechanization, short courses in 1950 and 98,700 tons in 1g51*. As has been have been arranged at Penang in boat construction stated above, however, imports of cured fish con- and engine installation and maintenance. The sumed by the indigenous population had dropped use of ice in fish carriers at sea is now widespread from a pre-war figure of 52,600 tons to 11,600 tons and there is a wider distribution of fish inland than heretofore. The Government has now built its in 1949 and the 1952 figure of 41,500 tons (from own dockyard at which fishing craft are constructed Thailand, Japan, Indonesia and Indochina) is still for those who receive a financial subsidy. below previous imports. The total import figure is largely composed of canned fish (some of which The cultivation of cockles on the foreshore has is re-exported) from the United States, the United been developed and encouraged on the west coast Kingdom, South Africa and other countries and with a consequent reduction in price to the consumer. of fish for use as fertilizer from Indonesia. Ex- portations accounted for 47,300 tons, including In the field of freshwater fisheries, provision for 32,662 tons of cured products, mainly to Indo- fish cultivation has been made wherever new land nesia, which represents in part re-exports through has been brought under irrigation control for rice Singapore's entrepot trade. cultivation. There has been a widespread increase in fish culture among the Malay peasant and more A programme of fundamental research has been than 1,800 fish cultivators have commenced reap- pursued on the factors affecting the distribution of ing a harvest 1952, in many cases with Government fish resources in space and time and the social and financial assistance. A new form of Chinese fish economic conditions in the fishing industry. farm has been developed, in conjunction with the Hong Kong. Practically the only fisheries re- raising of pigs, fruit and vegetables and yields have sources are the seas around the Colony up to IOO been consistently as high as 5.16 tons of produce miles. There is a small amount of pond culture per acre, of which fish represents about 29 tons. but this is insignificant. It is estimated that there are at least 3,000 acres under direct fish cultivation and some 4j0,ooo acres The total quantity of fresh fish sold during I951 of irrigated rice land producing fish as a cash crop. was 22,138 tons** with a wholesale value of Experiments with the introduction of Tilapia to HK$30,424,549 and dried and salted fish 8,016 tons rice fields have been unsuccessful owing to com- valued at HK$8,687,688. The fishing population

* Source, FA0 Yearbook of Fisheries Statistics. ** Source, Governrnent report to FA0 57 was estimated in 1951 at 52,800, while the fishing Xorth Borneo. Fish landings in Sandakan during fleet was composed of 776 large trawlers, 150 long 1952 ayeraged approximately 75.3 tons monthly. liners, 1,700 purse seiners, 1,500 hand liners and Landings in Jesselton were about half this quantity. miscellaneous bringing the total up to j,3 15. In 1953 the average daily sales in the Sandakan market have risen to 2.8 tons. A large mechanical drier has been installed in the CO-operatives and Marketing Department with a Three small Hongkong trawlers, which were ,,pacity for 2 tons of fish at one time. This drier brought into the Colony by a private company in no\y operates on a commercial scale and is under- 1951, ceased to operate in March, 19j2. stood to be the first of its kind in the tropics. At Tawau the fish supply exceeds the local de- Excellent facilities are pro~idedby the Govern- mand, and at the beginning of 1953 a fish plant ment .Wholesale Fish Marketing Organization, in- capable of storing 30 tons of fresh fish i-as installed cluding transport by a fleet of launches and trucks. by a local fishing company. The average monthly There are two large wholesale markets, one in shipment of frozen fish to Singapore from Tawau Victoria and one in Kowloon. The Organization's is 5 I .71 piculs valued at $I,990. is 6q/, covering all services from the time of landing to the time it reaches the retail market. The Fresh Water Fish Culture scheme is pro- The Organization provides low interest credit ceeding satisfactorily. More than 60 ponds have facilities to fishermen from a revolving fund of been completed, of which the majority are already HK$25o,ooo, from which loans amounting to stocked. HK$g73,500 have been made. Trichogaster has been experimentally introduced The Fisheries Division is carrying out a survey to rice fields. Tilapia mossambica has success- of fishing grounds and types of fish caught on them, fully spawned in the Sandakan nursery pond. surveys of oyster beds, pond fishing and the possibility of fish farming on rice land. Smawak. Fish is the staple food of a large part of the population of the Colony, mostly from marine Imports to Hong Kong rose to 36,850~tons in sources and it was possible to export a small surplus 1951 as against 24,900 tons in 1950 and about 7,000 in 1951. A recent survey indicates that there are tons pre-war. This included fresh fish and shell- no concentrations of fish which would justify large- fish from China and Macau, canned fish from the scale operations. There is, however, scope for U.S. and Canada, cured cuttlefish, (squid) from some mechanization of local methods. Japan and 3,280 tons of seaweeds. Exports (mostly re-exports) were 22,900 tons, Conditions are generally suitable for freshwater including re-exports of canned fish and shellfish fish farming and some Chinese farmers obtain large to Malaya, cuttlefish to Malaya and Thailand and and economic yields. However, since most of the 4,075 tons of sea-weeds. fry have to be imported from the China mainland, experiments are in hand with Tilapia (which can The Hong Kong Government continues its policy be bred successfully in Sarawak) to determine how of encouraging mechanization of local fishing craft, best to manage this type of fresh-water fish. loans having been made for this purpose by the Department of Marketing and Co-operatives and through a HK$8oo,ooo five-year loan from the United States Territories British Colonial Development and Welfare Fund, Hawaii. Commercial fish landings during the administered by the Director of Agriculture, Fores- year 1950-51 totalled 8,650 metric tons, valued at try and Fisheries. Considerable credit assistance nearly US$4,ooo,ooo to the fishermen. This rep- has also been given by commercial firms. There resented a 29% increase in tonnage over the previous are at present 232 mechanized vessels in the Colony, year. A poor tuna run in 1952, however, reduced of which 87 were installed during 1953. the 1952 tuna figure by 27%. although increased landings of other species resulted in a net reduction A training course for skippers who have mechan- of only 10%. ized their vessels under the above schemes was commenced in December, 1952 and has had con- The Pacific Oceanic Fishery Investigations have siderable success, there now being a long waiting continued with three major lines of research, in- list of trainees. A further course for the training cluding the ecology, distribution and abundance of mechanics is being organized. of tuna in equatorial waters, the study of the skip------* Source, FA0 Yearbook of Fisheries Statistics. 5 8 jack fishery in island waters and artificial bait studies. wide scale for the time being, although it is known Interesting conclusions have been reached regard- that there are numerous fishing communities all ing the upweliing of nutrient-rich waters owing along the coast of the South China Sea and the Gulf to the convergence of the equatorial currents in of Tonkin. the Pacific, although the role played by fronts in the region of convergence and the associated dis- The Ministry of Public Works is presently charg- tribution of zooplankton and tuna has still to be ed with the administration of the marine fisheries, clarified. while the Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for the freshwater fisheries. There is a fairly close American Samoa. There are no organized co-operation between the two ministries in matters fisheries in American Samoa, fishing being on a relating to these industries. subsistence basis. Six wooden Japanese trawlers have been provided Guam. Fishing on the island is confined almost by the U. S. Special Technical and Economic Mission exclusively to areas within the reef and production to Indochina and these are lying at points in North, is inadequate to supply local demand. The totaI Central and South Viet Nam. There is a project estimated cat'ch for the year 1950-51 was 220 metric whereby the fishermen's co-operatives would be tons. enabled to acquire those boats, after an initial Ryukyu Islands. The paramount problem con- trial period. The same agency has provided two fronting the Ryukuan fishing industry is the neces- large purse seiners based on Saigon but there is sity to engage in deep-sea fishing around the archi- little information as to their progcamme of work. pelago and the adjacent seas. Prior to World Fisheries patrol boats have also been provided. War I1 fishing was carried out by Japanese fisher- Fisheries biological investigations are being carried men operating out of their home islands. Fish out by the Institut Oceanographique de Nha Trang migrate northwards passing Borneo and the Philip- under the direction of Monsieur R. Serene, the pines, enter the Ryukyu waters and are exploited present Chairman of the Council. by Japan-based vessels of 60 tons and larger. Ryukuan fishermen have traditionally limited their Fresh fish (principally Pangmius) is imported operations to the narrow coastal belt and these from Cambodia in Junks with live-holds, which grounds are limited by the steep dropping away of have a water circulation excepting during the short bottom and the existance of coral, which prevents marine journey between the mouths of the Mekhong trawling, and moreover greater concentration in and the Saigon River. These are usually imported these waters would not result in greater catches. at a length of about 20 cm and are raised in ponds In 1950, 65 fishing vessels were built and a number to marketable size in about 6 months with night of ice plants were constructed and a refrigerated soil fertilization. Experimental ponds for the study ware house with capacity to quick-freeze and store of this fish and the usefulness of other species for up to 1,000 tons of fish was put into operation at culture in ponds and rice fields have been con- Naha on Okinawa in 1952. However, since the structed at Hanoi and a further station is being local people are not traditionally fishermen, leader- planned near Saigon. A Vietnamese trainee was ship is lacking to build up and guide an industry recently present at the Fish Culture Course for which offers the greatest hope for the future in Thai Officers, by courtesy of the Royal Thai Govern- islands where the resources are few and meagre. ment through arrangement with the IPFC and financial assistance from FOA, and a small quantity Viet Nam of Tilapia has been introduced. It is still too early for any conclusions to be drawn. There is little statistical information available to the Council in regard to fish landings in Viet Nam The Council was able to arrange for Dr. since this country became an autonomous kingdom S. W. Ling, FA0 Fisheries Expert assigned to within the French Union, the present emergency Thailand, to'visit Viet Narn in October, 1953 to situation precluding their mllection on a country- give advice on these pmjects. " 3 REPORT OF TECHNICAL CORIR4ITTEE I TO THE jth MEETING INTRODUCTION It should be axiomatic that a person nominated According to its Rules of Procedure, the Indo- by a particular government should be permitted Pacific Fisheries Council has two Technical Com- and encouraged by his government to undertake mittees. Technical Committee I has the respon- duties in connection with the work of his Sub-Com- sibility of studying the biological and oceanographical mittee. This has not always been the case, however, problems of the region which may be referred to and Member Governments should be asked to nominate only such persons to Sub-Committees it by the Council. This Committee has been as may be in a position to undertake functioning since 1949, and it is therefore desirable I.P.F.C. in thisoreportto review its accomplishments to date, duties, either directly or through their subordinates. draw attention to any defects in

* From a private communication from the authors as their contribution was still in the form of an abstract in the Proc. Ind. Science Congress, 1946. quality to leather. The hquid wastes from the (c) Bottom samples for biota1 collection ; deseloping department of the film industry are zoo- and phyto-plankton at all the obsemation points, rich in silver which can be recovered by chemical with a view to el-aluating the biological impact of precipitation. pollution. Stream bottoms are normally the habitat of numerous aquatic insect larvae and other animals In 194j the Fish Committee of the Indian (then and plants which are the principal food of fishes. Imperial) Council of -%gricultural Research, Sew Bottom samples taken below and above the sources Delhi, recommended a scheme for the study of of pollution show immediately the approximate stream pollution, which the Council could not quantity and the type of fish-food organisms present. finance for want of funds. The problem was sub- If sufficient quantities of these animals are not sequently referred to the Central Inland Fisheries present in the bottom to feed upon, fish soon dis- Research Station, Barrackpore, Calcutta, in May, appear from the area, whether- or not the water 1949 with a directive to gather definite data in there is pure. regard to (i) location of main centres of pollution (ii) factors responsible for pollution apd (iii) the (d) Chemical analysis of the effluent waters. ill-effects of such pollutants in the fishery of the (e) Laboratory experiments using test fishes area. A work programme to study stream pollution to study the toxicity of these effluents. In the field in the river Sone near Dehri was subsequently pre- where these physiological experiments are con- pared according to which surveys were to be ducted, Barilius, Aspidopawa, Chela and Barbus conducted of the affected area at five periods of the spp. are used as test fishes. Dilutions of the effluent year. waters in these experiments are made only with clear river water collected from above the Dehri Life in streams may be affected directly or in- anicut. Individual factory effluents have also been directly in one or more ways. The industrial wastes collected for toxicity experiments. may (i) decrease oxygen content of the water to a point below which life cannot be sustained, or they (f) Collection of fishes from various zones may (ii) destroy fishes and other animals by increas- under observation : Fishes collected above and ing the acidity, alkalinity and salt contents of the below the pollution points are examined for parasitic water or by introducing toxic substances, or (iii) by infestation. The stomach contents are also ex- increased turbidity, reduce available light and thus amined, analysed and correlated with the presence prevent growth of plant food, or (iv) they may of fish food organisms in various zones. deposit a sludge-blanket on the bottom of the stream so as to destroy the organisms found there which serve as food for fish. HEFERE NCES River Sone, one of the main tributaries of the ANONYMOUS(1938).-Water Pollution Research. Current river Ganga and flowing southwest to northeast Science (editorial), Vol. VII, No. I., for a distance of 325 miles, rises from the Central BHASKARAN,T. R. (1947)~-A Plea for Water Pollution Indian Plateau which is fed by monsoon rain, meet- Research. Indian Medical Gazette, Vol. LXXXII, ing the Ganga near Ratna. Rohtas Industries (paper No. 12 pp. 750. and pulp factory, chemical factory, sulphuric acid ------(1952).-Effects of Organic Manures on the factory, sugar factory, cement factory etc.) are Oxygen Budget in Fish Ponds. Proc. Nat. Inst. Sci. located on the left bank of the river near Dehri-on- India, Vol. XVIII, No. 4, pp. 257-59. Sone in Bihar. BHIMACHAR,B. S. & DAVIDA. (1946).-A Study of the Effects of Factory Effluents on the Bhadra River Fish- eries at Bhadravati. Proc. 33rd. Ind. Science Con- In the preliminary survey, a series of observation gress, Part, 111, p. 130. points were selected above and below the anicut and work on the following lines has been conducted : Boss, P. C. (1944).-Calcutta Sewage and F:sh Culture- A Symposium on the Utilization of Sewage for Fish (a) River flow calculation at points in the clear culture. Proc. Nat. Inst. Sci. ldia. Vol. X, No. 4, water channel. Stream flow measurements are PP. 443-54. used for calculating dilution ratios, oxygen resour- FOWLER,G. I. ( 1939).-Water PoUution Research. Current ces etc. Average effluent flow is also determined. Science, Vol. VIII, No. I. ---(1944).-Utilisation of Sewage for Fish Cul- (b) Determination of dissolved oxygen, bio- ture in India. A symposium on the utilization of chemical oxygen demand (B.O.D.) pH, alkalinity, sewage for fish culture.. acidity and turbidity of samples of water collected -- Proc. Nat, Inst. Sci. India, Vol. X, No. 4, at all the observation points. PP. 463-67; GAXAPATI,S. V. & XLI~SHI(19jo)-Factory Effluents after only qj minutes. It n-as, however, con- from the blettur Chemical and Industrial Corpora- cluded that the rosella waste was .not itself toxic tion Ltd., Mettur Dam, Madras, and their effects on the Fisheries of the River Caurery. Proc. Kat. Inst. and that the decrease in oxygen level was the prin- Sci. India, Yol. XVI, Xo. 3, p. 189. cipal cause of mortality, which could be remedied GASAPATI,S. 1'. gi ~HACKO,P. L. (19j1).--h Investi- by aeration. gation of the River Godarari and the Effect of the Paper Mills Pollution at Rajallmundr3-. Proc. Indo. Examination of the \Taste products from tapioca Pacific Fish. Council, Madras, Sections I1 and 111, factories showed that this c'ontained fibres and Aour PP- 70-74. in suspension and sugar, proteins, hydroprussic HORA,S. L. (xgjz).-X short note on the pollution of acid and acetone-containing glucosides in solution. streams in India and its likely effects on fisheries. Again the remedy lies in adequate dilution, when Report Fish Committee. Imp. Counc. Xgr. Rese. the glucosides rapidly disintegrate into acetone, -AXD NAIR,K. K. (rgl4).-Pollution of streams and conservation of fisheries, Effluents of the Quinine glucose and again hydroprussic acid. The latter factory at Mungpoo, Distt. Darjeeling, Bengal. Proc. substance is very volatile and a good deal of it will xat. Inst. Sci. India. Vol. X, No. I, pp. 147-166. escape into the air, although it is lethal to fishes at MALDEN,P. R. G. (1943).-River pollution and fish mor- 0.78 parts per million and 50 mg, is the fatal human tality, Journ. Bom. Nat. Hist. Soc., Vol. 43, No. 3, dose. It was found that some grades of tapioca P. 534. were more noxious than others. MODA,N. V. (1938).--Report on sewage disposal, Muni- cipal Corporation, Bombay, pp. 1-55. Philippines NAXR,K. K. (1944).-The Effects of Calcutta Sewage of Fish Life. A symposium on the utilization of Sewage An act was passed in 1952 making it unlawful for fish culture. Proc. Nat. Inst. Sci. India, Vol. X, to discharge specified substances harmful to fish No. 4, P. 455. life or place them where they can pass into the SETH,G. K. & BHASKARAN,T. R. (195o).-Effects of natural waters of the Philippines. Violations of industrial wastes disposal on the sanitary condition of the Hooghly river in and around Calcutta. Indian this provision have been sporadic and when they Journal of Medical Research. Vol. 38, No. 4, occur investigations are made to determine the PP. 341-56. source of pollution and the extent of the damage ------(195z).-Utilisation and Disposal of Lac Wastes caused, and to recommend remedial measures. -A symposium on utilization of Industrial wastes. Chemical Age Series, 6, pp. 125-26. Offenders are sugar mills and their distilleries, -{1952).-Utilization of wastes from the film usually located on the banks of rivers, and their industry. A symposium on utilization of Industrial waste products often affect the Chanos fishponds wastes. Chemical Age Series, 6, pp. 89-90. below the point of discharge. Other violators are breweries, tanneries, mining concerns, sawmills, Indonesia vegetable oil and soap factories. Different types of pollution have been under In the case of a brewery which had caused dam- observation in Indonesia during the last twenty age of this nature, the following measures were years. The chief offenders have been sugar mills, recommended and carried out ; sedimentation prior tapioca and rosella factories, and sulphur to discharge, whether or not accompanied by pre- works. As a result of a report by the Director of cipitation; removal, by filtering or pressing, of the Sugar Research Station at Pasuran, legislation solids some of which it has been found possible to was enacted in East Java to prevent pollution of utilize, the remainder being incinerated. the lower courses of rivers during high tides when In the case of a sugar refinery, irrigation canals the brackish-water fish culture ponds (tambaks) were constructed so that the efHuents might fer- are being replenished. tilize the soil and the excess has been diverted into As regards the waste from rosella factories, a large river, thus minimizing the effects by dilution. e'xperiments were carried out at the Labo- In another refinery, the noxious effluent was im- ratory for Inland Fisheries at Bogor involving the pounded in a mangrove swamp area especially dilution of the noxious matter ; the progressively acquired for the purpose. weaker dilutions were then aerated and the be- In a few cases, it was discovered that the com- haviour of fish kept therein observed, plaints were unfounded, but much more remains When a solution of 5% of waste matter was to be done to carry on this work, for which insuffi- used, the fish showed distress after 5 hours and cient funds are available. 45 minutes ; in a 10% solution after 5 hours and 15 minutes, and with a 20% solution, after 3 hours Pakistan and 45 minutes ; and with a 50% solution after 2 The sources of water pollution in Punjab are a hours. In the undiluted waste the fish would die city's sewage, effluents from an oil company and discharge from a brewery, which cause the mor- India tality of a large number of fish during the dry period of March and April and first advent of rains when In this country the yarious species of carps are the Ieh River gets flooded. Measures taken in cultured in association ~itheach other and with prmenting pollution are the purification of all milkfish, pearl-spot and gourami. As in China, sewage, diversion of outflow of this sewage through the differences in feeding habits is the basic a tunnel to avoid its fermentation, and calling the principle in this multiple stocking. The practice attention of the bre~r-eryand of the oil company is widespread and has attained various states of to the need to control or prevent pollution. development in different areas. In Karachi, no problem in water pollution has Cambodia been reported, and in East Bengal no investigation has been undertaken. The fishes cultured in Cambodia include Panga- sius, the Siluroids, the Clariids, the Ciprinids, and Ophicephalus. The Ciprinids are associated with Burma CIariids, and Siluroids and Clariids with Ophice- No investigations have been conducted to deter- phalus. The density varies with the methods used. mine the nature and effect on fish stocks of the pollution of natural waters. Philippines Cambodia Fish associations and optimum densities of com- Only two instances of pollution of natural waters patible combinations of different age-groups for have been encountered up to the present, according stocking operations have not been investigated as to this country's report which recommends a a definite line of research in fish culture in this thorough study of the problem. country. This aspect is incidentally being worked out along with other problems as in the case of jumbo Fish associations and optimum densities milkfish hanos nos chanis) and tiger shrimp I .3 (Penaeus monodon) which are raised together in Information has been forthcoming from a number brackish-water fishponds in view of their differential of Member Governments in regard to these studies, habits of feeding. Although both live on the as recommended in Resolution z4.3(14) passed sime kinds of natural food (algal and planktonic at the 4th Meeting, with a view to increasing fish materials), Chanos has been observed to feed more production in ponds through the introduction of along the surface, whereas Penaeus is a bottom compatible species and age-groups at the optimum feeder. Penaeus fry are collected for the purpose density rate for each, of stocking but their number in relation to that of Chanos has not been definitely determined China so far. Further research in connection with this The practice is a well known feature of Chinese particular problem and along other lines is being pond culture. The fishes used include the differ- planned by the Bureau of Fisheries, and the ent species of carps in addition to the bream, the results of such studies will be transmitted to the grey mullet and the milkfish. Varied combinations Council in due course. of species and age groups have been tried with great success and at present this practice is widely used. Pakistan There are modifications undertaken to suit the types of ponds to be stocked and developed in the The practice of fish culture in association con- different regions in this country. Technical paper sidering the different species involved and optimum densities of ' compatible combinations of different No. I, " A Chinese System of Pond Stocking " by Dr. S. Y. Lin is presented at this Meeting. age-groups for stocking operations is reported as being done mainly in two places in Pakistan, namely, Punjab and East Bengal. Malaya and Thailand In these two c6untries species combination as In Punjab, three species of carps, catla (Catla used in China is also practised. The difference catla}, rohu (Labeo rohita), and mrigal (Cirrhina lies in the use of less stock and a smaller number mrigala) are cultivated with carnivorous species of species. This may be explained by the fact that and goldfish (Carassius auratus) and sometimes the supply of seed fish in these countries is quite with mahseer (Bmbzcs tor). Fur best results about limited and as a matter of fact much of the supply 3,000 fry of these cbmbined species are stocked is still imported from China. per acre to afford maximum production of 2,800 to 3,100 pounds per acre per ?-ear. Overstocking n-e!l managed and organized. In Formosa the causes large mortality and it is safe to stock less in need for more Chanos fry is acute and a great amount new and still unbalanced ponds. Less number is can be absorbed from any country that could supply used per unit area when yearlings or adults are this need. stocked. In East Bengal fish cultivation of mixed species India is n-ell developed. The same species as are used Local fish seed sources need further survey to in Punjab with the addition of kalbouse (Labeo effect better inter-state distribution in this country. calbnsu) are cultured. The condition of the water Organized production of fish stocking material is determines the percentage of the different species now being carried out especially for Indian carps to be introduced in a particular body of water. and export to other countries may be possible up011 demand. I .4 Proposed .International Fish Fry Exchanp The opinion has been crystallized out of the Indonesia Council's discussions on resources of fish stocking No report. material in the Indo-Pacific Region that the general rapid development of fish culture activities in the Japan region might be greatly enhanced by the estabIish- ment of a centralized distribution service to facilitate No report. the procurement of this material, which includes eggs, fry and fingerlings, by Member Governments. Korea The Council has therefore circularized its Mem- No report, ber Governments to obtain their opinion and although many of these countries have not yet replied, Malaya the consensus of those countries which have answered This country needs to import the carp specid is favourable. It appears, however, from the re- that propagate in Chinese river systems and these ports to hand that many new sources still remain to are easily supplied unless disturbed by unforseen be surveyed in each country. Each individual coun- causes. Supply of other required species is suffi- try except in a few instances seems to be engaged cient and this country may be in a position to export in solving its own problems in this respect and may in the future if demand arises. not be in a position to supply outside needs. The notable exceptions are the carp fry syndicate of Pakistan China and also that of India, which appear to be in No report. a position to undertake large-scale overseas distribution of fry from their local production. The Philippines following is a summary of the information received Needs for types of culture developed in this from Member Governments : country sufficient for the time being but the develop- Australia ment of freshwater fish culture will necessitate introduction and importation of exotic species. No report. Thailand No report. No report to make for the present but .inquiry The Fish Culture SubXoinmittee thereforti has been referred to authorities concerned in this recommends : country. (i) That a thorough inventory of the fish fry Ceylon situation of cultivable species in the Indo-Pacific Region be made along the lines of the accompany- Seed fish needs suficient for the present but ing questionnaire (see p. 10) to determine : there may be potential need for carp fry in the (a) Kinds of cultivable species available. future. (b) Area from which sources may be obtained. China (c) Areas to be supplied. No report for the present but the carp fry supply (ii) That the working details of a Centralized from the river systems of the mainland have long Distribution Service be formulated by the new entered international trade and the industry is Sub-committee for discussion by the Council, I. 5 Area of Cultivable Waters of the Indo-Pacific Region, in accordance with It has not been possible for the Bureau of Flood Resolution 52/24.3(18), since this information is Control of the United Nations Economic Com- "Ot to the mission for Asia and the Far East to assist in the The following information was received from compilation of a tcible of the cultivable water areas Member Governments : Water Areas (In Hectares) Available For Fish Culture

I I Netherlands I 1 New Gu& / ) Vietnam

Total Area of Country . a . . ., Area of Fresh-water Fish Ponds . . . . Area of ~rachh-watcrFish Ponds . . . . Natural Lakes ...... Artificial Lakes, Reservoirs, Tanks, canals: ~tc. . . Salt or Manerove Marshes Suitable for Fish Culture.. Lagoons and-~stuarineWaters Suitable for Fish culture Rice Fields-Without Fish Culture . . . . Rice Fields-With Fish Culture . . . . Total Available Inland Waters . . . . Area of Arable Land .+ . . . .

In Sbuth Korea, of the total arable land area of after formulating their Hilsa problems, should 1,954,144 hectares, 1,226,400 were under rice meet at Barrackpore (India) and studying the Hilsa cultivation, of which 535,000 hectares are subject work that is being done there, draw up a detailed to controlled irrigation. programme of combined research on a regional In Burma, there are reported to be some 510,000 basis. The Government of Burma regretted its hectares of rice fields under controlled irrigation. inability to undertake work on Hilsa either on a regional or a national basis, but have offered to fur- The above information should be added to that nish all available data. It is understood that a contained in the table published on p. 40 of the reply is still awaited from the Government of Proceedings of the 4th Meeting. Pakistan. In the meanwhile, the Government of of India is preparing some tentative proposals 2. Hiisa Investigations for setting up a research unit, which in the The Council's Hilsa Sub-committee, under the event of the proposal being acceptable to the chairmanship of Dr. S. L. Hora (India) with Dr. Government of Pakistan, could form the basis of R. Qureshi (Pakistan) as Rapporteur, was most discussions. active during the period 1951-52. The group held The Chairman conferred with the Secretary of a special meeting in Calcutta in September, 1952, the Council during the latter's visits to Calcutta, as to as a result of which the Council at its 4th Meetmg the ways and means of making this Inter-Govern- passed Resolutions 24.3(19 and 20), recommending mental Co-operation Research Scheme a reality. (a) the collection of catch statistics by the Govern- Since the next step to be taken now lies with the ments of Burma, India and Pakistan and (b) that Member Governments concerned, it was felt that these Governments consider the formation of a the future work of the Sub-committee largely small regional unit for research work on the species, depended on the outcome of these negotiations bet- directed towards obtaining an adequate knowledge ween the Governments concerned. of the populations and to discuss with FA0 the ways in which technical or other assistance might On the basis of the Sub-Committee's report, a be made available for the staffing and operation of programme of research on Hilsa in the rhree coun- such a unit. tries has already been formulated and it has generally In pursuance of this resolution, it is understood been accepted by the countries concerned. The that the Government of India approached the next step will, therefore, be the formation of a Governments of Pakistan and Burma inviting them regional unit. In view of the delay encountered to co-operate in the formation of a Hilsa co-operative in the formation of the unit as a co-operative en- investigation group. The Government of India deavour, it is believed that the Council itself should proposed that scientific officers of each Government, now further consider the best means of creating such an international co-operative unit with the Introduction of the mechanized Baby Half-Ring Net co-operation of the Governments concerned. of the type of KALANSISIin the Philippines is sug- Even though the progress of the Sub-Committee gested. However, the immediate problem for Hilsa is a thorough study on the causes of its depletion during the period 19j2/ 54, in so far as the formation of the research unit is concerned, has not yet met which has been noticed in this cursory survey. with success, substantial advances have been The Director of Fisheries, East BengaI (Pakistan) achieved in the research programme recommended informed the Sub-Committee of the report that by the Committee through individual efforts. the Hilsa fish was scarce in the coastal areas of Mr. T, V. R. Pillay of the Hilsa Fish Enquiry, Chittagong during March, 1953, and the belief Indian Council of Medical Research, has collected based on the abundance of the fish around Akyab morphometric and meristic data on samples of coast (Burma), that the spawning beds of the fish Hilsa from the Hooghly, besides data on the blood might have shifted towards the south. He requested characteristics and general features of the biology that the Sub-Committee should investigate this. of the stock and a brief report of his studies has In the absence of a research unit, there was little been presented at this Meeting as Technical Paper that the Committee could do in this matter. It No. 40. may be said, however, that during the last zoo or more years, for which topographical records for Twenty-two of the variable morphological charac- Bengal are available, there seems to have been a ters generally used in racial studies are selected for general trend for the Ganges to shift its course detailed examination. It is found that the height eastwards. As the fishery of Hilsa in Bengal is of the body may serve as a distinguishing character. largely dependent on the flooding of the Ganges- The study of blood characters has resulted in Brahmaputra, correspondingly its fishery would differentiating 3 blood groups. also have shifted eastwards. It is likely, there- The general belief that the Hilsa are too delicate fore, that more suitable ecological conditions have to survive the impact of striking the net and rough now become established in the Akyab Area of the handling during tagging and that it is impossible Chittagong coast. to keep them alive after capture has been disproved Three papers have been received by the Sub- and it was found possible to keep the fish alive in committee in relation to the. Hilsa Symposium small cement cisterns. held in September, ~gp,as follows : A direct relationship between the totaI weight of I. The Hilsa of the Chilka Lake with notes the female Hilsa and the number of eggs in the on the occurrence of Hilsa in Orissa ovary has been observed. The view that the annulii waters, by P. Devasundaram. on the scales do not provide a satisfactory criterion 2. Hilsa ilisha (Ham). on the West Coast of for determination of age or growth has been cor- India by C. V. Kulkarni. roborated. Studies on seasonal variations in the 3. A note on the Hilsa Fisheries of Uttar relative weights of the gonads, the alimentary tract Pradesh by K. S. Kaushiva. and the somatic tissue and the relative condition factor have been made. Since this has been taken These papers along with the papers read at the up as a spare-time task by Mr. T. V. R. Pillay, symposium have been submitted to the Asiatic whose present assignment with the Hilsa Enquiry Society, Calcutta, for publication in their Journal. of the Indian Council of Medical Research is coming Little work has been carried out in Pakistan on to an end, it should be considered how the work the Hilsa problem owing to lack of facilities. Data may be best continued. are, however, being collected and an investigation U Ba Kyaw, Fisheries Officer of Burma, made scheme has been recently sanctioned in East Bengal, a general exploratory study of the Hilsa fisheries while two landing centres on the River Indus in of the Mergui District in Burma and a report of West Pakistan were visited and a number of fishes this study has been circulated as an Occasional measured and the conditions of the gonads recorded. Paper of the Council. The paper describes in These figures will be available for eventual analysis general the Hilsa Fisheries of this district. It is and correlation with similar data from other coun- indicated that the capture operations are carried tries. on in 2 to ; fathoms near the mouth of the river, and mention has been made of 15 fishing grounds in 3. Milkfish (Chanos chanos) Investigations the area. The fishing is carried on by gill nets and The Council in the 4th Meeting held in Qu'ezon in some places seine nets are also used. Some City, Philippines, in Yovember, 19j3, established details of the fishing units have been given and the within its Technical Committee I a Sub-Committee working cost of carrier launches has been indicated. on Chanos chanos with Mr. Herminio Rabanal of the Philippines Bureau of Fisheries as Rapporteur. Ceylon This action \=,-aspromoted in order to consider the The Sub-committee received a report from the questions posed in the letter from the Director of Government of Ceylon that work is being under- the. Fisheries Division, FAO, addressed to the taken on the biology of Chanos clzanos, especially Chairman of the Indo-Pacific Fisheries Council. its breeding season so that the periods of migration This letter inquires into the state of knowledge in of the fry in estuaries may be known. The report the field of biology and culture of Chanos chanos further informs that they have found that in the which is undoubtedly of major importance as a North-Western Sector of Ceylon gravid females cultured food fish in the Indo-Pacific area. The exist during March while fry were found in the sub-committee considered this task and found that South-West during July. the ten questions posed by the Director of the Fisheries Division are indeed most stimulating and India comprehensive along this line of fish-cultural work. Research on the biology of Chanos and expzri- Features of the Sub-committee's Work ments on its cultivation are being continued. As 3.1 previously mentioned India has embarked on varied During the 1952 Meeting the sub-committee research investigations on Chanos. A summary addressed a reply to the Director of the Fisheries of these investigations is being reported to the Division which is printed as Appendix 7 in Sec- Council as Occasional Paper 53/3. The paper tion I of the Proceedings of the said meeting. The gives the places of distribution and season occur- main features of the said report may be summarized rence of the spawners as well as the fry along Indian in the following : waters. Investigations on food, feeding and growth I. That there is very limited knowledge on completed or those being conducted by various the biology of Chanos in: its natural research agencies are discussed. The results of habitat so that more work on this matter experiments on Chanos culture show very bright is imperative. The general scheme of prospects. Research workers of India have done the nature of work needed in this re- extensive work on the acclimatization of Chanos, gard as suggested by the sub-committee a knowledge which can be taken advantage of in is also incorporated in the said report. the intensification of culture of these species. 2. Although cultivation techniques in some As in other countries of the region knowledge of countries of the region have proved to the biology of the species in natural waters is meager. be quite successful, yet there are several Further investigations being undertaken and to be aspects in this field that need further undertaken are presented. The paper is accom- work aimed at possibilities of further panied by a bibliography. improving the industry. 3. That all available information either pub- Indonesia lished or unpublished be placed in Mr. Hasanuddin Saanin, Head, Laboratory for the hands of the sub-committee through Inland Fisheries, Bogor, Indonesia, has just com- the Secretariat in order to coordinate pleted a preliminary survey of the occurrence of the present knowledge on Chanos for Chanos fry in Indonesian waters, and the results possible transmittal to all member are presented at this Meeting as Technical Paper countries especially those needing this No. 41, which lists the different localities in this information in order to develop their country where the Chanos fry fishery is known to potentialities in this field. It is ear- exist. The quantity of production in each place nestly requested that Member Govern- was also estimated. Valuable data adding to our ments in possession of such information knowledge on the biology of the spawners, period make it available to the Council. of spawning and nature of spawning grounds have been noted. Indicator species as well as physical 3.2 New information phenomena which seem related to the occurrence It is gratifying to note that there is rapid accu- of Chanos fry proved to be a very interesting part mulation of investigations and there has been an of the work although no definite conclusions could increasing interest in Chanos culture within recent be made at this time. The paper indicates that a years. Among the most informative of recent more thorough survey may yield more localities publications are Fish Culture in the Brackish- and greater quantity of catch. The work goes as Water Ponds of Java ; Milkfish Culture in Taiwan ; far as the rearing of the fry or nursery work. But and, the Preparation and Management of Baiigos the most noteworthy achievement of this study Fishpond Nursery in the Philippines. are the conclusions and recommendations which are derived, which include : The general insuffi- quantity of catch obtained during the three years ciency of the total catch of fry due to large acreage of survey showed the appreciable presence of fry and fast expansion of fishpond areas and the high which will supply the needs of the Chanos pond rate of mortality; the need for improved catching industry to be established in this country. methods and expansion of fry grounds to new localities ; and the importance of adapting improved In Cambodia and Vietnam, and other countries, rearing techniques for the seed fry to lessen the the Council's work on this species has aroused high mortality rate. These recommendations if great interest and there are prospects that fruitful adopted will encourage the improvement and results may be forthcoming in the near future. expansion of the fishpond industry of Indonesia. 3.3 Plan for Future Work and Recommendations Philippines (i) The Chanos Sub-Committee wishes to In the Philippines two papers of importance reiterate, through the Council, to all Member were recently released which are contributions to Governments who have not as yet submitted their our present knowledge of the culture methods of state of knowledge published or unpublished Chanos. Both of these papers were contributed whether on the biology or cultivation tech- to the symposium on pondfish culture in the Eighth niques of Chanos in their respective countries to Pacific Science Congress held in Quezon City, furnish the Sub-Committee with all the data Philippines, from November 16-28, 1953. One of needed for the conduct of its work in the future. these papers is " Production Problems of Chanos The Sub-Comrnittee resolves to continue to be Culture in the Philippines ". This paper lists the the clearing house of new information on Chanos. factors that have to do with mortality and loss of fish under culture and also those that are pests or (ii) The Sub-Committee recommends that in nuisances in the fishponds thus increasing the order to further facilitate the exchange of know- cost of production. In cases where remedies have ledge on Chanos it be provided with the names been initiated, those have also been noted whereas and addresses as well as the fields of specific in other cases suggestions for the solution of such interest of workers devoting full or part of their problems are solicited. time to Chanos investigations. The other paper deals on " Nursery Pond Man- (iii) The Sub-Comrnittee also recommends agement Techniques in Philippine Chanos Fish- that topics which recently have attracted great ponds " and describes the techniques used in rear- interest in this field be made the subject of a sym- ing and stunting the stock of Chanos which serve posium. The suggested subjects may be : as reservoir for multiple stocking of ponds so that cropping can be undertaken from two to four times (a) How to increase the productivity of esin a year. tuarine fishponds. Copies of these two papers are available for con- (b) The problem of fertilization of estuarine sultation. fishponds.

Thailand Additions to Bibliography on the Culture of Chanos chanos I. CHEN,T. F. (195z).-Milkf1sh culture in Taiwan. Investigations on the occurrence of Chanos fry Chinese-American Joint Commission Rural Recon- were undertaken by Mr. Jinda Thiemmedh of the structlon. Fisheries Ser. No. I : 17 pp. Department of Fisheries of Thailand, between 1951 2. ESGUERRA,R. S. (rg51).-Enumeration of algae in 1953 (See Technical Paper 8). Philippine baiigos fishponds and in the digestive The occurrence of mature spawners was recorded tract of the fish with notes on conditions favourable for their growth. Phil. Journ. Fisheries. I : z. 171- in the Gulf of Thailand since 1924 and the first 192. fry collection was made in Klong Wan, Prachuab 3. JOB,T. J. (195z).--Fish seed industry in India. Province in 1950. This locality was used to under- IPFC Proc. 3rd meeting. S3/3 : zoz-208. take studies on the seasonal abundance and occurrence of Chanos fry in addition to the possible 4. PASIKKAR,N. K., P. R. S. TAMPI& R. VISWAXA- THLY (19 j3).-Some aspects of adaptation on Chanos correlation of tides, rainfall, minds and currents chanos (Forskal). Proc. Indian Acad. Sci. 37 : 6. on the presence or absence of Chanos fry. Varied 203-21 3. types of fishing methods mainly derived from those 5. RABASAL,H. R. (~gjz).-Methods and problems of the Philippines and Indonesia and their effec- of collecting eggs and fry for transplantation. IPFC tivity in Thailand waters were compared. The Proc. 3rd meeting. S3/2 : 196-201. 6. RJIBASLL,H. R.,R. S. ESGUERRX,J. IT.LOPEZ, Geizeral. The neritic pelagic fishes of the coun- A. 14. ;SLD.~S.I,V. R. Rxxros & S. FELIX,(19 j~).- tries of the Indo-Pacific area contribute r7ery largely The rate of algae (lumut) production in the Dagax- dagat Salt-Vater Fishery Experimental Station to the total production of sea fishes. The replies fishponds. Phil. Journ. Fisheries I : 2. pp. I j j-169. received would indicate a rough geographical division 7. SCHUSTER,JV. H. (19jz).-A provisional survey of of the area based on these fisheries, as follon-s : the introduction and mansplantation of fish throughout the Indo-Pacific region. IPFC Proc. 3rd meeting S3/1 : 187-196. ZONE I. 8. SOONG,MIX KOSG (19 jz).-The fitness of ecological niches into which fish are introduced at various The composition of the neritic pelagic fish stocks ages and the survival of the transplanted fish. IPFC appears to present somewhat similar features in Proc. 3rd meeting, S3/5 : 218-227. Pakistan, India, Ceylon, Malaya, Thailand, 9. VAAS,K. F. (19jz).-Notes on and possibilities of Cambodia and the Philippines. Although no fertilization of fishponds in Indonesia. Proc. Nat. replies have come from Indonesia and Viet Nam, Imt. Sci. India 18 : I : 1-11. the published literature on the fisheries and the go. VISWANATHAN,R. & P. R. S. TAMPI(1952).- fish fauna of these areas would seem to indicate the Oxygen consumption and viability of Chanos chanos close similarity of the neritic pelagic fisheries of (Forskal) in relation to size, Proc. Indian Acad. Sci. 36 : 4, 148-159. these two countries with the above. Similarly although no information is available from Burma, geographical considerations strongly suggest the 11. MARINE FISHERI[ES possibility of a similar fishery. It is reasonable likewise to expect that the fisheries of New Guinea 4. Neritic-Pelagic Fisheries would present similar features. The neriticpelagic fish stocks in this group of countriesinclude prin- The Indo-Pacific Fisheries Council, at its Fourth cipally the fishes belonging to the Clupeidae, Scom- Meeting held at Quezon City (Philippines) resolved bridae, Sciaenidae, Carangidae and Polynemidae. that in view of the importance of the Pelagic Neritic The fishes next in importance are species coming Fisheries of the region, the work of the Council's under Stromateidae, Chirocentridae, Scombre- Sub-committee on these groups should continue, socidae, various percoids and Trichiuridae to men- with Dr. N. K. Panikkar of the Central Marine tion only a few of the various families of fishes Fisheries Research Station, Mandapam Camp represented. SmalIer sharks (Genus Scoliodon) P.O., S.Rly., S. India, as Rapporteur, and that efforts should be made to obtain a complete picture and rays are also often caught in the neritic pelagic of the fish stocks which support these fisheries. zone. The questionnaire which was drawn up to elicit India : The well-known forms are the Sardines information was circulated by the Secretariat to (the best known being Sardinella longiceps, the oil various member governments. It was further sardine of Malabar), Mackerel, Rastrelliger kana- considered that the problem of methodology of gurta, the Ghols (Sciaenids), Bombay Duck, Har- investigation of these fisheries should receive close podon nehereus, the Seer fish (Spanish Mackerel, attention and be given special consideration at the Scomberomorus spp.,) the Silver Bellies (Leiognathus Council's Fifth Meeting, when the replies to the spp.), Rawas & Dara (Polynemus spp.). The questionnaire would be presented in consolidated Ribbon Fish (Trichiurus spp.) and many other form. Replies to the questionnaire were received smaller fisheries are all of subsidiary importance. from all member governments except Indonesia, Pakistan : The fishery is somewhat simiIar to Viet Nam and Korea. The reports received from the above, but the most important are Sciaenids, Japan, India, Cambodia and Malaya are quite in- Sardines and Polynemids-The mackerel does not formative and the first is presented at this Meeting form a fishery as in India and the other countries. as Technical Paper No. 12. Out of the reports received, it will be seen that Burma had no in- Ceylon : Although information is not available formation to furnish, U.S.A. has attached little from the reply sent, the fisheries of Ceylon bear importance to neritic pelagic fisheries and the close resemblance to those of India, both the sardine replies from a few other countries were of a general and the mackerel playing an important part. nature. Burma : Information is still not available on mackerel and sardine, but coastal Hilsa appears A summary report consolidating all the infor- to be of some importance. mation furnished by Member Governments is given below, although the reports from the four Malaya : Both Sardinella spp. and mackerel, countries listed above may be considered to warrant (~astrelli~erspp.) are of importance, contributing publication in full. to regular fisheries. Thailand : Mackerel (Rrrstrelliger spp.) forms a the Horse Mackerel, the Yellowtail and the Flying very valuable fishery along with Sardines and Squid. The species of sardines, mackerel and Carangids. horse mackerel are all different from those which have been reported for the central area, as also for Viet Xam : .It is well known that Mackerel Australia. As may be expected, the fisheries (Rastrelliger spp.) forms an important fishery. present a considerable similarity with those of Korea Cambodia : The various littoral families of and also some parts of the Chinese coast. The fishes like Sciaenids, Carangids, Trichiurids and material for a correct evaluation of the fisheries of smaller sharks appear to form the principal neritic the above two countries is at present not available. pelagic fish stocks. Oil Sardine and the Mackerel Statistics. The statistics of production of the do not form fisheries. principal types of fishes ha\-e been given sepa- Indonesia : The neritic pelagic fish stocks appear rately. For details and trends of production, the to comprise va~iousSardines, Carangoids and to original reports may be consulted and for most a small extent Mackerel. countries detailed statistics are not available. Philippines : Various species, the Mackerel (Ras- Desirable Detailed Investigations. It is natural trelliger spp.), Anchovies and Carangids form the that the replies received relating to suggestions neritic pelagic fish stocks. for detailed work were largely guided by the principal fisheries of those countries. A general enu- New Guinea. : Similar to Indonesia. meration of the problems are as follows :- In all the countries listed above in addition to India : Rastrelliger, Sardinella (Oil sardine), the fisheries composed of the above species, there Other categories; are also other valuable fisheries. The prawn fisher- Japan : ...... All forms ies are of some importance for Pakistan, west coast Cambodia : Scomber brachysoma, Cybium sp ., of India, some parts of Malaya, the Philippines Scoliodon sp. Sciaenids. and probably in many other areas, although separate figures are not available. The crab fisheries com- Philippines : ...... Scombroids posed of species of Neptunus, Scylla, etc. and the Malaya : Carangids, Scombresocids, Stoh- squids composed of species of Sepioteuthis are phorus. probably present also in most of the areas, although Australia : ...... All forms the exact distribution is not understood. The Thailand : Rastrelliger, Cmanx, Sardinella, crustacean and molluscan fisheries are dealt with Anodontostoma, Stolephorus. by other committees, but they are mentioned here Pakistan : Sciaenids, Sardine, Mackerel, owing to the fact that the above-mentioned fisheries Threadfins, Mullets. also belong to the neritic zone. Ceylon : Clupeoids, Stolephorus, Carangoids, Rastrelliger. ZONE 11. Among groups suggested for further investi- The neritic pelagic fish stocks of Australia pre- gation, Sardines, Mackerel, Stolephorus, Scom- selit a very different pattern from that of the beroids, Sciaenids and Carangoids predominate. central area. The most important species are the Progress of Investigation. It is apparent from Barracuda, the Spanish Mackerel, Sphyraena and replies received that active investigations are in various sardines. The species of sardines are progress in the various countries as given in the those not represented in the tropical areas, but following table. The difficulties encountered in in common with the central area dealt with above under Zone I, the Spanish Mackerel comprising the work are also appended. species of Cybium (Scomberomorus) seems to form an Work seems to be particularly advanced in Japan important fishery. where various research workers are actively engaged in work relating to various fisheries. Even here ZONE 111. political boundaries existing in the seas where fisheries extending beyond the artificial barriers have The third category is presented by Japan, where been an obstacle to progress. For the prosecution the principal pattern of neritic pelagic fish stocks is of various programmes Japan has suggested closer similar to Zone I in that the sardines and the mac- collaboration with the Korean and Soviet Re- kerel contribute a very large share to the total pro- publics. Xn Australia work has been in progress duction. The principal fishes according to replies on the Barracuda, the various Clupeoids, Scom- received are the Herring, rhe Sardine, the Mackerel, beroids, etc. In India work on various neritic Incestigations undertakert. Progress ochieced : Di9culties encountered.

India . . Biology of Oil Sardine, Mackerel, Breeding season of oil sardine, Absence of seaworthy re- Silver Bar, Seer Fish. Analysis of Food of Mackerel, Key for matu- search vessel is the chief Commercial catches. Chemical rity state of Mackerel, chemical difficulty. , composition of Mackerel. composition of Sardine & Mack- erel w-ith special reference to fat, age, composition of commercial catches. . i Most of the major fisheries in- Manifold results achieved. Bio- Insufficient funds. Inade- , vestigated in great detail for the logy, distribution etc. of most quate staff. International 1 past several years. species fairly well known. Full boundary on sea south of statistics available. Sakhalin. Complexity of process in collecting statistics. Cambodia General studies on fish fauna and I fisheries carried out formerely, 1 but interru~tedby the war and subsequent -events; Philippines . . Biology of Sardinella, Rastrel- Rastrelliget : size weight rela- Limited funds and research liger, and Decapterus tion ; size composition of catches, personnel. etc. Malaya .. Preliminary studies carried out ; Issue, return and checking of Illiteracy of fishermen and detailed work being started. specially designed forms. their non-use of weights. Australia .. Biology of Barracouta, Spanish No special difficulties. Mackerel, Australian Salmon, Jack Mackerel, Pilchard, Anchovy, etc. Thailand . . Biology of various species Investigation in early stages Shortage of funds, technical experts & equipment. Pakistan . . Biology of sardines and mullets Non-availability of gear and vessels. New Guinea . . Staff inadequate Ceylon . . . . pelagic fish stocks has been in progress, but work of the fisheries would require attention. The posi- in this country has been confined to the inshore tion is particularly clear that personnel, equip- areas where alone intensive fishing is now taking ment and funds are somewhat inadequate for the place. Programmes on a somewhat smaller scale central area treated in this report under Zone I, exist in the Philippines, Thailand and Pakistan, whereas both personnel and equipment are more or but in these countries inadequacy of research per- less adequate for the neritic pelagic fish stocks sonnel, limitations of finance and equipment seem covered by the countries, Australia and Japan. to have restricted the progress. In Malaya, Cam- Closer collaboration to utilize full results of work bodia, Viet Nam, Indonesia, Ceylon, New Guinea relating to neritic pelagic fish stocks among member and Burma no research programmes of an active nations of the I.P.F.C. may therefore be indicated nature appear to be in progress at present, although as follows : much background has already been covered for Indonesia, Viet Nam and to some extent for (a) interchange of information, personnel, data, Ceylon. methods of interpreting data and results amongst the countries classified under Lines of Co-operation. It is natural that in the Zone I ; formulation of future work of the Neritic Pelagic (b) collection of information on neritic pelagic Fisheries Sub-committee, the geographical pat- fishes which have a common distribution terns into which the member countries of the between Australia and Zone I, (e.g. -Indo-Pacific area would fall based on the composition studies on Spanish Mackerel) ; (c) collaborated effort amongst countries form- have not been suggested, although India has^sug- ing the northern group, viz. Japan and gested co-operatiye studies on sardines and mackerel her neighbours ; fisheries ; Pakistan wants co- operative studies on (d) pursuit cf studies relating to fish stocks Hilsa fishery and Australia wants co-operative commbn to the fisheries of the northern studies on Cybium fisheries. countries of the area and the central area (Zone I). Over-fishing. The problems of possible over- fishing of pelagic fish stocks or conversely the Standardixatio?t of Methodology. Much work hav- possible intensification of fishing activities have ing already been in progress in both Australia and been included in the questionnaire for comments. Japan on neritic pelagic fish stocks, the methods Replies to the questions indicate that most member of study adopted in those countries should be of countries do not find any signs of over-fishing. considerable value to the less advanced programmes Philippines has replied that the sardine catches in of Zone I. The replies from various countries Manila Bay and the Visayan Sea have dimi- indicate that the points on which standardization nished consequent on intensive fishing. The is desirable are as follows : (a) Species nomenclature sardine fisheries have, however, been known to fluc- in Latin and common names ; (b) Meristic counts tuate widely and it is difficult definitely to ascribe such as fin rays, number of vertebrae, etc. (c) the decline in sardine fisheries to over-fishing. All Length measurements ; (d) Standard maturity countries are agreed that neritic pelagic fishing scales for important fishes of the region, and (e) activities could be intensified by the provision Standard classification of ovarian ova. of mechanized equipment and ancillary shore It should be emphasized that standardization facilities. should never be carried to an extreme so as to PubZications. The publications issued by various prevent development of new ideas and techniques. countries are listed together in the reporh sent by Sufficient flexibilitv should be left to the actual various member governments. researchers to assegs methods expected to be most fruitful to the elucidation of their problems. Recommendation. Information collected against Co-operative Projects. In the questionnaire sug- the questionnaire has been analysed and given above, gestions were invited from member governments but it is difficult for the Sub-Committee to make as to what work carried out in the neighbouring any recommendations at this stage on the various countries would be of interest to them. The subjects dealt with in the questionnaire. Further, replies received are as follows : although a meeting of the Sub-Committee was suggested to take place in the Philippines along India requires information on Sardines and with the Eighth Pacific Science Congress held at Mackerels from all member countries and Manila in November 1953, the response to the sug- on Bombay Duck from East Pakistan and gestion was not adequate enough to hold a special Java. meeting and for the exchange of ideas prior to the Philippines requires information on Sardines, submission of this report. This is only naturar Mackerels and Carangoids (esp. racial and owing to the vast nature of the subject dealt with systematic studies) from all neighbouring by this committee and the inadequacy of infor- countries ; also information on oceanographic mation from various sectors so frequently pointed studies of adjacent seas. out at the previous meetings. The suggestions Australia requires co-operation from Ceylon made in this report therefore are purely points and other countries to study Cybium com- for discussion which are being made by the Rap- mersoni. porteur and need not be taken as the views of the Thailand is interested in work carried out in committee as a whole. Philippines, Indonesia, etc. Technical Committee I may wish to examine Pakistan is interested in results of work done these proposals further at the 5th Meeting and sub- in India and Ceylon. mit concrete suggestions to the Council. Ceylon wants information on work done in India ; I. Statistics : The absence of statistics of pro- Japan wants information on work done in her duction in relation to neritic pelagic fish stocks, of neighbouring countries. data on the composition of such fish stocks and of monthly and yearly trends of production is a serious Similarly, suggestions for co-operative projects obstacle in the assessment of the fisheries of most from one or more countries were also invited. This countries. The member governments should be has generally been supported, but specific subjects strongly urged to develop statistical services which mill keep standing reports of fish landings and many countries. Side by side with mechanization trends of production from time to time. of the fishing fleet which will take a considerable time, there is another possible means by which 2. Collection of such statistics involves problems of methodology which have to be studied be- fish production by inshore fishing could be augmen- cause total enumeration of landings either species- ted. A close study of the methods used in in- wise or craft-wise would be impossible in most of shore fishing for neritic pelagic fishes in the various the countries of Zone I. The perfection of suit- coasts of the Indo-Pacific area shows a very wide able sampling techniques to estimate total pro- range of techniques some of which are extremely duction and the composition of that production efficient, while others are less so. Introduction will have to be given priority. Work for the of new fishing methods in a certain area might development of such sampling techniques is already possibly result in increased production because the in progress in India and possibly at other centres existing methods in that area may not always be and Technical Committee f may give . its views the best suited for a particular fishery. There is on the development of suitable techniques for com- very wide scope for extensive trials on introduction puting statistks. of fishing methods for neritic pelagic fish stocks and the CounciI should bring this to the notice of 3. The Committee should formulate details the various member governments with the sug- for standardized procedures for research. To be- gestion that efforts should be made for such inshore gin with, definitions of characters used in biological fishing experiments which do not entail heavy capital accounts and publications may be drawn up for expenditure. To pave the way for such fishing general adoption. experiments and interchange of fishing equipment, 4. Although the replies received from Member the Council may consider (a) the desirability of Governments do not show any possible over-fish- each member government compiling a list of nets, ing, it is probably desirable to keep in mind the fishing traps and other equipment indigenous to conservational aspects when dealing with any their country together with the names of agencies large-scale developmental programme and the that may be able to supply them to other countries ; Council may recommend to the member govern- (b) to lift import and export barriers for such ments to make close studies of the trends of pro- specialized fishing equipment between the member duction and changes in the trends of production countries of the Council to encourage the free flow consequent on the introduction of mechanized of indigenous fishing equipment between the coun- gear in areas which have been solely dependent on tries. local craft. 5. Oceanic Fisheries 5. A collaborated programme of research should be drawn up for the Mackerel, Rastrelliger, in which The following Resolutions were assigned to the India, Ceylon, Malaya, Netherlands, Thailand, Tuna Sub-Committee at the 4th Meeting- : Viet Narn, Philippines and Indonesia should be " That member Governments be requested invited to join. to urovide the Secretariat for transmission to the 6. A combined project for study on the oil raiporteur of the Tuna Sub-Committee data or sardine may be taken up as a collaborated project summaries of such data concerning the ecology of between India, Pakistan and Ceylon. the Tuna prior to the next meeting of the Council ". " hat' the CounciI recognizes the need for 7. All member countries of Zone I where fish- standardization of observations of the biology of ing is from the inshore belt should be persuaded Tunas and directs that instructions for such stand- to undertake exploratory surveys to discover the ardization shall be included in a handbook of field limits of neritic pelagic fish stocks in the off-shore procedures ". waters, because, in most cases, only those areas adjoining the coasts are being fished at present. The Sub-Committee (Rapporteur, Dr. W. F. Royce, of the Pacific Oceanic Fishery Investi- Interchange of methods of jishing : There is gations, based on Honolulu) has given a full report another important aspect of the work on neritic on its activities, up to October I, 1953. Burma, pelagic fisheries which requires mention here. One Ceylon, Netherlands, New Guinea, Pakistan, of the functions of the Council is to promote means Viet Nam informed the Sub-Committee that no for increased fish production in the areas. Most work on the ecology of tuna has been completed in countries have mentioned the need for more in- their countries. Neither was any work on tuna tensive exploitation of neritic pelagic fish stocks. done in Indonesia. One of the means for intensive fishing no doubt is I. The collection of additional racial data mechanization and this is being slowly adopted in for the Pacific Ocean area by the Pacific PELAGIC NERITIC FISHERIES-LANDIKGS IN METRIC TOW A. Japan'

I. Mackerels (Pneutnatophorus spp .) ...... 202,678 2. Sardine (Sardinia melanosticta) ...... 326,700 3. Herrings (Clupea pallasii) , ...... , . 213,033 4. Horse Mackerel (Trachurus japonhus) ...... 123,630 j. Yellowtail (Seriola quinqueradiata) ...... 343595 6. Saury (Cololabis saira) ...... 116,390 7. Flying squid (Ommastrophes pnc$cus) ...... , . . . 288,900

B. India' (does not include figures of Kathiawar coast a~dmechanized vessels). I. Mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurtrc) ...... 2. Oil Sardine (Sardinella longiceps) ...... 3, Other sardines (Sardinella spp. and Dussumieri spp.) 4. Clupeids and white baits (Engrauliu, Stolephorus, Hilsa, ~ciiona,~oili=,'etc j . Sciaenids (Sciaena, Otolithus, Sciaenids.) ...... 6. Silver Bellies & Lactarius spp...... 7. Bombay duck (Harpodon nehereus) ...... 8. Ribbon fish (Trichiurus spp.) ...... 9. Soles (Cynoglossus spp.) . . . . , . . . 10. Prawns & crustaceans (Penaeids, Neptunid Crabs) . . . . I I. Elasmobranchs (Scoliodon spp. various rays and sharks) . . 12. Other fishes ......

Philippines (based on z years' figures) I. Mackerel (Rastrelliger spp.) ...... 5,496 2. Sardines (Sardinella spp.) ...... , . 2,747 3. Herrings (Hurmgula spp.) ...... 2,502 4. Others . . . , ...... not known Australia (based on figures of 1945-51) I. Barracouta (Thyrsites aiun) ...... 5,035 2. Australian Salmon (Arripis trutta) . ' ...... , . . . 2,994 3. Spanish Mackerel (Cybium commersoni) ...... 454 4. Tailor (Pomatomus pedica) ...... 590 5. Ruff (Ampis georgiamrs) ...... 363 6. Others ...... Not known

Other countries Mackerel Sardines Others Remarks Pakistan . . 2,947 3,861 51944 Thailand . . 16,000 (fresh) 5,000 (salted) 39 (salted) - . 1950 figures Ceylon .. 2,024 9,003 . . I952 ,, Cambodia . . Malaya Not Known New Guinea I :: NB :-The figure for Mackerel under Ceylon includes C'hirocmtrus dmb, Under Pakistan, the figures presumably refer to Spanish Mackerel and Seer fishes. Under Thailand the figures refer to Rastrelliger spp. ('Based on the average of three years' figures.)

Oceanic Fishery Investigations have lationship of the large and complex tuna emphasized the area near the equator populations in that zone. Analysis of in order to better understand the re- the data on all four species is proceed- ing and that needed for an expanded The temperature relationship is a perplexing report on the yellowfin tuna is nearly one. All species occur over considerable ranges completed. of surface temperature, e.g., Katsuzconus from I j0 2.. An important addition to racial data on to 3z0 C., Germo x40-3z0, T. orie~ztulisjO-29'. yellowfin tuna and a tuna provisionally However, several authors report that in a single identified as Kishinoella tonggol from area the range is much less and the tuna frequently Somalia in East Africa \\-as obtained are found between narrow limits of temperature through the efforts of the FA0 and its in one place at one time. Therefore if schools of technical assistance project in that tuna are located, further exploration might well country on which Mr. A. Fraser Brunner follow their temperature zone. is biologist. Analysis of these data is Too little is known of spawning to fully assess nearing completion at the Pacific Oceanic its importance in concentrating fish. Most species Fishery Investigations and a preliminary appear to have extensive spawning seasons and areas report should be available soon. and to require food while spawning. Hence they 3. Collection and exchange of information probably do not respond to spawning without on the ecology of tuna has proceeded regard to food as some fishes do. slowly. The information was requested Latitude is valuable in locating Neothunnus in from the Member Governments by the Secretariat and replies have reached the equatorial Pacific, where they are most abundant the Chairman of the Tuna Sub-Com- between zOS.and SON. from about 140°E. longitude mittee from Australia, Burma, Ceylon, to at least 120°W. longitude. Parathunnus, on the Netherlands New Guinea and the other hand, is widely distributed in waters from United States. This information is so to 30°N. latitude. summarized below. Some species, e.g. Neothunnus, are frequently 4. The Pacific Oceanic Fishery Investiga- more abundant near land, which may be either tions has furnished to the Fisheries islands or seamounts. However, this cannot be Division of the FA0 the instructions assumed to be true simply because fisheries are for observations on the biology of tunas located there. The range of the vessels may be which are in current use. It is under- limited or they may not need to go far to catch stood that these instructions will be their fish. incorporated in handbooks now being Currents too are important, especially the Kuro- prepared. shio, which is the route of migrating Katsuwonus and T. orientalis off Japan. 5.1 Studies on the Ecology of Tunas The kind of food appears to be of little help in locating them. All species are voracious and eat a In response to a resolution of the Council at its great variety of fish, cephalopods and crustacea, fourth meeting member countries have submitted some from a hundred fathoms or below. Size of information on the ecology of tunas. Most of the food also seems unimportant, since even large data is in the form of abstracts of published papers Neothumus gorge on tiny crustacea when abundant. but is usually supplemented with a brief discourse by the compiler (see Technical Paper No. 13). But the common factor in the occurrence of most tuna appears to be the total quantity of food, which It is envisioned that this ecological information in turn depends primarily on the nutrients of the on the tunas will provide the best possible basis for surface layer. These come from upwelling of rich planning fisheries exploration. Therefore it is water from the depths of the ocean or from rivers. summarized in a way which may serve as a guide The upwelling occurs along the Equator or where in planning exploratory cruises for the open ocean currents impinge on land and in the great eddies species-skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis), yellowfin or gyres of the ocean. Concentrations of tuna food (Neothunnus macropterus), bigeye (Parathunnw sib;), without an increase in nutrients may also occur black tuna (Thunnus orientalis), and albacora (Germo between converging currents where surface waters al$unga)-about which most is known. sink and leave behind the food animals. Doubtless No complete ecological studies have bee11 ac- the special importance of the currents is both in complished but many observations have been made enhancing and concentrating the food supply. relating the occurrence of tuna to temperature, Such concentrations of the tuna food may not latitude, proximity to land, currents, their food be evident from routine methods of samplhg, be- habits spawning locations, etc. cause if tuna ate abundant the food may be eaten as fast as it is produced. ,41so, the producing in diet took place, but unfortunately no concen- centers may follow the normal fluctuations of the trated ~vorkvas carried out in this area, which again currents and the tunas may concentrate \\-here the shou-ed seasonal movement south and north. arerage food production is greatest, 11-hich is not Although food was abundant at each seasonal limit necessarily the lbcation of the largest standing crop. of the tuna's distribution, it was not a strong enough Therefore the most auspicious places to seek factor to keep them in the general area when tem- tunas are those which produce more food and con- perature changed. versely the most knowledge is to be gained by Southern bluefin tuna show fluctuations, from simultaneously finding the distribution of the fish season to season, in anilability, but this problem and determining the behaviour of the ocean cur- appears mainly to be a reflection on the method rents in regard to producing or concentrating food. of fishing and the area fished. Most fishing is The following is a summary of additional in- done by trolling from small boats which confine formation received from Member Governments. their activities to a localized area which is subject to quick change brought about by variations in weather conditions. Favourable fishing conditions are Australia easily disturbed and sometimes the restitution of these conditions takes considerable time. Again Robins, J. P. (19jz),-Further observations on temperature changes appear greatly to influence the distribution of striped tuna, Katsuwonus pelamis the species behaviour. In offshore waters good L., in eastern Australian waters, and its relation to catches of southern bluefin tuna are made, notably surface temperature. -4ust. J. Mar. Freshw. Res., along current lines where temperature changes V. 3, No. 2 : 101-110. (Statements also include take place, and around bold headlands in inshore reference to current work by the CSIRO.) waters. Investigation leading to the accumulation of It also seems that different year groups prefer information on the ecology of tunas in southeastern different niches in the environment, e.g. the younger Australian waters was commenced in August 1950. the year group the closer it appears to the coast The two species concerned were skipjack or striped where temperatures are slightly lower than in off- tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) and southern bluefin shore waters. Although abundant food suppIy tuna (Thunnus maccqyii). From these studies it is is available in inshore waters where younger tuna indicated that the striped tuna is concentrated along are taken, the older groups remain offshore, e.g., the the east Australian coast in time and space according I-year group of southern bluefin tuna in the 1952- to the seasonal fluctuation in environment. Tem- 1953 season was taken only in inshore waters where perature was the factor considered in the environ- pilchards were abundant, whilst in waters further ment. offshore (20 miles) the older groups fed mainly on During late spring, summer, and early autumn carangids and cephalopods. The condition varies there is a progression southward of the two limiting from year to year, i.e., when the I-year old group temperature boundaries (15.4OC. and 20.5"C.) does not appear on the coast and the fishery is con- and in late autumn, winter, and early spring there fined to another older year group. is a recession northward ;there is also a synchronous When facilities for intensive research are avail- movement within these limits of the striped tuna able, a correlated programme of studies of tuna population in east Australian waters. occurrence, tuna food supply, hydrology and oceano- It has been shown (Robins 1952) that striped graphy will be vigorously prosecuted. tuna are taken most plentifully in waters of temperature 16OC. and lS°C. over an investigated Philippines range of temperature of from 14.0°C. to 22.9OC. A preference for bodies of water with slightly vary- Tapiador, Domingo D. (1951).-A report ofi ing temperature is evident, i.e., concentrations of deep-sea longline fishing for tuna in the Philippines. tuna occur in zones affected by tidal and ocean Bulletin of the Fishery Society of the Philippines, currents. V0l. 2, pp. 3-27. Temperature appears to exert a greater influence Because of the well-established correlation be- upon striped tuna's movements than does food. tween these factors (water current, temperature It was found that tuna at the northern limit of ap- transparency, bottom topography), and the presence parent distribution, fed on a diet of postlarval or absence of fish, especially the tuna, as much clupeoids mainly, whilst to the south the diet con- oceanographic data as could be gathered with the sisted of euphausians. It was possible during the little facility for such type of work were taken on course of investigation to find this area where change the fishing ground where the tuna longliners ' ' Dinia " and " hlolly " obtained good catches of to June 1949 were examined. These included 114 yellowfin. yellowfin (iVeothu?~nusmacropterus), I I 5 Skipjack From an analysis of these oceanographic data, (Katsuzco~ius pelamis), and 75 oceanic bonito it is shown that the successful yellowfin catches (Euthymus ynito). were made mostly in waters where the depth ranges Fish form the most important item of the diet of from about 550 to 2,200 fathoms (1.000-4.000 these wanderers of the sea. These are either pelagic, meters) ; when the temperature ranges from 28OC. demersal, shore or coral reef fishes. The juveniles to 29°C. at the surface and 27'C. to 28OC. at the of fishes constitute the more common article of sub-surface layer of about 165 feet (jo meters); the diet. These are best represented by the Acro- and where the salinity ranges from 33 to 34 parts nurus larvae (Teuthididae). per thousand. The useless plectognathi fishes were found to be Wade, Charles B. (1951).-Larvae of tuna and an important food item of these species and indi- tuna-like fishes in the Philippine waters. U.S. cate that they go near the shore and coral reefs Fish and Wildlife Service, Fishery Bulletin No. 57, to forage there. Val. 51, pp. 445-485. Of the larger fish included in the food items a Based upon the seasonal distribution of larvae few specimens of Auxis about 250 mm. F.L. were in the present co~.lections,it appears that the most found in the stomachs of yellowfins 674 mm. in intensive spawning occurs during December, fork length. January and February, and that June and July Rare and deep-sea fishes were seen in the stomachs represents the period of least spawning. Although of these species. Some of them were in good con- it was impossible to conduct periodic re-examination dition. Among these are three newly recorded of any specific area to determine fluctuations in from the Philippine waters that will be described the abundance of tuna-like larvae, six irregular later. trips to the Sulu Sea helped to confirm the above data. On these trips tuna-like larvae were taken Pelagic invertebrates also form an important most abundantly during December and January, food item of the tunas. In fact the larvae and while June and July were the least productive. juveniles of Stomatopods form the most important Comparison of catch records with surface water single item of food both in numbers of the indivi- temperatures during these trips shows that the duals and number of occurrences. Other inverte- greatest number of larvae was taken at the periods brates found eaten are squids and juvenile octo- of lowest water temperature and the least number puses among the mollusks, and crab larvae such as was taken when the temperature was high. No zoea and megalopa. Shrimps and young crabs attempt has been made in this bulletin to discuss were also recorded. the ecology of tuna-like larvae as a group or as These pelagic fishes are seemingly non-selective, species. i.e., they are voracious eaters. They would eat Tows made during the hours of darkness, 1800 any living organism available. to 0600, produced more larvae than those made in Fifty-one families of fishes representing I I orders daytime, 0600-1800. During the day, 87 of the were recorded from the stomachs of these pelagic 250 plankton tows .made (34.7 percent) were suc- species in Philippine water. cessful with an average of 1.78 specimens per tow. Of the night tows, 105 of 212 tows made (49.6 United States and Canada percent) captured larvae. The average number of specimens for each night haul was 6.55. A total Ganssle, David and Clemens, Harold B. (1953).- of 1,395 larvae was collected at night and 447 during California tagged albacore recovered off Japan the day--or 75.8 percent of the total specimens Cal. Fish and Game 39 (4) : 443. were taken after dark. Night is not only more An albacore tagged August 4, 1952, 18 miles productive of specimens, but it seems that larvae are south of Los Angeles harbor was recaptured from then more widely distributed. It also appears that No. 5 Choso Maru 550 miles southeast of Tokyo there is some vertical migration downward during on June 23, 1953. the day and a return to the surface at night. Hart, J. L. et al. (1g48).-Accumulated data Ronquillo, Inocencio (1953).-Food habits of on albacore (Thunnus alalunga). Pacific Biol. tunas and dolphins based upon the examination of Sta., Fish. Res. Bd. Canada, Circ. No. 12, 8 pp. their stomach contents. (In press) Assembled data from the albacore fishery off the Three hundred md four stomachs of tuna colleca British Columbia and Washington coasts in I941 ted in Philippine waters from September 1947 and 1945-47. Examination of the stomach contents ,,t ,,t nearly 1.000 troll-caught fish sho~vedpilchards, exclusively large fish (i.e. 80 to 150 pounds), although pchoky, lanternfish, saury, squid, and euphausiids schools of smaller tuna are known to inhabit the be the most important food items. Length surface waters in the equatorial Pacific. There irequencies indicated that the fishery probably is a concentration of the large, deep-swimming depends for the rriost part on two successive year fish in the zone betweep I' and 6ON. latitude. :lasses of unknown age with modes at about 65 This concentration appears to be related to an in- ,nd 75 cm. Average weights of fish from individual creased food supply, shown by quantitative zoo- {rips varied less in years when the length frequency plankton hauls resulting from upwelling of rich curve showed only clear mode. Water temperatures water near the Equator. However, bigeye tuna, at which fish mere taken ranged from so0-70°F. (Parathunnus sibi) are taken more abundantly north Best fishing was at 6s°F. in 1947 and at 61OF. in of this zone of high yellowfin concentration, and 1946. there is as yet no evidence of differences in feeding McHugh, J. L. (1952j.-The food of albacore habits to explain this discrepancy. Good catches (Germo afalunga) off California and Baja California. of tuna in the immediate neighbourhood of small Bull. Scripps Inst. Oceanog., Vol. 6, No. 4. islands indicate that the influences of the islands Examination of 321 albacore stomachs taken in tend to improve the habitat for yellowfin for a few rgso and 1951 off the California and Mexican miles off their shores, but the broad general pattern coasts showed saury to be the most important food of the species' distribution in the tropical central constituent, and it is suggested that the movements Pacific does not appear to be ielated to land masses, and abundance of this forage fish may control The average size of yellowfin taken by trolling albacore availability in California waters. Squid and live-bait fishing near islands is much smaller were second in importance in the stomach contents. than that of fish taken by longline in the open ocean. There appeared to be little variation in feeding The deeper hooks of the longline frequently make habits within the range of latitude covered (25' better catches than those fishing at shallower levels, to 40°N.) but there was a seasonal change, with but the average sizes of the fish taken at the three fish forming a higher proportion of the stomach hook levels are the same. Males far outnumber contents early in the season (June-July) than to- females in longline catches of both yellowiin and ward the end of the season (October). It is specu- bigeye. Gonads collected from the catch provide lated that this change may affect the fishery in one no evidence that either ehe oceanic or island con- of two ways ; either the forage fish leave the area centrations of tuna are associated with spawning and most of the albacore follow them, leaving the migrations. few that remain to feed perforce on invertebrates ; Partlo, J. M. (1950).-A report on the 1948 or the albacore, having changed their feeding habits, albacore fishery (Thunnus ahlunga). Pacific Biol, cease to strike at trolling lures and thus become Sta., Fish. Res. Bd. Canada, Circular No. 20. unavailable to the fishery. Reports 86 per cent of the catch of research vessels Although all of the albacore were taken at the taken at surface water temperature of j8'-60'F.~ surface by trolling, some of the species of euphau- none below 57" nor above 62°F. in northeast Pacific siids and cephalopods found in the stomachs in- in 1949. Stomach contents of albacore from British dicate that the fish had been feeding at some depths. Columbia waters mainly rockfish (Sebastodes spp.), Euphausiids and amphipods were more plentiful saury, squid, and euphausiids. Rockfish and saury, in the stomachs of fish taken in the morning ;squids, the two most important items, were about equal in Pleuroncodes, and Vimiguerria in those captured in volume, but rockfish (about z inches long) were the afternoon. There was no diurnal trend in the much greater in numbers. Stomachs of fish taken appearance of saury in the stomachs. off N. California contained anchovies and pilchards. Murphy, G. I. and Shomura, R. S. (1953).- Powell, D. E, and Hildebrand, H. A. (1950);" Longlhe fishing for deep-swimming tunas in the Albacore tuna exploration in Alaskan and adjacent central Pacific, 1950-51. US. Fish and Wildlife waters-1949. US. Fish and Wildlife Service Service Special Scientific Report : Fisheries : No. 98. Fishery Leaflet 376. Results of experimental longline fishing for Reports exploratory trollhg by the fesearch vessel yellowfin (Neolhunnw maropterus) and other large Oregon in August and September of r949 in waters tunas on three cruises across the equatorial current within about 300 miles of the coast from off Washing. system south of Hawaii in 1950 and 1951 are ton to off southern Alaska. Only scattered catch& analyzed and inferences as to tuna ecology are drawn were made and no large schools were seen. as follows : Yellowfin tuna appear to inhabit greater Fish were taken within the surface water tem- depths as they grow larger, for the longlines, fishing perature range of 56.8" to ~IOF.,but the best fish- at estimated depths of 300 to 600 feet, take admost ing was found at temperatures above 58OF. Alba- core were caught mostIy within the blue oceanic Study of the stomach contents of 1.097 yelloldin water and none were taken in the green, colder tuna of various sizes captured by trolling, longlining, coastal water, although some catches were made in and live-bait fishing in surface and sub-surface, mixed bluegreen water. inshore and off shore habitats in the tropical central Stomach contents were predominantly euphau- Pacific during 1950 and 1951 revealed the following siids and young Sebastodes spp., with squid also information of ecological interest : common at nearly all localities. Rockfish were Yellowfin from inshore and oceanic en~ironments replaced by saury in albacore taken over a seamount \rere, on the average, equally well fed. Of the in the Gulf of Alaska at the most northerly location three most important food categories-fish, squid, fished. and crustaceans-the smaller yellowfin from in- Possible association of various birds, mammals shore or surface waters contained higher proportions and fishes with albacore occurrence is discussed, of crustaceans than did the larger fish from sub- but little evidence of such association was dis- surface oceanic waters. Yellowfin taken in the covered. afternoon were better fed than those captured in the morning, indicating that the tuna feed during Much of the successful fishing was done over the daylight hours. The average volume of stomach seamounts and shoal areas, and it is suggested that contents was roughly proportional to the aooplank- albacore may tend to congregate in such habitats. ton concentration, and the fish taken in the rich Powell, D. E. et al. (1952).-North Pacific alba- zone of high longline catch rates and high zooplank- core tuna exploration-1950. US. Fish and Wild- ton abundance near the Equator contained greater life Service Fishery Leaflet 402. amounts of food than those captured at more north- Results of expIoratory albacore fishing by research erly or southerly latitudes. Since the tuna consume vessel John N. Cobb off Oregon to Alaska in 1950. a great variety of organisms ranging in size from Inshore northerly migration of albacore in north- very small plankters to fish one-thlrd their own eastern Pacific determined to a great extent by length, it is thought that their distribution and movements of 57.5" F. surface water isotherm. abundance is not determined by the occurrence Fish seemed to be mostly in fingers of warm water of any specific food items but rather is influenced extending in from the southwest early in the season. by the total amount of food present m an area. Good fishing was usually in the warm blue oceanic Sette, Oscar E., Ms.-Nourishment of Central water, little catch in colder green coastal water. Pacific stocks of tuna by the equatorial circulation Thermocline depth in productive areas averaged system. Presented to Eighth Pacific Science Con- 60 feet ; fishing was poor where the surface warm gress, 1953. water layer was very shallow. Fish were taken within a surface temperature range of 54' to 6z°F., Data from 390 hydrographic stations, 4,442 most of the catch being made between 58' and 60°F. bathythermograrns, 399 plankton hauls, and 218 Gill net catches were mostly in the part of the net fishing stations in the east central equatorial Pacific within 3 fathoms of the surface. demonstrate that divergence and upwelling at the equator enrich the surface waters with inorganic Food was predominantly young Sebastopodes nutrient salts stimulating plankton production. spp. ; saury and squid were also important items. Surface waters containing the plankton drift north- Diurnal trolling catch variations indicated morning erly to an adjacent convergent zone. By inference and evening peaks of feeding activity, although this is believed to maintain a concentration of good catches were also made occasionally in the organisms of the trophic level above plankton, middle of the day. mainly small fish and squid, which in turn com- In late June off Oregon, when the fish first apprise food for yellowfin tuna, Neothunntls macrop- 'peared, trolling took them singly or often in pairs, term Ternrninck and Schlegel. The system is the first indications of schooling being seen in early generated and its structure is largely governed by July. Trolling was often done on sighting of jump- the winds. It is most effective in the eastern half ing fish, but no large schools were seen throughout of the Pacific Ocean owing to the greater prevalence the season. Scbools sighted were usually small there of strong southeast winds along the equator. and travelling fast. Gill net catches were in small Drift of the products of upwelling strongly westward scattered groups. and feebly northward displaces them westward Only scattered and few albacore were found' in and slightly northward from the area of most in- the Gulf of Alaska in late August. tense upwelling, causing the richest fishing ground Rointjes, J. W. and King, J. E. (1953).--Food to occupy usually a zone between x0 aod 6ON. of the yellowfin tuna in the central Pacific. U.S' latitude and extending from 135~to 16s0W. longi- 'Fish and Wildlife Service Fishery Bulletin 81. tude. \Yilson, Robert C. (1gj3).-Tuna marking, a ardization of methods of Plankton collection, etc., progress report, Cal. Fish and Game 39 (4) : 429- (b) the types of planktonological programmes suit- 442. able for the region," =ilbacore, skipjack and yellowfin are being tag- The reports received from the above rapporteurs ged successf~llywith plastic tube through body in are summarized as foilon-s : back of second dorsal fin. The returns give eci- dence of migration of albacore north along the coast 6.I Freshwater Plankton of California in autumn. The n-ork is continuing Acting on the above Resolution, the rapporteur and many of all three species are being tagged. approached various workers and obtained replies from Drs. Pillay (India), Chacko (India) and King 111. MISCELLANEOUS FISHERIES (U.S.). This correspondence, together with the recommendations presented to the 4th Meeting, On the basis of the suggestions of the Executive and printed in the Proceedings (pp. 67-70) forms Committee regarding procedure, in this chapter the basis of the following suggestions and notes we have grouped together those fisheries which do on progress achieved in the period 1952-53. not strictly fall within the purview of the Sub-Com- mittees on Marine or Freshwater vertebrates, that 6. I I Plankton in Fish Ponds is, In a paper on the plankton of freshwater fish-ponds (a) Invertebrates, both freshwater and marine in Madras, and presented to this Meeting as Sym- (b) Useful - . Aquatic Vegetation (as against posium Paper 13, the author summarizes the know- weeds) ledge on the subject for the area involved, while (c) Hydrology and Plankton it was reported that the Indian Government had It is believed that if the Council desire to main- collected relevant data on the planktonological tain the subject of Taxonomy on its worksheet, each programmes in that country and had transmitted of the Council's specialized groups should concern that information to the Council. itself with the systematic treatment of the organisms In a similar paper, presented by Vaas to this with which they are concerned, but that, for Meeting, (Symposium Paper z), an ecological classi- discussions of a general nature as to methods of fication of the plankton and biological environment taxonomic treatment, the Panel for Miscellaneous of Indonesian freshwater fish-ponds is tentatively Fisheries might well be charged with the study of given, while a similar approach to brackishwater these questions. Chanos ponds was made by Vaas and Sachlan in a paper prepared for the first Seminar on Fishculture 6. Plankton Studies in Indonesia in May 1951,to be printed as Special In view of the difficulty experienced in the past Publication No. 2. It is hoped that these studies in obtaining the attendance of specialized plankton will be criticized by the Council, so as to indicate workers at Council Meetings, the subject of plank- in which ways they ought to be completed and also ton was chosen as the theme for the Council's to encourage others in similar work in other parts principal Symposium at the 5th Meeting and the of the Region. assistance of UNESCO was enlisted as co-sponsor. It is felt that the diet of the fishes cultivated in This has permitted several plankton workers ponds should form the basic consideration as to the from within and without the area to present their suitability of those ponds and, in this respect, the views on this occasion and will, it is hoped, give a digestibility factor of the plankton must be closely new incentive to the Council's Sub-Committee on studied. Outside of the Indo-Pacific area this this important subject. problem has been envisaged and studied with marked In particular, we must thank Dr. C. J. Fish of success e,g. in Uganda with Tilapia. the Narragansett Marine Laboratory, University The following types of programmes could be of Rhode Island, U.S.A. and Prof. A Thiennemann formulated : of Hydrobiologisch hstalt, Ploen, Holstein, (I) Classification of the plankton in various Germany, who have travelled a considerate distance types of fishponds based on: (a) the in order to preside over this Colloquium. feeding-habits of the fish, (b) the diges-. The assignment given to the Plankton Sub-Com- tibility. of the ingested food, (c) the .in- mittee at the Manila Meeting was as follows : fluence of the technical measures taken " That the rapporteurs, Dr. K. F. Vaas (Fresh by the farmer. water) and Mr. R. S. Esquerra (Marine) be requested (2) Quantitative ~roduction studies on the . to continue correspondence with plankton workers plankton, without however disregarding of the region and that every effort be made to present the bottom fauna and the eventual supply at the next Council meeting a report on (a) stand- of food applied by the farmer,--Prbduc- tion of suitable food to be compared depths can bc made easily with the with production of fish, at optimal rate apparatus of the French Firm " RIetrix ", of stocking and optimal size of the fish. (Chemin de la croix rouge, Annecy, Ht. 6.12 Plankton in Lakes, Marshes, Reservoirs, etc. Sasoie, France.--35 .ooo F.fr.1 (b) The use of electric apparatus such as the Although the plankton of many individual lakes, Bernheim cell is advocated. marshes, reservoirs etc. was studied in India, Indo- nesia and elsewhere, the only comprehensive study Furthermore, a description of the properties of on such water bodies in an entire country known the substratum should be included in any case. to the author is the one by Blache in Indo-China. In studies on rivers and estuaries the nature of After the results of two more investigations in the river bed and the catchment area must also be Indonesia have been analyzed, an attempt will described. In the description of ponds, the cultural be made to give a classification of such waters in methods (manuring, fodder, drying) should be stated that country, taking the older classification of Van and for lakes, reservoirs etc. a description of the Oye as a guide. surrounding land should be added, when drainage It is suggested that in every member country, into the lake is important. All data should be individual lakes and other bodies of water should stated as p.p.m. (-mgr,/~), oxygen always as mgr. or cc. as well as in percentage saturation at the be studied and the results integrated into a classification. For these large bodies of water plankton existing temperature. It is emphasized that the will be, relatively, of even more importance than minimum programme stated on p. 69 applies for in ponds. The primary aim of such a classification field work, carried out on the spot without delay. should be to act as a guide for the introduction of Analyses of stored samples are to be avoided as new species. much as possible. After inventory and classitication, production 6.2 Marine Plankton studies should be carried ont (re-suspended black At the Council's 4th Meeting held in the Philip- and white bottle technique), so as to cornpcare food pines, the problem of the Sub-Committee on production with fish production. Planktonology (Rapporteur, Mr. Esguerra, Bureau 6.13 Indicator Species of Fisheries, Rep. of the Philippines) was to review Items 6.11 and 6,12 mentioned above, ultimately the programs of research in progress in the region lead to the listing of " Indicator Species ", as in- and to consider the recommendations which might dicated on p. 69 of Section I of the Proceedings of be, firstly, for standardization, coordination, and the 4th Meeting. promotion of progress in the field and, secondly, to indicate the relative importance and priority 6.14 Standard Procedure, Sampling which might be assigned to different types of in- As was suggested in the 1952 report, the methods vestigations in the field. However, due to lack of used by J. Blache are advocated once more. How- attendance this assignment has not been imple- ever, many workers stressed the urgent need for mented. It is hoped that a more representative methods permitting some sort of statistical treatment. attendance at the 5th Meeting may enable the new As such treatment makes the use of multiple samp- Sub-Committee to carry out this assignment. ling compulsory, difficulties may often be encoun- It may be stated in general that due to the very tered, notable when remote areas are being inves- limited number of workers, and lack of suitable tigated, and a limited period of time can be spent equipment and available funds to finance the in- on the spot. For this reason it is hoped that the vestigations, planktonological studies in the Indo- Council, through one of its Sub-Committees, may Pacific area have been very much handicapped. assist to set up a procedure of sampling, in which the possibility of statistical treatment is combined 6.21 Activities of the Sub-Committee with a minimum amount of labour involved in the It was proposed at the last meeting that the procurement of the samples. views of present plankton workers be canvassed It is suggested to use borax for the neutralisa- regarding (I) Standardization of methods of plank- tion of the formaline. ton collection and interpretation of results, and 6.15 (2) Program of planktonological research in pro- Standard Procedure, Description of the en- gress in the area. The Rapporteur of the Sub- vironment committee on Marine Plankton has communicated The suggestions of pa 69, Proceedings 4th Meet- with the members and has received valuable recom- ing, Section I, are repeated with the following mendations from Mr. Joseph King, Miss P. Kott additional remarks : adDr. Prasad. It is hoped that the other members (a) Electric thermometer readings at different will send their views regarding the inquiries made. 6.22 Recomnlendations for Standardization of grammes may hare to be small, plankton at the Collection and Suggestions for Future Kork. moment should be considered as an end in itself. The Sub-Committee makes the following sug- -4 possible definition of a practical programme for gestions for the standardization of methods of any part of the area therefore might be: " TO piankton collection and analysis of catch as expressed determine the characteristics (qualitative and quan- by contributing members of the Sub-Committee : titative) of the plankton of any area at any time of *It seems that before recommendations can the year " . be made concerning gears, methods or programmes The extent of the area would, of course, depend for plankton work there should be some general on resources but a programme to give a complete decision on what might be expected from co-ordi- picture of at least one small area should always be nated plankton work in the countries concerned. possible, even if for practical reasons it were neces- Study of marine plankton could be discussed under sary to limit the survey to the succession in sur- the following hezdings :- face waters. If the survey could be extended over wider areas then information on geographical Taxonomic appraisal. distribution can be accumulated and indicator Seasonal succession and deviations from species more easily identified (as was suggested by such succession. the Chairman of Technical Committee I, Mr. D. J. Quantitative assessment. Rochford, for the Manila Meeting of the Council) ; Geographic distribution (and incidentally, and of course similar programmes by different indicator species). countries in even widely separated areas, can assist Biological correlation (ix. with fish, food in this. Meanwhile information could be accwnu- chain components). lated on those species which are apparently import- Hydrological correlation (and plankton as a ant food organisms. measure of productivity). The taxonomy of the different groups present Assuming that (I) (Taxonomy) is a necessary rather greater problems. Since literature is diffi- and fundamental prerequisite for any plankton cult to obtain in some of the member countries, work and that (5) and (6) (an understanding of the keys of at least the major groups would be indis- plankton as part of its environment) are the final pensable to workers. and ultimate aims of any programme, I suggest The International Council are publishing sheets that (z), (3) and (4) are the intermediate steps of identification keys for European waters ; surely towards those ultimate aims and should be the with the impressive company of specialists in this immediate aim of any programmes planned in the area something similar could be attempted here. area. It is not a thing which can be immediately done but it could be encouraged and at least discussed. It is suggested at this stage that, although it has been proposed that " synthesis is our aim-not Keys are available for Australian pelagic Tunicates analysis ", the former is hardly possible without (Thompson, H., 1950) for some Australian Chaetog- the latter. Nor is it possible to say, without an naths (Thompson, 3. M., 1947) for Euphausiids analysis of the plankton, what is likely to be of im- (Sheard, to be published), for many Crustacean portance. We can discover from examination of groups, etc. (Dakin & Colefax, 1940). We have, fish stomachs what may be important as food but in the area, Dr. Prasad, a specialist on Copepods to fully understand what part that food takes in and many others who have specialized in Phyto- the plankton, and by what conditions it may be and Zoo-plankton groups. Perhaps some arrange- affected, we must go to the plankton itself. In ments between the specialists concerned could be these intial stages it seems impossible to say what made so that simple and workable identification may or may not be of importance. For instance, keys could be made to alleviate shortage of taxo- in N.S.W. waters the Salp, Thalia democratica nomists in the area. (hardly an organism which impresses either as a Lists of species do help to'a certain extent in assist- food organism, or, due to its wide geographical ing geographical distribution but in no other way. distribution, as an indicator) gives promise of being Regarding gears : this does not seem to be of great an important factor in the annual turnover of plank- scientific importance as long as workers and others ton and its appearance may assist in the interpre- are aware of the limitations of the gear they are using. tation of circulation characteristics. Therefore, Economically some uniformity is dqirable. It although due to staffing difficulties plankton pro- has many times (H. Thompson) been recommended - -.. *This section of the report is taken from a contribution received from Miss P. Kott of the CSIRO Marine Biological Laboratory, Cronulla, N.S.W. Australia, a Member of the Sub-committee. that Discovery type nets are already in such general requirements such as escessive cost or elaborate use that they should be the standard equipment. apparatus not easily obtainable or not already a~ail- They are not, of course, especially in shallow waters, able at most laboratories. And, second, 11-e shall always practicable. It would be interesting to describe in some detail our own methods of quan- bear the opinion of member countries on the use titative collection and analysis of zooplankton n-hich of these nets. we believe have proven their worth in respect to Hardy Indicators are useful especially as they our particular objective of determining where tunas entail little work in either the field or the Laboratory can best make a living in the central Pacific. and are useful in compiling confirmatory data. One of the major projects in the research program of the Pacific Oceanic Fishery Investigations, U.S. To summarize : Fish and Wildlife Service, is to obtain information (a) Plankton programmes to determine the on the relative or potential productil-ity of different characteristics of the plankton of any areas of the tropical and subtropical Pacific. As area at any time of the year. The extent indices to productivity we have considered the of the area'to depend upon the resources oceanic circulation, the concentration of basic of the station. Meanwhile, data on chemical nutrients, and the abundance of zooplank- important food organisms should be ton. Although the primary aim of our plankton accumulated. sampling is to obtain quantitative information on (b) The serious consideration of taxonomists the zooplankton population, a secondary objective in the area and the Council to the pre- is to collect tuna eggs and larvae for use in the study paration of identification leaflets similar of the spawning habits of tuna. Therefore sampling to those published by the International gear and procedures which contribute toward both

Council.- - .- --. objectives are utilized. Early in our studies we (c) Standardization of gears to Discovery type tried nets of a variety of mesh sizes and employed nets and Hardy Indicators. different types of hauling methods. As a result 'While it is the object of most plankton research of this experimentation we adopted, as most satis- to obtain a measure of the productivity or avail- factory for our purposes, a go-minute oblique tow able fish food present in an area, many investigations to 200 meters depth employing a I-meter net of may have more specific objectives, such as the study 3oXXX silk grit gauze. Descriptions of the gear, of diurnal migration, vertical distribution in respect the method of hauling, and the processing of the to the thermocline, geographical distribution of collections are given below : certain groups or species, etc. Although it is desir- The Net : Mouth diameter-I meter ; front and able that methods used in the field and in the labo- middle section-3oXXX silk grit gauze (apertures ratory should be standardized so as to yield data 0.65 mm) ; rear section and bag-56XXX silk grit comparable with that collected at other times and gauze (apertures 0.31 rnrn). A more detailed des- in other areas, this can rarely be achieved. Each cription of the construction of the net is given in investigator will logically attempt to use the method figure I. within the range of his available finances and faci- For work in tropical waters, where zooplankton lities which in his opinion will contribute the most may be sparse, we favour the use of the meter net toward his particular objective. Furthermore, new because of its large straining capacity. In a 30- and improved quantitative plankton collecting minute haul at 2 knots approximately 1,000 cubic devices are currently being devised and in all prob- meters of water pass through the net ; thus a sample ability any presently adopted standards would is obtained which is large enough to measure con- soon become absolete. It is exceedingly difficult, veniently and provides more adequate represen- therefore, to recommend methods of collection and tation of the less abundant constituents, such as of analysis that are adaptable to the limitations and fish larvae, than would be obtained with a net of objectives of most or all plankton investigations, or smaller diameter. that might not soon require chagi~gto keep pace The mesh of 3oXXX grit gauze which makes up with new developments. 97 per cent of the straining surface of the net retains In this report we should like to present, first, a the majority of the fish eggs and larvae and the general outline (table I) of collecting and process- zooplankton, except the more minute forms such ing methods for the different forms of plankton, as the microcalanid copepods, foraminifers, etc. which we believe are capable of yielding uniform Almost no phytoplankton is retained by the net, results and which possess no materially prohibitive thus a " clean " sample of zooplankton is obtained.

* This and following pages were prepared by Dr. J. E. King, Fishery Research Biologist, Pacific Oceanic Fishery Investigations, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Honolulu, Hawaii, a member of the Sub-Committee. The current meter : The amount of water strain- Statistical studies have shown that this method ed during each haul is estimated by measuring the of hauling produces repeatable results. flow past a current meter suspended in the mouth Analyzing the catch : The zooplankton collec- of the net and computing the total volume on the tions receive the following treatment in the labora- assumption that the Aow-rate was uniform through- tory : out the mouth of the net. Each current meter is (I) All organisms whose longest dimension is calibratcd before and after each cruise by towing greater than j cm. are removed from the it over a measure course at approximately the same sample. The kind of organism removed speed used in making the plankton hauls. The and its displacement volume are recorded, average of these calibrations is used to compute Such organisms occur infrequently and the volume of water strained in cubic meters for are omitted from the basic analysis. each haul during that cruise. Within a limited Their occurrence may be studied sepa- range of towing speeds the number of revolutions rately and without affecting the results registered by the meter indicates the length of the obtained from the more typically plank- water column passing through the net ; multiplying tonic constituents of the hauls. this length by the area of the mouth of the net gives (2) A11 organisms with longest dimension bet- an estimate of the water volume strained. ween 2 and 5 cm. are next removed from Current meters of the type constructed by the the sample, identified as nearly as pos- Atlas Compass and Mfg. Co., Vashon, Washington, sible, and their displacement volume have been found satisfactory. measured. Method of rigging : We have used both 5/32" (3) The remainder of the sample, that fraction and 114'' diameter steel cable for hauling the meter with longest dimension less than 2 cm. nets. While the former should be of sufficient and constituting the bulk of the sample, strength when towing at slow speeds with a-shock is examined under a binocular dissecting- absorber or accumulator in the towing system, the scope and its general composition noted. latter provides the greater margin of safety. The displacement volume of this fraction is then determined after any artefacts, The nets and a 75 or 100-lb. weight are con- such as refuse from the ship, have been nected to the towing cable as shown in figure I. removed. This portion of the sample The lengths of the connecting Iines to the weight not further subdivided. and the bridle of the net may be modified to suit operating conditions aboard the vessel. If the In measuring the displacement volume, the plank- winch to be used for the hauling is not provided ton is poured into a drainage sock of 56XXX grit with a counter to measure the wire as it pays out, gauze to filter off the preserving liquid. The a metering block may be used for this purpose. draining plankton is then placed in a graduated cylinder of approximate size (usually of 50 or ~ooml. Method of hauling : In making the haul, the capacity). By means of burette a known volume towing line bearing the net and weight is paid out of water is added to the drained plankton. The slowly at uniform speed. As the net is lowered, differences between the volume of the plankton the length of wire out and the angle of stray (from plus the added liquid and the volume of liquid the vertical) are recorded at 2-minute intervals. alone is the displacement or net wet volume of When a calculated depth of 200 meters is reached, that portion of the plankton sample. the net is retrieved at a slow uniform speed. The angle and the length of wire out are again record~d Our present procedure does not include a detailed at 2-minute intervals. At a towing seed of about count of organisms occuring in the collections. 2 knots, an oblique tow to a depth of 200 meters, In line with the chief purpose of the study- made in this fashion, requires about 30 minutes. to use the abundance of zooplankton as'an index Assuming that the towing wire represents a straight to productivity-it is desired to obtain an estimate line in the water, the net strains approximately the of the amount of zooplankton in each sample that; same amount of water for each meter of depth passed is potentially fish food of significant nutritional through. value. It was decided therefore to use the dis- At the end of each haul the net is washed down placement volumes of the following as representing thoroughly, concentrating the catch in the plankton nutritional food : sock or bag. The collection is then transferred A. The entire remaining fraction of the sample to a I-quart jar and sufficient formalin added to after the larger organisms, z cm. or greater in longest approximate a 10-per cent solution. The formalin dimension, have been removed: is neutralized with borax and a completed label is Ordinarily this portion of the sample is placed in the jar. composed primarily of crustaceans and chaetognatbs with a small percentage by 3. Search for biological indicators to suppie- number and volume of " watery " ment hydrographic data for the identi- organisms of low food value, such as jelly- fication of water masses, fish and salps. As stated earlier this The more academic lines of research must of portion of the sample is examined under necessity be left to educational institutions or the microscope and classified as to its privately endoned laboratories. make-up of an average (mixed) composition, composed primarily of a swarm of These three research programs if effectively one organism, or containing an unusual prosecuted should provide information of great amount of unnutritious forms. value in the development and management of fishery resources, whether in the Indo-Pacific, the central B. All annelids, crustaceans, cephalopods, Pacific, or elsewhere. and fish in the 2 to 5 cm, size category. Although we believe there is much in favour of The following organisms in the 2 to 5 cm. the procedures which we have adopted, and while category are not included as food : sipho- we should like to see them in general use through- nophores, medusae, ctenophores, hetero- out the Pacific, we realize that they may not provide pods, and tunicates. the desired information in many specialized programs The sum of items (I) and (2) provide a single of plankton research and the necessary facilities volume measurement for each sample which we may not always be available. We have found our accept as the best available estimate of the amount sampling method to combine well with other acti- of zooplankton-as food-present at that time and vities at sea and not to require an exorbitant amount place, subject to capture by the gear employed. of vessel's time. Certain items of equipment are This measurement would doubtless be more precise required, however, such as wire cable and a heavy- if all non-food organisms were sorted from the duty winch, which may not be available on all entire sample, but this would mean that a con- small research vessels. The displacement volume siderably smaller number of samples could be pro- measurements and calculations are simple to make cessed with the available personnel. and do not require elaborate laboratory equipment. While the above-described equipment and pro- Adjustment for Diurnal Variation : An important cedures are not recommended as a standard, we source of variation in quantitative measurements consider that it is highly desirable to compare on zooplankton abundance is related to the time of quantitative plankton results from various ocean day of hauling. In central Pacific waters the areas and we have found that it is seldom possible volumes of night hauls, using the zoo-meter oblique to do so. In many instances the results might tow, have averaged about 1-112 times the volumes have comparative value if only a few additional data of day hauls. This is sufficient variation to obscure, were recorded. It is therefore recommended in in certain areas, the geographical and seasonal the reporting of plankton results that : features of distribution which are of primary in- I. The plankton collecting device be fully terest in our studies. A suitable adjustment for described, including especially the dimen- removing the effect of diurnal change has been sions and mesh apertures. devised by these Investigations, which takes into 2. The method of hauling and stratum of account the contrast between daylight and night- water sampled be given. time conditions and also the intermediate dawn 3. The quantity of water passing through the and twilight effects on plankton volume. The net be measured or estimated, with the adjusted volumes are then used in examining geog- method of measurement or estimation raphical and seasonal variations and for correlation fully reported, as well as the resulting with environmental factors. data. The writer will be glad to provide a description 4. Replicate hauls be made whenever possible of the method of adjustment if such is desired. employing the same gear and methods in order to evaluate the sampling vari- General Recommendations : It is our belief that ability. most marine plankton research carried on by government agencies ordinarily pertains to one or more of It would be desirable to encourage plankton / the following general programs : workers who have surplus collections in storage to make known this fact, so that they might be dis- I. Studies of available fish food or relative tributed to investigators .in other areas. Our productivity of different ocean areas. laboratory has filled requests from several parts 2. Life history studies on commercially irn- of the world for plankton materials from this area portant fish or invertebrates. of the Pacific. Table I. Suggested methods of colleotion and analysis for marine planktonological programs (Submitted by Dr. J. E. King)

Collection Province -Form of Analysis Plankton Gear Manner of Use*

I Neritic Water bottle (Nansen type) ! Sample at j to zom. Centrifuging or settlement. 1 depth Water trap (Men type) ! Counts with micro-counting / chamber.

-- Phytoplankton Water trap (Allen type) Samples at g to nom. 1 Centrifuging or settlement to obtain estimate of volume. Clarke-Bumpus Sampler ~orhontal hauls, 1 surface to 5om. I Tow net, 30 to 75cm.** Oblique hauls, to , Counts with Sedgewick-Raf- surface or bottom 1 ter type chamber. to surface. (Nets of No. 20 silk bolting Advise against sur- ; cloth) face samples only, ; and night hauls. -- I Zooplankton Clarke-Bumpus Sampler 1 Horizontal hauls sur- Counts with large chamber. i with 56XXX silk grit gauze j face to mom. Volumes by displacement net (aperture dia. 0.31mm.) 1 method. Tow net, 50 or loo cm." of I Oblique hauls, bottom 3oXXX silk grit gauze / to surface. 1 (aperture dia, o.6gmm,), equipped with flow meter. I

Oceanic Nannoplankton I Water bottle (Nansen type) Samples at 10 to zom. Centrifuging or settlement. Water trap (Allen type) Counts with micro-counting chamber.

Phytoplankton Water trap (Allen type) Samples 10 at to aom. I Centrifuging or settlement to 8 obtain estimate of volume. ClarkeBumpus Sampler Horizontal hauls, sur- / I face to gom. Tow net, 30 to 75cm.** 1 Oblique hauls, loom. Counts with Sedgewick- Raf- to the surface. , ter type chamber. (Nets of No. 20 silk bolting Advise against surface 1 cloth) samples only, night hauls.

Zooplankton Clarke-Bumpur Sampler with / Horizontal hauls, sur 1 Counts with large counting 56XXX silk grit gauze net. chamber. I Tow net, 50 to roo m.**.of I Obliqueface hauls,loom- zoom. Volumes by displacement 3oXXX silk grit gauze, ' 1 method. i equipped with flow meter. , I

I / High speed samplers I still experimental I

* Procedures suggested here are for general use ; modification would be necessary for many plankton studies with special objectives. ** We have found that the optimum amount of straining surface in plankton nets is provided by a length-~f-~~t. mount-diameter ratio of 5 to I. L DESCRIPTION OF PLANKTON NET SECTIONS

Figure I. Diagram and description of the r-meter net used by thc Pacific Oceanic Fishery Invedgstions, showing the general construction of the net and the method of attachment to the weight and towing lines. The suggestions received from the members of (e) Seasonal succession and deviation from such the Sub-Committee are summarized below : succession. (f) Quantitative assessment. United States (g) Geographic distribution (and incidentally in. (I) Seritic and' Oceanic Sannoplankton-Collec- dicator species). tion by Sansen bottle and Alien water trap. Xnaly- sis of catch by centrifuging and counts by micro- (h) Biological correlation (i.e., n-ith fish food counting chamber. chain components). (2) Neritic and Oceanic Phytoplankton-Collec- (i) Hydrological correlation (and plankton as a tion by Allen water trap, Clarke-Bumpus sampler measure of productivity). and tow net. Analysis by centrifuging and count- The Sub-Committee recommends that with the ing with Sedgwick counting rafter. aid of all expert advice available the Council (3) Neritic an4 Oceanic Zooplankton-Collection authorize a reliable authority or expert on Plank- by the Clarke-Bumpus sampler and tow net. ilnaly- tonology in the region to work out a handbook of sis of catch by counts in large chamber and by the field and laboratory practices in planktonology displacement methods. adaptable for the area. It has been suggested that serious considera- Australia tion be given by taxonomists in the area and by (I) The Discovery type of nets has been recom- the Council to the preparation of identi- mended for general standardized method of collec- fication leaflets similar to those published by the tion. International Council. The proceedings of the International Council lndia-(IPFC/Cgz/ Tech 37) for the Exploration of the Sea indicates that a special (I) Phytoplankton collection by Nansen and Sub-Committee has made studies on the standard- Casella bottles and method of analysis expressing ization of methods for Zooplankton. This may be diatom intensity in terms of plant pigment units. of help in the determination of the standardized (2) Zooplankton collection by the Clarke-Bumpus method the IPFC may adopt for marine plankton. sampler with meter. Analysis of catch by the displacement method. 6.24 Review of Contributions from Member Countries : Philippines Australia : (I) Phytoplankton collection by Nansen bottle I. E. J. Ferguson Wood-Phytoplankton and analysis of catch expressing diatom intensity Studies in Eastern Australia. by the Harvey plant pigment unit. 2. Miss P. Kott-Suggestions for Standardi- (2) Zooplankton collection by the Clarke-Bumpus zation of Plankton Collection and Prob- sampler and tow net. Analysis of catch by the lems for Future Work. displacement method and by counts in large counting chamber. France : No Information Inasmuch as no further suggestions were re- India : ceived from the other members of the Sub-Com- I. Dr. Pannikar-IPFC/C521Tech 37 Sug- mittee, no specific recommendations on standard gestions on Standardization of Methods method could be made but this project of the Sub- in Quantitative Planktonological Investi- committee will be continued and the suggestions gations. of all concerned will be coordinated for the use 2. N. Dutta, J. C. Malhorta, & B. B. Bose- of the CounciI as soon as possible. IPFC/C54/Sym .4 Hydrology and Seasonal Fluctua~onsof the Plankton 6.23 Suggestions for future work in planktonology : in the Hooghly Estuary. (a) Studies of available fish food or relative productivity of different ocean areas. Indonesia : (b) Life history studies on commercially import- I. Dr. K. F. Vaas-IPFC/C52/ I~D-Biblio- ant fish or invertebrates. graphy of the Literature Relating to the (c) Search for biological indicators to supple- Indonesian Algae. ment hydrographic data for identification. -Report for 1952 of the Sub-Committee on (d) Taxonomic appraisal. planktonology. japan : P. Ch. Teen left Indonesia in the middle I. S. Motoda-IPFC/Cg.+/Sym r2 On Plank- of 1953. ton Research in Japan with Annotated 2. The attention of Member Governments Bibliography. was drawn to the desirability of 2. T. Harada-IPFC / C5+/Sym j-Studies conducting estuarine and neritic hydro- on the Blue-Green Algae of Japan. logical investigations and, finally, Member Countries were requested to Korea : No Information furnish papers for the next meeting of the Council giving full details of their Pakistan : Xo Information. hydrological programmes, including, Philippines : wherever possible, descriptions of analy- tical procedures and equipment. I. H. R. Rabanal-1PFC/C52[14D-List of Work on Plankton or with bearing on Papers on Hydrology were presented at the Plankton in the Philippines. Eighth Pacific Science Congress at Manila by K. K. Pannikar and R. Jayraman, entitled : " Some as- Thailand : No Information pects of Productivity in Relation to Fisheries of U.K. (Malaya) Indian Neritic Waters," and by D. J. Rochford : " Secular Hydrological Trends in Eastern Australian I. Tham Ah Kow-IPFC /Cp/Tech 7- Coastal Waters ". The Plankton Calendar of Singapore Straits With Suggestions for a Simplified A paper with hydrological data from Philippine Methodology ,for its Determination waters will be presented at the 5th Meeting of the IPFC/C54/Sym 8-The Role of Plank- I.P.F.C. tonology in Fisheries Development. For Indonesia it can bk stated that estuarine conditions have been taken up again for the first U.S.A. : time since the war both from a purely hydrological I. J. E. King-Suggestions on the Standardi- standpoint as well as from a standpoint of the zation and Methods of Marine Plankton fisheries as such. This will be confirmed in 1954. Collection and of Planktonological Pro- This has become possible through the commissioning grams Suitable for the Area. of a new rzsearch vessel Sanzudma. 2. U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Special Another main point of interest to the hydrology Scientific Report-Zooplankton Volumes sub-committee was the proposal for an Indo- off the Pacific Coast, 1952. Pacific Oceanographical Institute. Strictly speak- Vietnam : ing, this was an item considered by the Council as a whole and not by the hydrology sub-committee, I. IPFC/C~~/I~D--Literatureon Plankton but it is of such an importance that a few lines may of Indo-China-List of Zooplankton of be given here. Cambodia. 2. J. Blache-Notes and Observations on the This proposal (see item 23 of the Manila Pro- Standardization of Plankton Collection. ceedings) was forwarded by FA0 to UNESCO and as a result a meeting of consultants was called 7. Hydrology prior ta the 8th Pacific Science Congress. The year 1953 was an important year for this As a result, the meeting considered such an Committee (Rapporteur, Mr. T. Megia, Philip- organization highly desirable and UNESCO and pines). After lengthy consideration at the 4th FA0 will now call at some time and place in 1954 Meeting two main points emerged : a meeting of accredited representatives of the interested Governments to discuss financial possi- I. A request to Mr. P. Ch. Veen from Indo- bilities and, if necessary, to formulate an agreement nesia for making a survey of the existing and rules of procedure for such an organization. oceanographic institutions within the central region which possess the necessary facilities for the analysis of water 8. Seaweeds samples. (see item 24.1 in the Pro- The assignments to this Sub-committee (Rap- ceedings of the Manila Meetings). porteur, Mr. M. A. Abagon, Philippines) are to It was not found possible to fulfil this be found in the Proceedings of the Manila Meeting, onerous assignment and moreover Mr. Item 24.3 Nos. 6 and 7. Resolution Cj2/~4.3(6)was implemented by the du Cambodge " has been circulated as an Occasional Secretariat for action by Member Governments of Paper of the Council. The Sub-committee regrets the Council and the following replies have been to state at this moment its inability to affix the received. scientific names of the accompanying mounted specimens of Monsieur Dom-Saveun. All the Burma seaweeds described by Monsieur Dom-Savecn The Council is informed that the Government of except the Sargassum are excellent supplementary he Union of Burma is unable to furnish the requir- feeds for Chanos chanos Forskd. :d information as no research work in seaweed resources has yet been undertaken in the country. Ceylon The survey of the seaweed resources in Ceylon Cambodia is conducted by the Fisheries Research Station. Monsieur Dom-Saveun, Chef de Cantonnement It is done with the help of a small boat or motor des Psches, Phnom-Penh, informed the Council launch. A stretch of coast of about 5 miles is select- that no basic studies on marine seaweeds have been ed and the survey is carried out during low tide. earried out in the country. However, he believed Several plots 15 feet by 15 feet are selected at ran- that some tangible results might be obtained if dom to a depth of five feet and all the algae in the suitable technical assistance could be acquired to area are collected by a collector. The weeds are facilitate the studies concerning seaweeds ; more dried for 3 to 4 days and their weight determined. particularly the localization and evaluation of the standing crop for purposes of industrial exploita- Philippines tion. The economic seaweeds mentioned in the paper An article written by Monsieur Dom-Saveun of Dr. Zaneveld are mostly found in Philippine entitled " Aperyu sur les resources d'algues maritimes waters. The following seaweeds have so far earned vernacular names among the inhabitants :

Scientific icnalrie Vernacular name Economic use Acanthopora orimtalis mot (hano, haon) Human food Cattlerpa serrdata Gdgdacgac (Ilocano, Luzm) I r, Caulerpa sertularoidea Salsalamugui (id. id.) I, ,, Caulerpa recemosa ear. uvzfera Ararusip (id. id.) 1, >, Chaetomorpha crassa Cawat-cawat (id. id.) ,, $1 Codium tenue Pukpuklo (id. id.) Digenea simplex Bodobodo (id. id.) ~n(ielrnin;ic Enteromorpha intestinalis Bitukang-manok (Tagalog, tuzon) Human food Eucheuma spinosum Rtcpruppuuc (Ilocano Luzon) Gracilavia confervoides C;lclaman dagat (Tagalog, Luaon) Gvacilaria crassa Susueldot baybay (Ilocano, Luzon) Gracilaria eucheumoides Canot canot (Ilocano, Luzon) Gracilaria lichenoides Gargararao 9, 7, 1 Hydroclathrus cancellatus Balbalulang [ ,, 9, 1 Liagora cheyneana Barisbaris ( ,, I, )

The following Philippine seaweeds of economic importance that are not mentioned in the paper are : Scientific name Vernacular name Economic use

I. Porphyra spp. Gamet (Ilocana) Human Food 2. Digenea simpler Bodobodo Anthelmintic 3. Polysiphonia spp. Unknown Fish Food 4. Ectocarpus spp. Unknown Fish Food j. Lynbya aestuarii Lablab (Tagalog) Food of Chanos chanos

United States and Tertitories resources have no immediate application to the tropical conditions of the Indo-Pacific Area. HOW- Dr. A. V. Anderson, Chief, Branch of Commer- ely&, he writes that G. A. Riley and G. L, && cial Fisheries, U.S. Department of the Interior could be consulted on matters pertaining to quan- Fish and Wildlife Service, states that investigations titative ecolog). and dynamics of prcduction of both in the Vnited States and its territories of seaweed plankton and benthos flora, respecti~ely. United Kingdom Territories -Singapore task of estimating tonnages and types of seaweed KO research workers are engaged in the study of bepn. A sun-ey boat examined the submerged seaweeds in the Colony. Hon-ever, some sea- sea\\-eed through a view box, and having decided weeds of economic importance are recognised, as that the bed contained sufficient sean-eed of the follows : right type and defined its limits, the task of assessing the growth density commenced. I. Lilza latissitna 2. Splaizclwidium spp. " This was done by sampling the bed with 2 3. Girartina spp. specially designed grab over half-square yard areas 4. Caulerpa nzacrodiscn at intervals, each sample being hauled up, weighed 5. Caulerpa fergusonii and subdivided into the various types of weed pre- 6. Sargassum spp. sent. By this means the entire bed was covered and the resulting data, when plotted on a map and Numbers I to j of the list above are seaweeds analyzed statistically, enabled an exact estimate that are used by the inhabitants to feed ducks and to be made of the amount and type of weed growing pigs, while numbers 2 to 5 are seaweeds that are in it. utilized for human consumption. " This work was carried on for over two years Institute of Seaweed Research (Scotland) in Orkney during which time the grab was lowered and raised over 20.000 times. It was found that In a letter of Dr. F. H. Woodward, Director of between low water mark and seven fathoms in the the Institute of Seaweed Research, Scotland, to Orkneys there were 1.200.000 tons of seaweed the Secretariat, it was stated that reliable methods growing. of surveying non-buoyant varieties of sub-littoral brown marine algae, based on aerial photography " Aerial Survey Methods. While this work and mechanical quadrat sampling have been, or was in progress efforts were made in collaboration are being used, to assess the seaweed resources with the R.A.F. to develop an easier method of of Eastern Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Norway survey based on aerial photography. During the and Scotland. Quantitative surveys of the more war improved photographic techniques had been prolific buoyant ,varieties have also been made on devised which enabled the seabed to be photograph- the Pacific coast of the United States of America ed in detail from fast-moving planes, flying and Canada and along the shorelines of the Falkland reasonably high, and it was found that these tech- Islands, Australia and New Zealand. niques could be modified to record in detail submerged seaweed beds in inshore waters. This A description of recent developments in the was a tremendous step forward and eventually methods used for the localization and evaluating saved years of laborious and expensive boat work, the standing crop of seaweeds in their natural for as soon asthe coastalareas had been photograph- habitat by Dr. F. H. Woodward, is quoted below : ed most of the initial survey work could be carried " In Scotland, where the bulk of Britain's out on the profiles so obtained with relatively few seaweed is found, the problems were many and random boat samplings. difficult. " Although the survey of the Scottish seaweed " A reasonably clear idea of the localization of beds is not yet complete, sufficient has been done the principal beds had first to be obtained. This to indicate that the 4,500 miles of Scottish coastal was not easy, but examination of Admiralty charts waters contain total seaweed resources of about eliminated areas with sandy or muddy seabeds, ~o.ooo.ooo tons, equivalent to a potential annual which will not grow seaweed. The next step was harvest of about ~.ooo.oootons of seaweed when to find beaches on which sub-littoral weeds were allowance has been made for inaccessible beds and thrown up by wind or storms. This necessitated a four-year recovery period. weekly observations during the winter of over 30 beaches, mostly in Orkney, the Hebrides, and the " Although no survey as accurate as this had Scottish west coast, As a result it was found that been made elsewhere, sufficient has been dope to the inshore waters of the Orkneys and South Uist be certain that there are at least 60 million tons of in the Hebrides probably support a bigger growth seaweed growing along the coastlines of Norway, of the Laminariales than any other area off the coast France, the British Isles, Canada, the U.S.A. and of Britain, and the first serious attempt to determine the Falkland Islands." the quantities and types of submerged seaweed In the light of the foregoing. considerations it is was consequently centred on the Orkney Islands. suggested that a similar study of the seaweed re- " The limits of the beds in this area as seen sources by every member country of the Council from an aeroplane were sketched on charts and the be carried out using as a pattern the methods utilized by the Scottish Institute of Seaweed Research, in graphy of the Indian Crustacean Fisheries. Another so far as they are applicable to tropical conditions. 6 papers were added to the list which is being given separately. From this bibliography one can infer 9. General Biology that extensive work has been done on the pra\vn (shrimp) fisheries of that particular area. The assignment to this Sub-Committee at the 4th Meeting (item 24.3 (I)), Proceedings) limited The paper on the " Reproduction, Develop- the field primarily to Crustaceans and Molluscs. ment and Rearing of Fetzaetis japonzczrs Bate " by Motosaku Fujinaga of the Fisheries Agency A report was received from the Rapporteur, of the Japanese Government suggests that the crus- Mr. J. S. Domantay, as follows :- tacean fisheries are not altogether neglected if not The crustacean fisheries in general and the fully developed in Japan. Unfortunately no report prawn (shrimp) fisheries in particular of the Indo- has been given on the actual status of the prawn Pacific areas constitute one of the minor marine (shrimp) fisheries. industries, which if properly exploited and develop- The Grapsoid Crabs of the Malayan Mangrove ed may be considered one of the major resources. Swamps by hI. W. F. Tweedie, Directog Raffles In the Philippines the seas, rivers and mangrove Museum of Singapore (presented at this Meeting swamps are being exploited for this particular as IPFC/C5q/Tech 14) is a very valuable contri- aquatic resource. Fishponds are being stocked bution to the systematic study of crabs in the Indo- with the fry of Penaeus monodon taken from other Pacific mangrove swamps. No report on the status places. There are over a dozen species of crus- of the prawn (shrimp) fisheries has however been taceans that are being fished out and cultured for included apparently due to absence of statistical commercial purposes. Gears commonly used to data. catch the shrimps are the scissor net or drag net called sakag, small seine used in mouth of rivers, The other Indo-Pacific countries with the regular beach seine made of abaca to catch schools exception of the United States of America apparently of tiny shrimps called alamang composed mostly have no records on their crustacean fisheries. of young or adult Palaemon, corral or badad and According to reliable information, the people of the mechanized trawling net used in the sea with a Indonesia have also exploited the prawn (shrimp) sandy-muddy bottom. resources of the different islands of the Republic using local methods with gears mostly of primitive Mr. Tham Ah Kow, Fishery Officer of the types. Like the Philippines and other neighbour- Federation of Malaya and Singapore, reported in ing countries prawns or shrimps occupy a prominent his paper entitled " The Shrimp Industry of place in this fishery, the dried products constituting Singapore" on some 20 species of crustaceans an important item of international trade. caught by push nets, beach seines and from prawn ponds. Mangrove swamps are fast being converted 10. Taxonomy into prawn ponds apparently in the same pattern as the fishponds in the Phiiippifies. Refer to The most important assignment to this Sub- IPFC/C54/Tech. 16. committee (Rapporteur, Dr. ]. D. F. Hardenberg, Indonesia) was the preparation of a publication on Dr:N. Ahmad, Deputy Director of Fisheries, the 15 most important groups of fishes in the area. Comilla, East Bengal, Pakistan reported g species of crustaceans in his paper entitled " Prawn Fishery Work has proceeded on this. of East Pakistan" (IPFC/C54/Tech 15) which are caught by drag and seine nets, trawl net, A further report concerning this Sub-Committee purse net, stake net, framed or dip net, cast net was received from Australia by Mr. I. S. R. Munro, and by traps. This paper gives a good account of which is given below : .the prawn fishejries of East Pakistan which are I. The Australian Government through its found everywhere in tanks, beels, Khals, estuaries Department of External Affairs is sponsoring the and the foreshore, usually caught by nets and traps. preparation and publication of a handbook of the The prawn fisheries of West Pakistan are similar fishes of Ceylon. Costs are being met by .the to these of East Pakistan as regards methods of Australian Government .from funds available under catching and marketing. There are no statistical the Colombo Plan. The author is I. S. R. iMunro data with respect to the volume of catch. and it is expected that the manuscript will go to the Mr. Krishna Menon of the Prawn Research Unit printer early in 1954. About 850 species .will be of the Central Marine Fisheries Research. Station, included, many of which are common to most of Narakkal, although he did not report on the.status the Indo-Pacific countries. The handbook will of the fisheries, has listed 22 papers on the biblio- provide keys to all species together with a brief description and an illustration of every species. British and Dutch territories embracing New Guinea, Several member countries and the I.P.F.C. have Waigeu, Misool, Bismarck and Admiralty Islands indicated their interest in this handbook, copies and Solomon Islands. The list is fully annotated of which will be distributed in most Indo-Pacific with references and locafity records relevant to the countries in addition to Ceylon. area. The compilation has been completed and 2. The Department of External Territories is now being typed in a form suitable for publication. in conjunction with the Division of Fisheries, It has been prepared by I. S. R. Munro assisted C.S.I.R.O., is preparing for publication a handbook by Mrs. M. Jones. It is suggested here that this of the fishes of New Guinea. The author is A. M. might be offered to the I.P.F.C. for consideration Rapson and the manuscript should be ready perhaps as an occasional publication of the Council. This late in ,1954. The handbook will be based prim- Division would be interested in the views of th: arily on the fish collected by F. R. V. Fairwind Taxonomy Sub-committee in this regard and in the waters of the Australian Trust-Territory of whether the Council is likely to have funds available Papua and New Guinea and will feature descrip- for its publication in printed form. tions and illustrations of the principal species of News was received from Dr. K. S. Misra that that region. he is preparing a key of common commercial fishes 3. The Division of Fisheries, C.S.I.R.O., of India and Pakistan, to be published in the Records has now almost ready a complete check-list of the of the Indian Museum, with up to date scientific fish fauna of New Guinea, including Australian, names and suitable illustrations.- APPENDIX I WEED ERADICATION LIST OF f(Ek%RENCES* 4. Experiments to Improve the Thousand-Acre Marsh Delaware City, Delaware. John H. Steenis, Henry I. Weed Spraying equipment. G. E. Page. Oregon Cofer, and Robert Beck. Proc. Northeastern Fish and Agric. Exp. Sta. Bull. 493, 1951. Wildl. Conf., 1951. 2. Spray Equipment for Weed Control, Noel S. 5, Newsletter. F. L. Timrnons. BPI mimeo report, Hanson and John Steele. Univ. Nebraska Ext. Circ. July, 1952. 1742 1948. 3. Equipment for Chemical Weed Control. N.B. WATERHYACINTH Akesson. Rice Journal, 51(7), 1948. I. The Biology of Water Hyacinth. William T. 4. When Buying Weed Sprayers Consider Many Penfound and T. T. Earle. Ecol. Monog. 18(4), 1948. Points. R. E. Larson and V. H. Johnson. Minnesota 2. The Economic Status of the Water Hyacinth in Farm and Home Sci., 7(2), 1950. Louisiana. James Nelson Gowanloch. Louisiana 5. Airplane Application of Herbicides. F. L. Conservst. 2(9), Aug. 1944. Timrnons. Western Weed Conf. Proc., 1949. 3. Water Hyacinth : Its Growth, Reproduction and 6. Ground Equipment for the Application of Her- Practical Control by z,4-D, Hitchock, P. W. Zimmerman, bicides. Oregon Seed Growers beague Proc. (1948), Henry Kirkpatrick, Jr., and T. T. Earle. Boyce Thomp- 1949. son Inst. Reprint 669, 1949. 7. The Value of Herbicides ji Southeastern Aquatic 4. Growth and Reproduction of Water Hyacinth and Habitat Management (Section on Role of the Airplane "). Alligator Weed and Their Control by Means of z, 4;D. William P. Baldwin and Edwin W. Ball. FWS Refuge A. E. Hitchcock, P. W. Zimmerman, Henry Kirkpatr~ck, Branch mimeo report, 195 I. Jr., and T. T. Earle. Boyce Thompson Inst. Reprint 8. Control of Water Hyacinth. P. W. Zimmerman, 688, 1950. A. E. Hitchcock, Henry Kirkpatrick, Jr., and T. T. Earle. 5. The Hyacinth Eradication Program of Everglades Boyce Thompson Inst. Prof. Paper 2(9), 1950. Drainage District, Florida, 1946- 1948. Mirneo report 9. TVA Malaria Control, 1946. by Lamar Johnson, Engineer, Board of Commissioners, Everglades Drainage District, 1948. 6. Control of Water Hyacinth. P. W. Zimmerman, A. E. Hitchcock, Henry Kirkpatrick, Jr., and T. T. Earle. I. Food of Game Ducks in the United States and Boyce Thompson Inst. Prof. Paper 2(9), 1950. Canada, page 134. A. C. Martin and F. M. Uhler. 7. Engineer Uses of Chemical Herbicides. Walter C. FWS Research Report 30, 1951. Carey. The Military Engineer ++(299), 1952. 2. The Development and Use of Machinery for Crush- ing Grasses, Reeds, end Sedges on the Salt Marshes. RWHW John P. Peterson. New Jersey Mosquito Exterm. Assoc. I. North Carolina P-R Quarteriy Report on Project Proc., 1932. 6-R-F by Kenneth A. Wilson, June, 1951. 3. Phragmites Management. Edward Ward. Trans 2. North Carolina P-R Quarterly Reports Ofi Prod Seventh North American Wildl. Conf., r 942. ject 6-R by Yates Barber, 1950-52.

* Extracted from " Improving Duck Marshes by Weed Control" supplied by the United States, a Member Gov- ernment of I.P.F.C. See also " Biblioyiaphy of Weed Investigations " reprinted from " WEEDS ", Vol, 11, No. I January 1953- 96 . . . . j; *I!- of j-ro~lliahnuAh a-Zorth CMiPL rgon: b Yates Batrw. North Clrolia. WjIUae Cum+- &l,1951 - Sulphts in Control of Microscopk Om- &.c'rd E. Hak. Rahtllng Cwp., 16 --

1. Potarr, RkW * rpd .Tribwb *t ad bhw Wdbgtoq D,C. ; d W-L 81Bt Cm,Hw 113, lw-

t. W*-E ' Ntn YO* b P-R OD RDje3 z -Bx3 1-D- j, r95o ;$pR-z I PSI : 3 1-D4,TP~I ; 31--7, 195%. 3. m:Tha W* -t. dt* d Ncrr Yak, mpt. af - 6 REPORT OF TECHNICAL COMMITTEE I1 TO THE 5th MEETING INTRODUCTION The activities of the Committee since the 4th $hrrent Methods oj Preservatwn of Fishing Gear Meeting consisted mainly of initiating action in (assignment 25.1 (4)), information has been received accordance with the recommendation of the Council from Australia, Cambodia, the States of India, at its 4th Meeting. Owing to preoccupation of from East and West Pakistan and Sarawak. The fisheries workers in their own countries, progress materials used in gear making are mostly cotton was not very appreciable. Members of the Com- and hemp or ramie. After use the gear is almost mittee have not, therefore, been able to devote as universally washed in water, usually fresh water, much time to the work of this Committee as the and dried in the sun, rareiy in the shade. In West problems necessitate. Pakistan the gear is usually washed in brackish Progress during the year is summarised below :- water to which a 15-20% solution of quickhe has been added to aid in cutting and Iysening 'the (1) Craft and Gear adhering slime. In Cambodia, the gear is immersed in boiled lime water first, to make the fihres I. I Gem Classification supple. Little progress has been made on assignment 25.1 concerning gem classifitation. In addition to Fishinggear used in fresh water only often receives the scheme by Burdon, presented at the 3rd Meeting no other treatment, even when new. This is the and the paper on an outline classification for Korea, case in most of the inland States of India. The gear presented at the 4th Meeting, a paper giving a is said to have a life of 3-4 months in some areas classification of fishing gear and methods in Japan and up to 1-2 years in others, depending upon the will be presented at the 5th Meeting. In connec- amount of usage. tion with the preparation of Vol. I1 of the Handbook series (see IPFC15 / 471Appendix) a classification To prolong the life of fishing gear, especially scheme of fishing gear is also in preparation in Sec- those used in brackish and salt water, a preservative tion 3. treatment is usually given, especially when the gear is new, most commonly by tanning. The tanning 1.2 Prcsmtion of Fishing Gem solution or cutch is obtained from the bark of a In response to the questionnaire sent out on variety of trees depending on the locality.

I. SOURCES OF CUTCH FOR TANNING (" DYEING ") OF GEAR Trees from which bark is utilized Country or hlname I Used for State of treatment I ~onlname -/ Scientific name Ausidia . . " wattle bark " Cambodia .. madl Melaleuca leuidendran cha Butea superb i lines Himachal Pradesh wagal shernbi Acacia pinnata ain Terrninalia tomantosa India Bhopal kus Babul Acacia arabica Tinsa Dugeinia dalbergro ides Jam= Eugenia Tambolann Koha Terminalia ariuna Tendu Diospyres ~neianos~lon Hyderabad nabmi-Kichal Acacia arabica Saurashtra Kanari Chal Teminaiia tomentosa (Sajad Chal) 'J'ripura Gabsesh Gab ' Gaimrash Garon Uttar Pradah Rangai Lahi Babool-Kichal Acacia nrabica Chali Sunari Acacia fishtul~ Patrala & E. Pinjab 1 Kikar Acacia arabica ' Acacia arnbica Madhya Bharat 1 Rangna Katha (wood) Trees from which bark is utilized Country or Local name of - -.---.- --.------.-.-. Used for State treatment Local name Scientific name -- I Babul-IGchal (bark) Acacia cstechu Bhalawa Tendu-Kichal (bark & fruit) Madras Panachi Kai (fruit) Diosovros embrvonteris. . Palapattai ' ~ca&arabica Karuvelampattai i Nellipattai / Phyllanthis emhlica j lines .Kanevazhai I Othiampattai Odona Wodiyai ; cast nets Gamchhal, Ger~opsrexburghiana Gab Decmox regia Uthimu!&al Panachikka (tanning) ICalasham 1 Odina Wodiyai arikkuen ICaddka Puzhunguha Puncha 1 ~dLninaliaLebula (heating or ! boiling) I 1 Uthi I Ecemna latifolia Munja (leaves) I E. Pakistan Gab (fruit & leaves) Diospyros ernbryopteris W. Pakistan Goram (catechu & Ceroops roxburghiana i allied Acacia catechu I speeres) Sarawak Tengar Criops tagal Bakau minyak Rhizophora conjugata

In some cases leaks from certain trees are used, 4 to 2 hrs. to speed up the extraction, A com- and even the seed shells of tamarind, rice paste bination of the two may be used, as in West Bengal with cocoanut juice and the use of cow dung are where the bark is allowed to soak in the water over- mentioned in one report. night, which is then boiled for I hour and left to The bark is usually ground fine and allowed to stand overnight again. The proportions of bark soak in water for several days or boiled in water for and water vary widely in different areas.

2. STRENGTH OF TANNING SOLUTIONS

Time of Extrac- Country or State 1 water Temp. OC. t I tion

Australia I lb. I gal. I Cmbodia 1 Pd z parts soaked ordinary lddia Himachal Pradesh I rnaund 15-20 Gals. ' 4 days ordinary or 4 hrs. boiling , Bhopal 3 Ibs. 4 lbs. 4 hr. 8% ,, Hyderabad I ib. 5 lbs. I ,, Saurashtra I Ib. (Kanari) I gal. 10 lbs. (Sajadj 1 gal,. ,, Tripura I part r part ,, Pradesh r part r 5-20 p~s ,, Patiala & ,, East Punjab I part 10 parts ,, Madhya Bharat 2 02. 1 seer ,, Madras 10-15 lbs. 8-12 gals. I, ,, West Bengal 80 lbs. 22 gals. overnight ordinary boiling ovemight ordinary Cochin-Travancore 10-15 lbs. 6-8 cub. ft. boiling s&wak 500-600 lbs. 135 ordinary A lighter tanning solution is said to penetrate regdar intervals durhg the khing season, or each better, .although the tanning action is siower. The treatment may involve two to three immersions tanning procedure wries also in different countries with intermittent drying, and the immersion may and States, depending on the strength of the soiu- be done in cold or hot tanning solutions. Jn some tion the size of the nits, i.e. the gear may be im- cases the bark paste is rubbed directly on the lines. rnersed in the solution only once, when new, or at

t Temperature mersions per Frequericy Average Country or State I of Cut& treatment (m- of Immersion life of gez I Solution OC: termittent btrg) -i - -. ..

Australia

I Cnmbudia hot or cold Several tirnw far &'hen nerrswy j life time 3-4 days in increased su~C9910n I h&a Hin-&I Pradtsh j BW I Hyderahgd %umb (icslopri) (%jad) Trap ura per ycir overnight depen- Evwy 3 months ding on size of Oncz/year net htiala and East Only when new Punjab Madhya Bharat Wywben new Onw/wetk cold f hot Twicc/month 30-60 mh. (2-4 hrs. for large ?hice/mont); nttJ) Eveiy 3 months Pakistan West 1 dopped Twicc/month

soaked 3 f f hr. after 6 &gs Every 3 weeh bcw) Xew nets require, as a rule, more immersions Other preservatives used are mainly Coal tar, than old ones, but they dry quicker, Thorough Creosote and Copper salts. drying is important to get an even color,

Country or State Coal tar Creosote Copper salts

Australia Tar mixed with benzol to suit ; At ordinary tzmperatxre Sew net boiled in water, inl- applied cold, or tar applied after tanning, washing mersed in " Drkkol " allowed immediately after tanning or and dryng to drain, then dried in shade. combined with cutch (4 gals. tar f sc gals. tanning solution). 3 hr. at 100". hdia Himachal Curpinol esperirnents satisfac- Pradesh tory Madras Copperoleate Copper nephenatc experiments West Rcngal for gear used ia brackish ad satisfactory salt watar East Pakistan Steam heated with Kerosene in proportJon 85: I 5 ilpp1i.d boiling hot for 2-3 rn? once. Repeat every months Experiments in progress

The treated gear should be used as soon as pos- by the Japanese trawler Taiyo Mmu, NO. 17. The sible. If held in dry storage too long, the fibres gear is used throughout the year irrespective of will deteriorate. For this reason no treatment is seasons, in 30-60 fathom water. usually given at the end of the fishing season, in In the Bay of Bengal trawl nets to fish herring, fact the preservative is usually washed out before haddock and prawn were introduced by Danish the gear is dried for storing away except in some fishery experts since 1950. They fished throughout countries, e.g., Australia. the year up to 285 nautical miles from their home- The tanning treatment imparts a dark brown ports, in water of 5 to 32 fathoms. Mackerel color to the gear ; the penetration of the preservative driftnets and floating trawls were less successful. is nearly or fully complete ; little or no shrinkage occurs and only a slight increase in weight. The I .q Fishing Craft treated gear may lose some of its elasticity and During the recent FA0 Fishing Boat Congress flexibility, but retains its strength and is easily in Paris and Miami (U.S.A.) three papers of parti- handled. cular interest to the Region were presented : Fish- In practically all cases the barks are gathered by ing Craft, by Dr. M. R. Qureshi, I-I. Maguusson the fishermen themselves and they do their own and J. 0. Traung, No. 19 Bombay Fisherman tanning, so that the cost is not great. forges ahead, by Dr. S. B. Setna and No. 27 Beach Landing Craft used for fishing in Europe, by H. K. Most of the answers to the questionnaires listed Zimmer. all types of gear used in the area, the material of which each type is made, the length of time the Other papers of interest covered the mcitorization gear types are immersed in water, hours per day, of small fishing boats in Chile, and the field of engines days per month, length of fishing seasons and the (semi-Diesel and Diesel) and deck equipment species of fish caught with each type of gear, thus (winches), etc. giving considerable additional information in each A condensed version of all 68 papers and the case. discussions they provoked at the two meetings will be published in book form (in English) in 1954. I .3 Non-indigenous Gem A report has also been received from .India on 2. Food Technology the introduction, in I 95 I, of non-indigenous gear- The main assignment of the Committee was to ottertrawl nets, 175 feet in, length-in the coastal collect material for the preparation of handbooks waters of the States of Bombay and Saurashtra on Food Technology and Processing of Fish. The ioi matter w-as referred to the Fishexies Division F.A.O. presently under consideration of the Govern- Dr. G. L. Kesteven, the General Editor ofthe Hand- ment. book Series, expr-ed his vim as contained in IPFC/C54 /6. It is recommended 'that the pros- Philippines : pectus for this kmdb~~k,as indicated in this paper, Bill No. 3694, entitled, An Act to Establish may be studied by the Committee this year and the views communicated to the Council for final con- a Central Fish Exchange, filed in the House sideration. of Representatives during the 4th session of the Second Congress of the Republic of the 3.- Socio-Ecowmics Philippines. The Bill provides - for the creation of a Central Fish Exchange Cor- Tbe Council recognized that priority in the socio- poration. economic field should be given to the improvement of marketing ; the initial efforts should be exerted India : towards group formation (including Cooperatives) to handle the marketin activities, with credit func- Papers received for the 5th Meeting. tim to be initiated, f nanccd and supervised by (a) "Problems of Fish Marketing in the the Government ; provided, however, that the State of Orissa" by G. N. Mitra. Government withdraws gradually from this under- fb) " A Note on the Marketing and Preser- taking as the industry indicates its capability to vation of Fish in Saurashtra " by K. R. take over. For effective operation of this project, Srivatsa. &e Secretariat was asked to contact F.A.O. or other bodies to determine whether a marketing specialist could be provided. Informally it is known to the Committee that Some Co-operative societies for fishermen F.A.O. has not been able to provide a marketing have been formed, receiving aid from the specialist for the region. Other information re- Government for : ceived from Member Governems is summarised (a) Extending the range of fishing by mech- below :- +g the boars. U.S.A. : (b) Construction of khing boats, and (c) Provision of monetary help in the form Senate Bill iUo. 1731, 83xd Congress, rst of loans for ~abdizingthe fish in- session, read twice and referred to the Com- dustry. mittee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce, seeks to make available to the Secretary of the Interior funds for conducting a fishery educational service and techaologicd re- Papers received for the 5th Meeting. search programs. watan : Japan : (i) Statistics relating to Fiaheritv in the Information on (a) Fisheries Reform (carried Karachi Area in 195 I. out after the war), (b) Fisheries markets R. (Organization & functions) and (c) Fisheries (ii) " Fish Trade in Pakistan ", by M. Finances of Japan, are expected to be re- Qureshi & Moinuddin Ahmed. ceived from the Fisheries Agency. Mention may also be made of " Some Important Socio-economic Problems of the Fisheries " Fisheries Statistics of the Philippines, 1952" of Japan " by Jose R. MontiUa & C. R.'Dimon. The paper is for discussian by the Committee in order to estimate the staff and other- equipment Mention has ken made of certain projects which may be necessary for the collection of the concerning the betterment of fishermen data outlined in the paper (IPFC/C j4/CPr3). LIST OF DOCUMENTS ISSUED WORKING PAPERS :-- IPFC/C54! I Pro\-isional Agenda for Council's fifth Meeting I rev. I Xetised Provisional Agenda for Council's fifth Meeting z Report of the Executive Committee to the 5th Council Meeting for the period 1952-5+ 2X Secretariat review of Documkntntion at Meeting 3 Memorandum from General Fisheries Council for the Mediterranenn on Fishing with Lights -1 Draft Curriculum of lectures for Hong Kong Marketing Centre F Handbook on the Culture of warm-watzr fishes-Revised synopsis-Fish Culture in the hdo-Pacific 'Region 6 Handbooks on Food techno log.^ & Food Processing-Resolutions C52/17(2) PE (3) 7 IPFC Fishery Handbooks-Report by General Editor 8 Report of Technical Committee I to the 5th Meeting 9' Secretary's Report on Credentials 10 Technical Committee I (Panel on Inland Fisheries)--Government of India request- for &nopinion I I Report of Technical Committee I1 to the 5th Meeting 12 Statement communicated by the Fisheries Division, F.40, in connection with a proposed survey of world fishery resources . 13 Report on Assignment Note I ~3 rev. .I Amendment 14 Panels of experts of Committee I1 15 Technical Committee I-Report on Technical Papers I 6 Technical Committee 11-Report an Technical Papers 17 Reprt of Working Party No 5 to examine Executive Committee Report 18 Panel of experts of Committee I 1q Report of Plankton Symposium 20 Report of the Working Group Appointed Under Assignment Note KO.4 (Publication & Bibliography) 21 Report of Working Group No. 3 to examine Technical Assistance Programmes 22 Report of Technical Committee I 23 Report of Technical Committee I1 24 Report of Technid Committee I on Working Paper IPFC/C~~/IZ 24 Rev. I Ditto (revised) 25 Report of Technical Committee I on Assignment Note No. 14 26 Report to Technical Committees I Sz I1 on the sub~sionof Thai Fisheries problems hy the Thai Delegation 27 Report of the Committee on Resolutions-Working Group on &signment Note 2 28 Report of Technical Committees I k 11 on Assignnlent Note 14 TECHNICAL PAPERS :-For abstracts see " ~~~~'~bstrrctsof Technical & Sgmposiuni Papers-5th Meeting " A. Inland Fisheries Chinese Systems of Pond Stocking, by S. Y. Lin A Comparative Study on Coarse Darak and Corn Meal as feed for Baiigos fingerlings, by P. G. PadIan & H. R. Montalban The Role of pH in Pond Fertilization, by D. Y. Villadolid, P. Panganibnn and T. G. Megia Do Chinese Carps spawn in Japanese waters r by K. Kuronuma On the Paddy Field Prawn Fishery of Travancom-Cochin and ar; experiment in Prawn Cdhue, by M. K. Menon On Water Hyacinth and its control in Fish Ponds, by N. Atmad Apercu general sur Is migration et la reproduction des poissons d' cccu douce du Czmbdge, par Sao-Lemg et Dom-Saveu2 Note on the Occurrence of Chanos Fry in Thailaxd, by J. Thiimmedh Pisciculture nu Vietnam, par Cao Thien Buu Contribution a I'Etude sur la densite optimum de pleuplement et les associations d'e~~ecacom- patibles, par Nqyuerr Nhu Nghi H. Marine Fisheries TECH11 Fisheries of the Sind Coast, by M. R. Qureshi TECH12 The Neritic-Pelagic Fisheries of Japan TBCII 13 Recent Studies on the Distribution and Migration of Tunas and.Related Fishcs iri Japan, by H. Nakamura C. General Biology & Hy.drobgy TECH I4 The Grapsoid Crabs of the -Malayan Mangrove Swarnper, by M. W. F. Tweedie. TECH 15 Pram Fishery of East Pakistan, by N. Ahmad 'ha rh The Shrimp Industry of Singapore, by Tham Ah Kow D. Taxonomy 17 (aithdrawd A pla for 3n international approach to a taxonomic study of freshwater fiehes of South East Asia (Orien~lRegkn)! S, 1,. Hora E. Gear Technologg Tm 14 The Efficacy of som2 ?Tet Presenwives on Cotton Twines, by 5. I. Sulit d P. Panpaniban TECH14 The Classification of Fishing Gear and Merhods in Japan, by S. Thyama TEC.I20 FishiTig Craft of East Pakish, by N. Xhmad TECHit Fishing Craft and Tackle of Saurashtra, hy K. R. Srivat~s TBCH22 Trawl Fishing in Indim Seas from 19~8to 19j3, by K. Chidarnbaran Tpmi 23 (Abstract onlv) Preliminary results of hhdetection by echo sounding equipmtnt in the Gulf of Thailrmd, by T. Bamrajarinpai & M. J. Lohell TWH (Abstract only) Experimental fishing with " Otoshi-ami " in Thailand, by S. Clmphol & M. J. tobcll l%ai25 (withdrawn) Expcrhenrs with small inshore 5sh pots, R&r, at ?he marine fisheries stltion, by P. Rodphothong TECR 26 (withdrawn) Shark fishing with longlincs in Thailand, by S. Champhot & M. j. Lohtll F. Food 'Techudogy Txc~q Situation de l'iadustrk du pokn aec au Cambodge, pnr Dom-Savcun TgCW 28 Valw dirnenrnk des Wccs de poisson, par R. Lafont W 33 (Eng,) On the Food Value of Fish Sauces, by R. Lgfont Tacrr zg The &lation between the Fish Landings and the Refrigeration Industry in Japan, by S. Watari T6CR 34 (Abstract only) A new industry for Thailand, by B. Indrambrya & M. J. hb$l 7b.x 31 (withdraw.) Dcaign, operation and economics of a simple duction $ant da~gnridfor fishing villages by S, Charoenphol, S. RuamrrLsa & M. 3. Lobdl T6CK 32 (withdrawn) Utihtion of sea mussel resources of the gulf of Thailand, by S. Chromphol, S. Rllamrakaa t M. J. Lobell 33 (withdrawn) Manufacture of pressed salt frsh in Thailand, by S. Chrrroenpbal, S. Ru~raksa. 6t M. J. LVM

'hm 3,+ Sampling Methods used in Japan Ficries Catch Statistics, by T. Yam~moto 35 On the Inshore Fish Papulation of the Straits of Singapqre, by D. W. LeMare and Tharn Ah Kow

*H 36 Fisheries Radio Network in Japan, by K. Kimura 37 Etude sur la oommercialis~tiondes Prduits de la Pecte rmuitime par Tran-Van-Tsi ct P. G*d 38 Fillherits Educational Sch~esin Japan, by S. Konda ?.ECH 39 Sodproductmn by Mame Fishes, by 34. P. Fish 'IBCR lnvcstid~nson the racial chsnrcterkti~and bidom of the Hiha of the Woo&ly River, by T. v-R.

SP- PAmm :- 1. PW~-Cbspoasocsdbp fPFC/Cj++/SYM r On the tnethodob& of heplankton collection, with a suggmtd classification, by Z. Nakai STI'M 3 On the nutritional relatimahips between plankton and fish in Inddfreshwater ponds, by K. F. Vaas SYM 3 Some factors controlling dgd p+xtbn m salt wnb lagoons, by V. K. Pillai SYM q Hydrology and seasad fluctuations of the plankton in the Hoaghty estuary, by N. Dutra, J. C. MaIhom adB. B. Bosc SYM s Studies on the blue-grem alw in Japan, by T. Hmda SYM 6 Qbservations on the distributionand fluctuationsof planktonic lan-e off Mandapm, by R. R Pr-d SYM 7 A preliminatp study of the plrnlrton of the ChhWe for the years 1950 8 1951, by M. P, Dcva- sunrlaram and J. C, Roy SYM 8 The role oE plangtono1og;y in fisheries development by Ah Kow SYM 9 A preliminary study of the hydrology and fauna of the Vellar eatuirry (South Arcor Dt., S* Id@), by K. R8tCLBrnurthl SYM 10 Variations in zooplankton abmdancc in the Central Equnmrid Padic, s9pq5a, by J. E. King SYM 11 Feeding habits of the pond-smelt, Hyfiomesus didKI and the phktoxl sumion in Lakc Suwa, by Y. Shimishi SYM 12 On planktan research in Japan with an annotated bibliography, by S. Motoda SYM r3 On the phktoa. of three freshwater fish ponds in Madras city, India, by P. I. Cbcko and .B.Krishmurthy SYM 19 On carp fry mortaIity in nursery pmds and the RoIe ofPlonkt~nin their Mval&growth, by K. H. Nikunhi, H. Chnudhutl and V. TLarnachandran 104 SY%f I j Preliminary observations on the Biolou of Boreo-Arctic and Subtropical oceanic zooplankton populations, by C. J. Fish SYM 16 Rtes on the Utilization of Zooplankton for Food in Thailand, by S. W,Liug and M. C. Kosol . . Suriyong SYM 17 Tropical Freshwater Plankt~n,by Professor A. Thienernann

Note :--IPFC/C ~~/TECII3-I' The Role of pH in pond fert'ilization " should also be considered here.

I I. Marketing IPFC/C jg'SYM 11-1 Some Important Socio-economic Pr~blemsof the Fishery Industries of Japan, by N. Oka, I. Konu~na,K. Yamamoto and M. Abe SYM 11-2 Problems of Fish Marketing in the State of Orissa, by G. N. Mitra SYM 11-3 A Note on Marketing and Preservation of Fish in Saurashtra, by K, R. Sriiqtsa SYM 11-4 Fish-marketing & financing in Australia Hy rhe Commonwealth Fisheries Osee, Sydney, Australia SYM 11- j The Hong Kong fish-marketing scheme by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry SYRl 11-6 A preliminary report on Lanmadqw Fresh Fish Market, hy U Ba Kyaw

CONTRXBUTEX3 PUBLICATIONS Note :-The following contributed publications were available in limited numbers only,

IpFC/Cj4/CP 1 Fundanien$al studies on the fish lamp, by N. Y. Kawamoto (Eighth Pacific Science Congress, Manila, 19531 CP z On the circulation in the Xorth Pacific in relation to pelagidfisheries, by M. Uda (Eighth Pacific Science Congress, Manila, Philippines, 1953) CP 3 Oceanographical and Fisheries research in India, by N, K. Panikkar (EighthPacific Science Congress, Manila, Philippines, 1953) CP 4 Studies on agar-agar in Japan, by T. Yanagawa and K. Tanii (Eighth Pacific Science Congress, Manila, Philippines, 1953) CP 5 Fish Preservation in South-east Asia, by A. G, van Veen (Advances in Food Research, Vol. W, 1953) CP 6 Some aspects of the primary productivity of the.sea, by EI. U,Sverdrup (FA0 Fisheries Bulletin, Vol. 5, No. 6, 1952) CP 7 Stsdies on Tilapia modcaPeters (ikan mudjair) in Indonesia, by K, F. Vaas and A. E. Hofstede (Contribution No. I of the Inland Fisheries.Research Stations, Djakarta-Bogor, Indonesia, 1952) CP 8 Notes on the water hyacinth in Indonesia and its eradication by spraying with z,4-D by K. F. Vaas (Contribution No. 120, General Agricultural Research Station, Bogor, Indonesia, 1951) CP 9 General Fisheries Council for the Mediterranean Swnmarp Report (Resume of the Proceedings), 2nd Meeting, Rome, 26-29 October, 1953 (mimeo document P. 53/CGPM/zz) CP ro UNESCO Marine Biology chart No. I--Molluscs, by M. W. F. Tweedie, RafR-es Museum, Singapore (UNESCO Science Co-operation OWce for S.E.A., 1953) CP I I UNESCO Marine Biology chart No. 2--Phylum Arthropods class Crustacea, by M. TY.. F. Tweedie, Raffles Museum, Singapore (UNESCO Science Co-operation Office for S.E.A., 1953) CP 12 The Culture of Tilapia in rice paddies in Taiwan, by Tung-Pai Chen (Chinese-American Joint Com- mission on Rbl Reconstruction, Fisheries Series : No. 2, Taiwan, China, 1953) CP 13 Fisheries Statistics of the Philippines, 1952, by J. R. Montilla & C. R. Dimen (Republic of the Philip- pines, Dept. of Agriculture & Natural Resources, Bureau of Fisheries, Manila, 1953) CP 14 Reprint-Observations on the fish and fisheries of the Damodar Basin with reference to the multi- purposeprojectsof thevalley, byTI J. Job and M.P. Motwani.(Journalof the Asiatic Society Science, Vol. 18, No. 2, 1952) CP I 5 Fisheries Statistics Pakistan-Investigation Report No. 3-Statistics relating to Fisheries in the Karachi area for 1951, 15 Aug., 1952-Central Fisheries Dept., Govt. of Pakistan, Karachi. CP 16 Government of Pakistan, Ministry of Food & Agriculture, Central Fisheries Dept.-.Investigation Report No. 4- -Fisheries of the Makran Coa.t, 1953. CP 16a Fisheries of Makran Coast, by M. R. Qureshi. Reprint from Agriculture Pakistan, Vol. JII, No. 4, 1952 CP 17 Production, marketing & distribution of Fish, Mimeo Document Cj3/15 Conference of FAO, seventh SesSlOn, 25 NOV. 1953 CP 18 Report of the Fisheries Panel---Mimeo Document Cj3/11/13-Conference of FAO, seventh session, 23 NOV. 1953 I9 A yeceral account on the Fisheries of Thailand-Dept, of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Jan., r 954, Bangkok. CP 20 General Fisheries Council for the Mediterranean, Proceedings and Technical Papers-1st Meeting Rhodes, 1952 CP 21 Fish Trade in Pakistan by M. R. Qureshi & M. Ahmad-Reprint-" Agriculture Pakistan ", Vol. W3) CP 22 Fisheries Resoy;ces of Sind, by M. R. Qureshi and S. A. Jaleel-Reprint-" Co-operatiori & Market- ing Review , Vol. VI(3) CP 23 Preliminary charts of the mean salinity of the Indonesian Archipelago and adjacent waters, by P. Ch Veen, 0,S.R. Bull. 17, July 1953 CP 24 &jap of Hong Kong Fishing Industry, r953 CP 25 Some aspects of prodlictivity in relation to fisheries of Indian nesitic waters, by N. K. Panikkar & R. Jayarman CP 26 Some aspects of adaptation in Chanos chanos (Forskai), by N. K. Panikkar, P. R. S. Tampi and R. Viswanathnn CP 27 Fisheries Research in India, Part I, by N. K. Panikkar CF 28 Fish Trapping in India, by T. J. Job & V. R. Pantulu-. Journ. Asiatic Society Science, Vol. XIX, No. z, 19.53 CP 29 Information on the activities of the Fish Marketing Organization, Thailand

INCIDENTAI; PAPERS

IPFC/C5q/INC I Notes on conference arrangements for the information of delegates INC 2 Interim list of technical papers (up to 20th October, 1953) 2 rev. I Technical Papers 2 rev. a List of Papers issued 2 rev. 3 Complete List of papers issued INC 3 Tentative fifth meeting programme 3 rev. I Provisional fifth meeting programme 3 rev. 2 Fifth Meeting programme INC. 4 Provisional List of delemtes L observers 4 rev. I: List of delegates & 06servqrs 1NC 5 Programme-Plankton Symposium I-Jan. 25, 1954

MINUTES

hutes of full Council Session No. I, Monday 25 January, 1954, Morning session inutes of full Council Sesaion No. 2. Tucsdav 26 Januarv. rora. Afternoon session inutes of full Council Sesiop No. 3; Wedn&dqy 27 Janiiry;"~&~,Morning session inutes of full Council Session No. 4, Thursday 28 January, 1954, Morning session inutes of full Council Session No. 5, Saturday 30 January, 1954, Morning session .inutes of full Counc-il Session No. 6, Monday I February, 1954, Morning session .inutes of full Council Session No. 7, Wednesday 3 Feburary, 1954. Momsession .inutes 9f full Council Session No. 8, Wednesday 3 February, 1954, Aftemseasion 'inutes of full Council Session No. 9, Thursday 4 Feburary, 1954, Morning session inutes of full Council Session No. 10, Friday 5 February, 1954, Morning session.

IPFC PUBLICATIONS

I. lndo-pacific Fisheries Council,.~roccedings4th Meeting, &mn City, Republic of the Philippines, 23rd October . *th November, 1952, Seem I 2. Indo-Pacific Fisheries Council, Proceedh 4th Meeting, duezon City,. Republic- of the Philippines, 23rd October -9th November, 1952, Section I1 3. Indo-Pacific Fisheries Counoil,.Agreement, Rules of Procedure and Terms of Reference of Technical Com- mittees, revised January, 1954 4. Indo-Pacific Fisheries Council, 5th Meeting, January 22-February 5,. 1954,...Bangkok, . Thailand-Guide Book for Delegates 5. Indo-Pacific Fisheries Council, 5th Mpet.d, January 22-February 5, 1954, Bangkok, Thailand-Abstracts of Technical & Symposium papers 6. Indo-Pacific Fisheries Council, List of .Scientific & otherperiodicais published in the Indo-pacific area-2nd edition (revised) Bangkok, 1953 7. Indo-Pacific Fisheries Council. S~ecialPublication 2-Fish Culture in Indonesia,. by. A. E. Hofstede, R. 0. Ardiwinata & F. Botke, x9j3'

EXTEMPORE PAPERS IPFC/C54/X-I Submission, by Thai Government X-2 Submission, by the Japanese Government-Facilities available in Japan for Training & Study for Fellows & Scholars from abroad in the field of Fisheries

IPFC/C~~/PI Address of welcome, by Hi Excellency Field-M& P. Pibulsonggram P 2 Address of welcome, by His BceUemy Field-Marshal Phin Chunavan, Minister ?f Agriculturt P 3 Reply to the address of the Minister of Agriculture, by Monsieyr R. Serene, ChamIPFC P 4 Opeoing Statements of Delcgstes 8 LIST OF DELEGATES AND OBSERVERS Member Gkernments Name Des ig na tiotc Address A~STRALIA Mr. F. F. Anderson Director Fisheries Division, Commonwealth (Delegate) Fisheries Office, Dept. of Commerce & Agriculture, Box 2595 GPO, Sydney, N.S.W.,,Australia. Mr. P. N, B. Hutton 3rd Secretary .Australian Legation, Bangkok, (Alternates Thailand. U '~a~ytaw Fisheries Officer Fisheries Bureau, Shafraz Road, (Delegate) Rangoon, Burma. U Thike Tun Managing Director Burma Sea Fisheries Ltd., 57-59 (Adviser) Baa Street, Rangoon, Runna. Mons. R. Serene Director Oceanographic Institute, Nha (Delegate) Trang, Vietnam. Mons. M. P. Legand Chief I ,aboratoire d'oceanographie de (Alternate) 1'Institut Francaise dYOceanie (l'Office Francais de la Recherche ~cientifi~ued'Outre-Met), Noumea, New Caledonia. Mons. M. Cadoul 3rd Secretary French Embassy, Bangkok, Thailand. (Adviser) Dr. N. K. Panikkar Chief Research Officer Central Marine Fisheries Research (Delegate) Station, Mandaparn Camp, P.O., S. Rly., S. India. Mr. T. V. R. Pillay Assistant Research Officer, Hilsa Fish 'Enquiry-All India In- (Adviser) stitute of Hygiene & Public Health, I 10 Chittaranjdn Avenue, Calcutta 12, India. Mr. G. M. Charidjie Chief Social-Economic Div., Sea Fisheries Kasuma Dept., Miristry of Agriculture, (Delegate) Djakarta, Kotai, Indonesia, Djalan Kerapue 2. Mr. Rasanuddin Saanin Chief Lmboratory for Inland Fisheries, (Alternate) Tjikeumeuh 58, Bogor, Java, Indonesia. Mr. K. Kuronurna Chief Freshwater Fishcries Research (Delegate) Laboratory, Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry, Hinomachi, Tokyo, Japan. Mr. A. Futagoishi Third Secretam Embassy of Japan, Bangkok, Thailand. (Alternate) (~griculturalj Mr. Soon Kyo Kim Chief Second Section, Political Bureau, (Delegate) Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Seoul, Korea. Mr. Jeung Keun Han Chief of Food Processing Bureau of Fisheries, Ministry of (Alternrte) Section Commerce & Industry, R.O.K. Government Seoul, Korea. NBT~RLANDS Mr. C. J. Bottemanne Fisheries Adviser to the Westeinde I 34, Voorburg, Nether- (Delegate) Netherlands Ministry for lands. Overseas territories Mr. D. C. Zwollo Chief, Fisheries Division Dept. of Economic & Technical (Alternate) Affairs, Hollandia, New Guinea. PAKISTAN Dr. M. R. Qureshi Director Central Fisheries Dept., Nusserwanjee (Delegate) Building, Government of Paki~tan, Dundas Street, Karachi 3, Pakistan. THAILAND Mr. Boon Indrambarya Director General Deoartment of Fisherid. Bangkok.-. (Delegate) Thailand. prkce unakara Agricultural Expert Department of Agriculture, Etangkok, Kasemsanta (Alternate) Thailand Major-General Mom Manager Thai Fish Co., Ltd., Bangkok, Thai- Snidwngsseni land. (Adviser) Captain Sani* Mahagita, Deputy Director Naval Hydrography Dept., Ministry R.N. (Adwser) of Defence, Bangkok, Thailand. Mr. Chote Suvatti Chief Agriculture Division, Dept. of_ Fish- (AdViaer) $?, Bangkok, Thailand Mr. Prida Karnasut Acting Chief Diws~onof Fish Culture, Dept. of (Adviser) Fisheries, Banglpk, Thailand: Mr. Sawang Charemphol Chief Marine Fiahenes Expenmental (Adviser) Station, Dept. of Fisheries, Bangkok, Thailand. 107 Nme Designation Address Mr. D. W. La Mare Director of Fisheries EL@. Fisheries Dept., Federation d (Delegati) Mdqa & Singapore, Penang* Mr. J. .1. Tubb Reader in 3larinc Biolw Dept: of Biology, University of Hong (Aternare) Rong, Hong Kong. Mr. Tham ;lh Kon- Fisheries Research Officer Fisheries Di\

&f Nun-Mentbcr Gowernmmts Mom. Nouthatr Sithi- Director Service des Eaux et Fonts au k, mokda Viarime, Laos. Dr. Jose Taveira Chargt! dlAifaires Portuguese Legation, 26 BuJh Lane, Bangkok, Thailand. UNO (ECAFE) Dr. Shen-yi Chief, Bureau OF Flood Con- ECAFE, Paruskawn Palace, Raja- trol and Water Resources damnern Road, Bangkok, Thailand. Developnent UNESCO Dt. A. Wolsky Chief UNESCO S.E.Asia Scimce Co- operation Othee, Djalan Div ntgom 76, Djakarm, Indomesla. SPC (Mom. M. P. Legand) Chief Laboramire d'octanogrnphie de 1'111- (Altemcc) stitut FraaEaise d9Mc(I'Ofke Francais dc la Recherche Scienti- fiquc $Outre-Mer), h'owna, New Cdedonia.

Centrai Inland Fiahcries. Resevch Station, Old Mint Buildings, 47-1 Strand Road, Calatta., India. Dr. K. F. Vaas Adviscr Labratory -for Ihd Fisheries, Taikeumeuh 58, Bogor, Java. Tdonesia. Professor A. Thienemanna Director of Hydrobiology Hydrobiologische Anshalt der Max- Planck-Cmll*, Pbn,Germany (Dr. C. J. Fish) Dkector & Professor of Nmgsased Marme Laboratory, Marine 13ioiogy University of &ode Island, Kingston, Rhode Is., USA. Mr.G.M.Taggart Chief Fisheriy .Depr.. United States Civil Ad tlon of Ryukyu Is. USCAR, ~kinawa.APo--7!9 c!o P. M. Ssn rr.s.n; Ff~cmm, Worn=, ;\fm~td Address Mr. R. H. L. Alsopp Depr. of Agriculture, Gcorgetokril British Guha, Mrs. 31. P. Fish Riological Oceanographer Sarrsgansetr .kine . Laborstor?-, L'niversiry of Rhode island, Kingston, Rho& Is., U.S.A. Regional Repr-taTive of F.10 Regional Office for Asia & the the Dircnox-Genera!, FA0 Far P.tt Mdia-an %Iwion Phra Atit Road, Bangkok, Thailand.

Regional Mmmistrativc j 1 I, Officer fPFC Sccrctaria~ Dr. C. Mk Secretary, Indo-PaciSc Fish- Rqional Fisheries Weer, FA0 cries Council Regional Mice for Asia & the Far Ear, M&w= Mansion, PhiP Atit Road, Ehgkok, Thailand. Dr. E. Hem Technical Secretary Chief, TTcchnolorJy Bran&, Fisneries Division, FAO, Vide delle Termc di Caradla, Rome, Italy. Dr. Ti J. Job Technicaf Secretary Asaistm Regionat Fdwries Offtcer, FAO. wok,Thnitand. Dr. S. W. Ling Technical Secretary FAO/ETAP Fish Culturist. Fishcrib Depr., &histry of Agriculture, Bangkok, Thaihl. ,Mr. C. L. Coltman Regional Infomarion Officer FAO, fiangkok, Thailand. Miss A. Jiam Conference Ohr Te+nicd Assistnnt, Fisheries Divi- s~on, FA0 Regional Wce for Asia & the Far East, Wwan hwn,Phra Atit Road, Bangkok, 'Wland- Dr. Phit PanyaiakshaM Ministry of Agriculture, Bangkok, 'Thailand Nai Prayote Buranasiri I\.limty of Agriculturej - Ban&&, Nai Swaadi Thignmedh &=Fishuieg, Bangkok, Thsi- land. Nai Vibul Sthitirat b5& of Agricutturc, Bangkok, Thniland. Prince kmlburiyathit Dept. of Fisheries, Bangkok, Thi-

Bumradarin+ Nai Chordchai hrtapk111

Nai Swing Suw-anaran ) ¶ j ¶ Nai Sawaeag Registration Unit ~inistr;'of Agridhm, ''hngh,k, Kdthongkhanr Thailand. Nai Amporn KvawLan I3 ) 1 Nai ViSthitirat Ni Chrnidfurnapura 9 ADDRESSES OF MEMBERS OF COMMITTEES, NOT MEMBERS OF DELEGATIONS Ahmed Nazir Deputy Direaor of Fisheries, Comilltl, Eazt Bcngal, PoLristan. Ashraf Ali Deputy Director (Tdmobgy), Dirtctosate of Fisheries, ComiUa, Pakkm. Bhatia, D. Deputy H+eries Development Ad1 isu, Ministry of Food & Agriculture, New Ddtti, India. Bhimachat, B. S. Fishery B~ofogist,Central Idand Fishtries Research Station. Old Mint Buildings, 47/1 Strand Road, Calcutta 7, Indm Blackburn, M. Fisheries Divwion, C.S.I.R.0. Marine BioIogical Laboratory, Cmndla, N.S.W., Australia. Chang Chung Hyun PuJan Fisheries Expcrimcnt Station, b,Korea. Chee Choul Keun Bureau of Fisheries, Ministry of Commerce 8E Industry, Seoul, Korea. Cherdchvi Amatayakul &pment of Fisheries, Bangkok, Thsiland. Chun Chan 11 Pusan Fishcries Colltge* Pusan, Km. Chung Mom Ki Chief, The Centtal Fisheries Inspection Station, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Pusan, Korar. lchthy~logi~t,Fishery District NO. X, Zrunboanga City, Philip in-. Chief, RescaTch Division, Fisheries Agency, 2-2 Kasumid, ehi$~-ku, Tokyo, Japan. Fied. Offkern. Department of Agriculture, Fisheries b Forestry, Xom Tsun Street, Kowlooa, Hag Kong. Jinda memrntdh Jones, S. Cmtral Marine Fisheries Research Station, West Hill, nam""" IndJ'. Karrono, R. -4, Inspcam ~e~iknnan~wt 1nd9aesia, ~imot,M-, Km, F. J. Fisheries Division, Depammnt of Commerce & Agricultw, Box 2595, G.P.O., Sydney, Austdh Department of Fisbaria, Bangkok, Thailand C/O Djawaun PtrifeoPn DPmt, DsdSurabaia dan Mad-, Surabaia, fndonenia. Biologist, Philippine Lwtitutc of Fiiheria Technology, Bur- of Fisherieg, F% ala,Pailipp*. Mitra, G. N. Dqmty Director of Far), Cuttrk, Orissn, India. Mantaha, H. R Chief, .Ri+isioa of Fish Culture & Fisheries Biokgy, Bureau of Fisheries, Manila, Phrlippines. Chid, Division of Commercial Fisheries, Bureau of Fisherieu. Manila, Philippines. Chief Biologist, SPtdint Resouras Divkion, Tokai Re$iomal Fisheries Research Laboratory -u. Takyo, Jw- Kerm Fiahcries &primentnt Station, Pusan, Korea. Fisherice Division, C.S.I.R.0. Marine 3iologicaI Laboratory, Cronulla, N.S.W., Australia. Nivcn, D. R Oh, H. Pattinasanmy, A. J. KabPnat, H. R Fish CJ-t, Bureau of Fisheries, Manila, Philippines. Rochford, D. J. Hydrologist, Division of Fisheries, C.S.T.R.O. Marine Biologkd Laboratory. Cronulla, Rodi, H. Royce, W; I?. Paci.6~Oceanic l?e~nv&tigationa, P.O. Box 3830, ~oooldu,hwaii. szwhbm, M. Assistant Fisheries Wicer, Labarstoq d ZrhdFMa, General Agricultural Rcscarch Station, Tjikhtmcuh, 99, Bogor-Djawa, Indonesia. ~~ of F%beriesl Writers' Building, Calcutta, Ida. Dearrtma of Fisheries. Bul&ok. Tharlaaxi. UfIh of the Direaor OE F&ts; Tarapomla Aquarium, Bombay, India. Bureau of Fisiurfes. Manila. Philippines. Tokai Fishcries Renal Fishcries Rescar& Laborstory,. . Tsukisbima, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, o$ Fisheries, C.S.I.R.O. Maxine Biological Laboratory, Cmndh, N.S.W., Fiphcriw Division, CS.I.R.0. Marine Biological LaborPtory, Crondh, N.S.W., Austtalis. Dqmmcnt of Fisheries, BPngkokl Thnifand. Ichthyologist, Natianxl M-, I&.&, Phh pines. Oief Food Tkhso hrLian, C.S.1.K.O.~'~~~,New South Wala, hstmh ~&ea m, M&, Chiyuda-ku, Tokyo, Japan. COUNCIL CORRESPONDENTS

Secretary, Dept, of External -in, Canberra- Mrs. L. M. Willingp, CSIRO Marine Biological Labratoty, Cronulla, N.S.W. Bum Serref~rp,Miniatry of Agrhdture & Forestry, U Ba Kyaw, Fisheries Bureau, Shfm Road, Umon of Burma, Rangoon. Rangoon. Cambodia Monsieur Dm Snv410, CIurtomanent des Dkcctmr, Direction des Eaux et Forets du Pcchea do Phnom Peah, Servia des Eaur, Cambodge [Section Recherche Piscicoie du For* Chisre & P&, Pb pent^ Pdt-Th, Pmh) Ceylon Mr. E. R A. dc Zylvn, Fiehcriea Rescrd Mr. E. R A. dc Zylva, Fkheria Research Station, P.O. Box No. 531, Colornbo Station, P.O. Box 531, Colombo. Fmct MonrinuRSerem,InsdM Oaayaphiqut M&CIU R. Svse, Idtut Oemognphique dc Nha Tmng, Nhp T-, VM am. & hhTnmg, hTha Trang, Viet Nnm. India Dr. B. N. Chopn, of Food d Agri- Dp C,. P. Chammuthu, University of Madras, culture, New JMh. LfnplrcPne, P.O., Mzdras, Inhmia

Mr. .y. Toga, Bvuof Jhmmic A&k, Mr. K. Kur~nwm, Chief, AFresh~tcrFishcri~ Mumtry of Fomgn A€fairs, Tokyo. Resarcb hbratmy, Ministry of .lgrkulture and Forestry, Hinmmchi, Tokyo. Mr..Chc?, C&+ .Keun, Dirm of Bureau of Mr. ChPng Chung Hyun, National Firheriea Fdema. Mllustrp of Commerce & Industry.-. Exp=imcntnl Ststion, Pusan. Pumn. Mr. D. C. ZwoUo, FikDivision l3ept. of Mr. D. C. Zwollo, Fisheries Division Bpt. of hrmic & Technical Afkiq HoUltrdia. EC4mic & Techid Afkin, HolIsndin, Nether- Netherlands, Now Guinea. lands, New Guinea. Pakistan Dr. M. R Qurmhi, CenttPI Fishcries Depart- Dr. 4 H. Qodri, Degartment of Zoology, Univer- mart, Drmdps Straa, Izamck Say of Karachi, Karachi. Philippines Mr. Marria, Burau of Fie,Mank Mr, H.. R. Montdban, &mau of Fisherics, Manila. Mr. Boon Iadnunbaryo, of Fish- Mr. Boon Lndrambrrya, Dcparinm~tof Fish- &? mk. &, Bangkok. . . Mr. T. F. Brudcy, OBkc of Comnussloaa- Mr. D. W. Lc Marc, Director of Gyxdof UKfor S.E. E.?Ph5 PA, H.Q. Fisbarics Dcp.rtmcnt, Pcnang. srnsapore.

Viet Nam