Foreign Fishery Developments prices for U. S. have not changed much from 1976. This price range, however, is for the American and the Australian eel, Anguilla australis. Recent ex-vessel prices in and Italy for the preferred The Market for Eels in the suggest an average range of from $2.00 Federal Republic of to $2.75 per pound. In addition, among the 20 countries which exported fresh or refrigerated eels to the FRG in 1976, the average ex-vessel price for U.S. eels ranked 16th, with only New Zea­ INTRODUCTION eel fishery in the Baltic has been declin­ land, Turkish, Canadian, and Austra­ The Federal Republic of Germany ing since the late 1960's. The Food and lian eels selling for lower average (FRG) has traditionally been the largest Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the prices. European market for the European eel, gives the following Anguilla anguilla, and has depended figures for the FRG's eel catch (in met­ IMPORTS heavily on imports from northern Euro­ ric tons) in the North Sea and the Baltic pean suppliers, chiefly Denmark. In re­ from 1970: FRG eel imports have recently in­ cent years, though, static eel produc­ creased somewhat, and in the last 4 tion in the Baltic Sea has permitted FRG eel catch in the North and years they have slightly exceeded 5,000 Baltic Seas. Canada, the United States, and New Year Catch Year Catch t annually. Since most of the eels are 1970 SOOt 1973 400 smoked, and the German processors Zealand to increase their exports of 1971 500 1974 351 other eel varieties to the FRG to meet 1972 400 1975 382 prefer live eels for that purpose, ap­ rising demand. proximately 85 percent of the imported The U.S. share of eel exports to the eels are live or refrigerated rather than CONSUMPTION AND PRICES FRG increased to 8.5 percent of the frozen. It is interesting to point out, total in 1976, and although the volume West Germany is the largest market however, that over half of the U. S. eel was still under 400 metric tons, the in Europe for eels and domestic con­ exports to the FRG consist of frozen value was over $1 million. Despite the sumption is estimated at about 6,000 t eels. intricacies and strict quality require­ annually. Moderate increases in future Figures for 1976 show that imports ments ofthe international eel trade, cur­ eel consumption are probable. Most of accounted for nearly 75 percent of the rent projections point to rising U.S. the eels consumed in the FRG, esti­ FRG's total eel supply. More than half sales of the American eel, Anguilla ros­ mated at from 80 to over 90 percent, are of these imports originated from coun­ trata, to the FRG and other European smoked, with the large part of the rest tries which supply Baltic eels, for countries in the years ahead. processed into jellied eels. which there is a pronounced preference Eel prices in the FRG vary widely in the FRG. Denmark, which provided DOMESTIC PRODUCTION according to the type of eel, quality, about 40 percent of the FRG's eel im­ Figures on eel production are impre­ and weight. Generally, they tend to be ports, has been the traditional leader, cise in most countries, and the FRG is highest in November and December, followed by the , New Zea­ no exception. The FRG eel catch from resulting from high Christmas season land, Canada, the United States, Po­ inland rivers, lakes, and ponds has been demand, and lowest in the summer and land, and . estimated at about 1,000 t annually for fall months. Prices at the retail level for The difference in average prices paid some years. The number of sport smoked eels are about $8 .00 per pound, to eel suppliers in 1976 was consider­ fishermen has increased, though, in re­ but these are normally the highest qual­ able (Table I). The favorite Baltic eels cent years, and since their catches are ity eels, fairly large in size and with were delivered at ex-vessel prices not registered, the above figure is at above-average fat content. which were up to three times greater best only a rough estimate. On the other At the ex-vessel level, prices are than the less-favored Australian eels hand, the FRG's catch of marine eels much more difficult to determine, from New Zealand. has declined. The marine eels are mainly because they differ so much ac­ QUALITY RESTRICTIONS caught by fishermen operating trawlers cording to the various types of eels im­ in the estuaries ofrivers flowing into the ported into the FRG. The average ex­ Sources in the industry emphasize North and Baltic Seas. Although there vessel price for eels imported from the the complicated nature of the interna­ was some increase in the North Sea eel United States in 1976 was $1.55 per tional eel trade, especially as regards catch after the middle 1960's when pound for fresh or refrigerated eels, and the stringent requirements for certain trawlers began to be used, this fishery $1 . 10 per pound for frozen eels. Ac­ quality characteristics. In the FRG, has probably stabilized recently. The cording to German sources, current where most of the eels are smoked, the

34 Marine Fisheries Review Table 1.-West German eel Imports, 1976. Those eels which are used for cooking producing countries are Denmark and Imports Value Avg. Price or frying rather than smoking are refer­ . followed by the Netherlands, (t) (1.000 OM') (OM/kg') Country 01 origin red to as "green" eels and they should West Germany. and Ital y. European Fresh or refrigerated be large, usually no less than I pound, supplies have been supplemented in­ France 108.3 1.336 12.34 while those over 2 pounds are prefer­ creasingly in recent years by imports /Lux- 94.4 1.154 12.22 embourg red. For smoking purposes the very from the United States, New Zealand, Netherlands 409.4 5.055 12.35 Italy 121.1 1.460 12.22 large eels are not in great demand be­ and Japan. The major marketing cen­ Great Britain 29.9 334 11.17 cause the retail price would be prohibi­ ters for the European eel trade are Ireland 370 369 997 Denmark 2.170.4 27.720 12.77 tive. Therefore. the weight classes of Hamburg, Copenhagen, the Ijsselmeer Sweden 216.9 2.609 12.83 0.5-1 pound and 1-2 pounds are pre­ region in the Netherlands, and Milan. Austrua 26.3 246 9.35 Spain 15.7 230 14.65 ferred. European supplies appear to have Greece 36.1 462 13.35 The bulk of eels are marketed live in stabilized and, therefore, the market Turkey 16.5 141 7.62 399.4 4.961 12.42 the FRG. Dealers and processors are should require increasing imports in fu­ Hungary 267 266 10.41 Tunisia 11.2 162 14.46 somewhat reluctant to accept frozen ture years. In the Baltic Sea there is United Siales 179.9 1,551 662 eels. Occasionally eels which were not little doubt that the eel stock has been Canada 169.5 1.153 6.60 Australia 94.4 675 7.15 promptly sold were frozen after they declining since the early 1960's; simi­ New Zealand 2321 906 3.91 had begun to deteriorate and small­ lar! y, there is evidence that French, Tolal 14,419.9 51.193 scale smokers were unable to handle Italian, and Spanish eel catches in the Frozen them properly. Live eels have been Mediterranean Sea are also decreasing. Nelherlands 623 334 5.36 Denmark 19.5 216 11.18 flown from the United States to West On the other hand, there is reason to Greece 46.9 606 12.39 Turkey 22.6 166 7.35 Germany in flat waxed cartons. lined believe that French and Spanish catches Uniled States 197.1 1.206 6.13 with plastic foil and covered with a in the Atlantic Ocean may be increasing Canada 2567 1,559 603 P.A. China 22.5 121 5.36 small amount of crushed ice, which, somewhat. Figures collected by the Australia 597 437 7.32 through slow thaw, keep the eels wet. FAO put Europe's annual eel produc­ New Zealand 75.7 303 4.00 Frozen eels are usually shipped by tion between 1970 and 1975 in a narrow Total 771.1 4.999 ocean freighters in waxed cardboard range of 19,000-20,000 t, except for 'CIF German seaport or border (excluding import duty). 2The average conversion rate in 1976 was boxes usually containing about 50 1972 when it dropped to only 17,300 t. US$1.00 ~ DM2.53. The lale-1977 rale was approximately pounds of eels. Within each box, smal­ It should be kept in mind, however, that US$1.00 - DM2.35. ler blocks of frozen eels are usually all of these statistics are somewhat un­ wrapped in plastic foil bags. reliable. In general, industry sources tended At a 1976 international conference in most important quality characteristic is to place American eels in the category Helsinki on eel aquaculture and exploi­ the fat content. The minimum fat con­ of second grade quality for which the tation, it was suggested that practically tent for smoking is apparently 12 per­ market in the FRG is necessarily lim­ all of the wild eels in European waters cent, although there are reports of eels ited. Several also pointed out that it have been exploited as much as possi­ being marketed with some success with would be a good idea for American eel ble and that, until eel farming is further as little as 8 percent fat content. In this exporters to provide samples in order to developed, supply will be insufficient connection, it should be noted that the promote their product more success­ to meet demand. Some evidence indi­ mature eels, called silver eels, which fully. They did mention. though, that if cates that the local increases in eel are the most highly prized for smoking, U.S. eel exporters could improve the catches come primarily from lakes and have an average fat content of 27 per­ quality of the product by offering for inland waters rather than from tradi­ cent. The average estimated fat content sale narrow-headed, silver eels, with a tional maritime sources. The most ofyellow eels, those which have not yet high fat content and fine-textured flesh, thorough work on inland eel farming attained sexual maturity, is the preferably in the 0.5- to I.5-pound has to date been done by Polish marine minimum 12 percent. weight class, the market for U.S. eels in biologists. In both the silver and yellow the FRG could be expanded sig­ In response to the tightening eel sup­ categories, there is a further breakdown nificantly. ply, the European Economic Commun­ between broad-headed and narrow­ According to the NMFS Office of ity (EEC) has taken steps recently to headed eels. This feature is determined International Fisheries, West Germany facilitate the importation of eels to the by the eating habits of the eels. The is the leading consuming nation in a member-states. In 1976, the EEC twice broad-headed eel (an eel turned pred­ traditional and fairly steady European increased the quantities of eels which ator) is lower in fat content than the market for smoked, jellied, and fresh could be imported to the Community narrow-headed eel (an eel feeding eels. European consumption of eels has without having to pay the Common mainly on vegetable matter and probably been about 20,000 t per year Customs Tariff duty of 5 percent. The plankton). for some time, although one observer quota of imported eels which is cur­ An additional complicating factor is has predicted a European market of rently exempted from the duty is 7,200 the classification of eels by weight. 30,000 t annually by 1985. The major t. (Source: IFR-77/l81.)

January 1978 35 Fishery Data Printed Bravo, Director, Deparlmento de Flora termed "ticketing," obviating COUrl for Chile, Barbados y Fauna, Ministerio de Agricultura y appearances for minor offenses, with and Costa Rica Ganaderia, Apartado 10094, San Jose. fines of $100 or less. Responsible for aquaculture and fresh­ 8) Granting commercial fishermen Reports for Barbados, Chile, and water fisheries is: Ing. Herbert Nanne, the right to initiate civil actions for loss Costa Rica, listing government agen­ Jefe, Departmento de Acuacultura, of income caused by pollution sources cies and officials responsible for Pesca Continental y Vida Silvestre, other than ships. fisheries, fishing companies and com­ Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganaderia, 9) Designation of fishery officers as mercial representatives, fishery trade Apartado 10094, San Jose. For the full peace officers with powers to serve journals, and information on Costa Rican report, req uest "IFR-77/ summonses and warrants. detentions, if any, have been compiled 195. " 10) A new definition of "fishing" to by the Office ofInternational Fisheries, include an attempt to catch fish as well National Marine Fisheries Service, as the actual capture. NOAA. The reports may be requested, CANADA AMENDS II) Authority to extend, if neces­ by number, from NMFS Statistics and sary, the restricted area for trawlers Market News Offices. FISHERIES ACT beyond the present limit of 12 miles Barbados' fishery administration is Canada has amended its Fisheries from shore. (Source: IFR-77/194.) responsible to the Ministry of Agricul­ Act, providing greater protection to the ture, Food, and Consumer Affairs. aquatic environment and more severe That address is: Permanent Secretary, penalties. The Amendments went into Canada Eyes Power Plant Ministry of Agricuiture, Food, and effect on I September 1977. Federal Coolant for Aquaculture Consumer Affairs, Codrington, St. and provincial authorities will seek in­ The Government of the Province of Michael. For the full report, request dustry and public support because these Ontario, Canada, has begun to examine "IFR-77/182. " changes cover a broad range of ac­ the economic viability of using heat Responsibility for fisheries in Chile tivities not limited to fishing opera­ produced by the electric power generat­ is divided between the Ministry of Ag­ tions. ing stations of the provincially-owned riculture and the Ministry of Economy. and salmon poachers take utility, Ontario Hydro, as an alternative The government is now reportedly con­ about $6.5 million annually from energy source for greenhouse heating sidering the establishment of a Ministry Canadian fishermen. With industry and and the farming of fish. The project, of Fisheries to unite all agencies re­ public support, new provisions of the announced by the Provincial Energy sponsible for fisheries into one agency. revised Fisheries Act will place the fed­ Ministry and Agriculture and Food, and Chile's Fisheries Protection Division eral and provincial authorities in a Natural Resources Ministries, involves is in charge of imposing fishing restric­ much better position to deal with the spent coolant water from the nuclear tions on species to prevent overfishing. poaching problem. These new provi­ generating station of Ontario Hydro on It's address is: Division de Proteccion sions include: the Bruce Peninsula which is now fully Pesquera, Servicio Agricola y Gan­ I) Forfeiture of illegal catch and of returned to Lake Huron. dero, Ministerio de Agricuitura, Casilla vessels engaged in illegal fishing. According to Ontario Minister of 4088, Santiago. 2) Restrictions on activities such as Energy James Taylor, it was hoped that The Fisheries Division provides landfill or construction in coastal areas construction of necessary facilities technical and economic assistance to likely to harm marine habitats. could begin in the spring of 1978 after fishing ccooperatives. It's address is: 3) Broader and more flexible author­ the detailed economic and engineering Division de Pesca, Instituto de Desar­ ity to regulate against industrial pollu­ studies are completed. rollo Agropecuario, Ministerio de Ag­ tion of waterways; more effective regu­ This application of spent coolant ricultura, Teatinos 40, Santiago. In the lations for the emergency pollution from industrial plants is apparently Ministry of Economy the Fisheries De­ problem. novel in Ontario, at least in utilization velopment Institute evaluates and im­ 4) Mandatory spill reporting and of the heat currently lost from Ontario plements policies concerning the utili­ clean-up. Hydro generating facilities. However, zation of Chile's fishery resources. 5) Increased penalties for all pollu­ it must be remembered that the an­ That address is: Instituto de Fomento tion offenses. nouncement by several Ministers of the Pesquero, Ministerio de Economia, 6) Regulations prohibiting interfer­ Crown was made in the middle of an Pedro de Valdivia 2633, Santiago. For ence with the east coast seal hunt; ac­ election campaign and may have been the full report on Chilean government cess to the sealing grounds is restricted given undue emphasis as a result of this and industry fishery organizations, re­ to those involved in authorized sealing fact. quest "IFR-77/ 191." activities. This measure will not bar the Those interested in additional infor­ In Costa Rica, the Ministry of Ag­ media, but will keep away persons in­ mation on the above project may write riculture's responsibility for fisheries is tent on interfering with sealing opera­ to: Marcia Dorfman, Ministry of divided between two agencies. Dealing tions. Energy, Ontario, Canada; Telephone with marine fisheries is: Ing. Eduardo 7) An innovative amendment, (416) 965-3246. (Source: IFR-77/187.)

36 Marine Fisheries Review AFRICAN FISHERY OFFICIALS LISTED Branch of International Fisheries Analysis, and the Office of the Re­ The Branch of International The list is accurate as of I July 1977. gional Fisheries Attache for Africa. Fisheries Analysis has prepared the fol­ Sources include U.S. Embassies in the lowing list of African fishery officials. respective countries, files in the NMFS (From: IFR-77/183.)

Afars and Issacs Nature el des Chasses Fisheries Department Caixa Postal 1723 and Natural Resources Unknown Direction des Eaux et FOrels Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife Mapulo P.O. Box 336 Ministere de r Agriculture. de P.O. Box 40241 Khartoum Algeria rElevage. du Genie Rural. el Niger Zouaoui Reggam des Eaux et Forels Ibrahim Najada Swaziland Director General Brazzaville Lesotho Directeur L. Joeris Office Algerien des Peches Alistair Pedder Direction des Eaux at Forets Fisheries Officer Ministere des Transports Egypt Livestock Division Ministere du Developpement Ministry of Agriculture I, Place de la Pecherie Abdel Aziz Hussein Ministry 01 Agricullure Rural, Niamey P.O. Box 162 Algiers Minister of Slate for Agricullure P.O. Box MS 24 Mbabane and Cooperative Cos., Maseru Nigeria Angola Aquatic Wealth and Sudan B. F. Dada Tanzania Jose Carlos Victor de Carvalho Affairs. Uberia Director G. K. Libaba Secretary of State for Fishing Ministry of AgriCUlture A. Kini-Freeman Federal Department of Fisheries Director Ministry of Fisheries Land Reform and Reclamation Director Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Division Luanda Bldg. Bureau of Fisheries Nalural Resources Ministry of Natural Resources Sharis Wezaret EI Zeraa', Dokki Minislry of Agricullure Victoria Island and Tourism Benin P.O.Box 9010 P.M.B. 12529 P.O. Box 2462 Augustin Honvou Monrovia Lagos Dar-es-Salaam Director des Peches Equatorial Guinea Direction des Peches Unknown Ubya Reunion Unknown Togo Ministry of Rural Development Omar Ahmed AI Mogsi Akwetey V. Kowadah and Cooperative AC1ion Ethiopia Secretary Rwanda Directeur General B.P.383 Woldemichael Getaneh Secretariat of Nutrition and Sea Joseph Ruremesha Office National des Peches Cotonou General Manager Wealth Chef de Division Ministere du Developpement Fishery Corporalion Shara al-Jumhuriyya. P.O. Box Ministere de r Agriculture Rural Botswana Ministry ot Agriculture and 315 B.P.621 B.P. 1095 Kirby Gilmore Selllement Tripoli Kigali Lome Fisheries Officer P.O. Box 1232 Division of Production Addis Ababa St. Helena Tunisia Minislry of Agriculture Andrianirina Ratison Unknown Mohamed Ben Khedder Privale Bag 33 Gabon Chef Directeur de la Peche Gaborone Jean Julien Bignumba Servicede la Peche Maritime Sao Tome and Principe Direction de la Peche Directeur des Peches Direction de rElevage et de la Unknown Minislere de rAgricullure Burundi Direction des P~ches el Peche Maritime 32 Rue Thiers Audace Cayabanda Chasses Ministere du Developpemenl Senegal Khereddine Directeur Ministere des Eaux at Forels Rural et de la Reforme Agraire M'Baye Ba Department des Eaux et Forets B.P.32 B.P.291 Directeur General Mohammed Zaouali Ministere de r Agriculture et Librevilte Antananarivo P~ches Maritimes President Directeur General de rElevage Direction de rOceanographie et Office National des Peches B.P. 1850 Gambia Malawi des Peches Maritimes Avenue Habib Bourguiba BUjumbura A. Diu Taylor' Thomas A. J. Mathotho Ministere du Developpement prolongee Director Chief Fisheries Officer Rural et de rHydraulique Tunis Cameroons Fisheries Division Department of Fisheries B.P.289 Theophile Epee·N'Goube Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Agriculture and 1, Rue Joris Directeur General Natural Resources Natural Resources Dakar Chief Fisheries Officer Direction des Peches Maritimes 6 Marina Foreshore P.O. Box 593 Fisheries Department Ministere de rElevage et des Banjul Lilongwe Ministry of Agriculture and Industries Anima/es Maxime Ferrari Animal Resources B.P.121 Ghana Maldives Minister of Agriculture P.O. Box 4, Entebbe Douala J. N. N. Adjeley Ahmad Hilmay Didi P.O. Box 54 Directcr Vice President for Fisheries Victoria Upper Volta Cape Verde Fisheries Departmenl Male Julien Tiombiano Joao Pereira Silva P.O. Box 830 Sierra Leone Directeur de la Peche et de la Ministro de Desenvolimento Accra Mali T. J. Shorunkeh·Sawyerr Pisciculture Rural Alassane Konare Chief Fisheries Officer Ministere du Tourism et de Praia Guinea Director Fisheries Division I' Environnement Louis Holie Operation Peche Ministry of Agriculture and B.P. 7044 Central African Empire Ministre Mopti Natural Resources Ouagadougou Alphonse Catchy·N'Gakoudou Ministere des Grands Tower Hill Directeur General Amenagements, de la P~che, Mauritania Freetown Zaire Direction des Eaux, Peches et et de rElevage Abdultahi Ould Ismail Lessen,na Kiabe Lema Pisciculture Conakry Minister Somalia Commissaire d'Elat for MinisMre de I'Agricullure des Minislry 01 Fisheries and Osman Jama Ali Environment, Conservation of Eaux. For6ls. Chasses, Guinea-Bissau Merchant Marine Minister Nature and Tourism Peches. et Tourlsme Joseph Turpin Nouakcholt Ministry of Fisheries and Sea B.P.73 B.P.786 Secrelariado de ESlado das Transport Kinshasa 14 Bangui Pescas Mogadscio Bissau Iswardeo Seetaram Kasela Bin Kembolo Chad Minister of Fisheries South Africa Delegue General Lassou Kourdina Ivory Coast Ministry of Fisheries B. V. de Jager Office National de P6che Director 0/ Water and Fishing Luc Koffi Port Louis Director of Sea Fisheries B.P.8087 Ministry of Tourism. Handicrafts, Directeur General Department of Industries Kinshasa 1 and Natural Resources Plx:hes Maritimes at Lagunaires Morocco Private Bag N'Djamena Ministere de la Production Directeur General Sea Point Zambia Animale Office National des Peches 8060 E. D. Muyanga Cornoro Islands B.P.V.19 130 15 Rue Chevalier Bayard AC1ing Director Unknown Abidjan Casablanca Sudan Department of Fisheries Yousff Ishag Medani Minislry of Water and Nalural Congo Mozambique Director Resources Directeur General Norbert Odero Sergio Basulto Fisheries Adminislration P.O. Box 100 Service de la Conservation de la Director of Fisheries Direclor Nacional de Pescas Minislry of Agriculture, Food, Chilanga

January 1978 37 Soviet and U.S., English fishermen whose activities have been under the Soviet Ministry of Fisheries Joint Ventures Reported restricted by a ban on herring fishing in responsible for arranging international the North Sea and lowered herring joint ventures. The Marine Resources The Soviet Union, Poland, and East quotas off western Scotland and in the Co. currently has offices in Seattle and Germany have received permission Irish Sea. The Rybak Latvii was ex­ Bellingham, Wash. Another office was from the European Economic Com­ pected to move on to the Minches, the to be opened soon in Nakhodka, one of munity (EEC) and the British Ministry waters between the Scottish mainland the main Soviet fishing ports on the of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food to and the Outer Hebrides. Siberian Pacific coast. operate a fleet of factory vessels on the The Managing Director of Joint The joint venture corporation will Cornish mackerel grounds in coopera­ Trawlers, Jon Carrol, has indicated that purchase hake and pollock from U.S. tion with Joint Trawlers International, a his firm will be following a policy of fishermen for delivery to a Soviet vessel British fishing company. Four factory buying from local Cornish fishermen and processing at sea. Ownership of the vessels from the three East European first when the mackerel fishery began. factory vessel will remain with the countries were expected to participate However, because each eastern Euro­ Soviet Ministry of Fisheries which will initially in the cooperative arrangement pean factory vessel is capable of freez­ be responsible for its operation. The during the winter mackerel season. The ing 120 t/day, he said he also expected finished product, which will be owned factory vessels purchase mackerel to make arrangements with Scottish and by the corporation, will be sold on the caught by British fishermen, process Humberside fishing companies and/or international market. Besides joint the fish at sea, and either ship the pro­ fishermen to supply mackerel to the fishing activities, the Marine Resources cessed fish to eastern European markets other factory vessels that were to arrive. Co. also plans to become involved in or sell it internationally. Some of the If this joint mackerel operation proves arranging the repairs of Soviet vessels, fish could ultimately be bought back by successful, Joint Trawlers may try a marketing Soviet fishery products, and Joint Trawlers and re-exported to non­ similar one for the sprat fishery off the providing the Soviet fishing fleet with EEC countries. northeast coast of Scotland. perishable foodstuffs, water, and In late July and early August 1977, a According to the NMFS Office of fishing gear. trial run was conducted with the Soviet International Fisheries, the Soviet The Soviet Union has already factory vessel Rybak Latvii (13,500 Union has also formed a joint venture outfitted a factory vessel, the Sulak GRT, B-69 class) off Ayr on the west with a U.S. company, the Bellingham (19,000 GRT, SPASSK class), with 1 coast of Scotland. The Rybak Latvii, Cold Storage Company in Washington West German (Baader ) processing which was anchored several miles off State, to participate in fisheries for equipment for the production of frozen shore, was buying up mackerel as Pacific hake and Alaska pollock in the hake and pollock blocks from the quickly as it could be caught, according northeast Pacific. In July 1976, the joint U.S .-caught fish. The joint corporation to British press reports. In the course of venture, called the Marine Resources had planned to process hake aboard the a few weeks, the Soviets purchased Co., was incorporated in Washington Sulak on an experimental basis in the about 400 t of mackerel from Scottish State following 3 years of planning and summer of 1977. However, the Sulak fishermen and paid them considerably discussions between the partners. The was not issued a permit to operate in the more than the prevailing United King­ capital stock in the company is held U.S. 200-mile fisheries zone in con­ dom ex-vessel price. The joint opera­ equally by Bellingham Cold Storage junction with the joint venture. The tion gave a welcome boost to Scottish and SOVRYBFLOT, an organization permit was denied pending the de­ velopment of a national joint venture policy. It was considered preferable to An FRG Market Report wait for the outcome of National Marine Fisheries Service and Congres­ The U.S. Consulate General in addition there is a list of eight FRG sional hearings on joint ventures rather Bremen has prepared a 4-page report firms with addresses and telephone than to set a precedent before the full on the market for in the Fed­ numbers interested in importing oys­ range of consequences of decisions on eral Republic of Germany (FRG). ters. joint fishing arrangements between The report is based on FRG Gov­ U. S. companies wishing to re­ U.S. and foreign interests had been ernment statistical records and con­ ceive a copy of the report should examined. The Marine Resources Co. sultations with several leading firms send a preaddressed mailing label planned to submit a permit application in the FRG oyster trade. It discusses with their request to: Matteo J. for the Sulak for the 1978 hake and in detail FRG oyster production, im­ Milazzo, Foreign Affairs Specialist pollock seasons. (Source: IFR-77/193.) ports, customs duties; it also in­ (F411), Office of International cludes a translation of the FRG law Fisheries, NMFS, NOAA, U.S. governing quality control standards Department of Commerce, Wash­

for imported seafood products and ington, DC 20235. (Source: IFR­ I Mention of trade names or commercial finns two tables on FRG oyster imports. In 77/185.) does not imply endorsement by lhe National Marine Fisheries Service. NOAA.

38 Marine Fisheries Review Gambia Nabs Poachers; promulgated a new law redefining the warships, including submarines, may Seychelles, Mauritius nation's territorial sea and exclusive enter or passthrough territorial waters economic zone last summer. Entitled after giving notice to the President's Approve New EEZ Laws the Maritime Zones Act, the law was office. Submarines, however, must approved by the National Assembly navigate on the surface and show their The Gambian government took ac­ under the previous Government. It en­ flag while passing through the territo­ tion last year to gain further control of tered into force by Presidential decree I rial waters. the fishing industry and foreign fishing August 1977. At the present time there is little or no offits coast. The most significant action Under the terms of the Act, the limit economic activity within the claimed was an effort to control poaching by of the territorial waters is fixed as the exclusive economic zone. However, fishing vessels of other countries. The line every point of which is at a distance the government does plan to make a procurement of the SeaDog, a of 12 nautical miles from the nearest major effort, with French, British, and British-made patrol boat, and its point of the baseline (determined in ac­ perhaps Soviet assistance to develop a maiden voyage apprehension of a cordance with the straight baseline sys­ fishing industry both to feed the local Polish trawler fishing illegally in Gam­ tem). In addition, the exclusive population and for export. Further­ bian waters made great publicity and economic zone is defined as the area more, the government recently signed paid, in one fell swoop, the cost of beyond and adjacent to the territorial an offshore oil exploration agreement purchasing the patrol boat. In Sep­ waters extending to a distance of 200 with an international consortium. tember 1977 theSeaDog again made an nautical miles from the baseline. The The government news agency has impressive haul by nabbing two South Act also defines the continental shelf reported that Mauritius simultaneously Korean fishing vessels and bringing and enumerates SeycheJles' rights with promulgated a similar Maritime Zones them into harbor, where they lay at respect to the eXclusi ve economic zone Act. It indicated that both laws had anchor for all to see. The crews were and the continental shelf. been the subject of negotiation and col­ arrested, tried, and fined. The crew and With respect to foreign ships, the Act laboration between the two govern­ the boats were held until the fine was stipulates that all foreign ships (other ments intended to avert any problems paid. than warships, including submarines) arising from overlapping jurisdictions. Supplementing the vigorous efforts shall enjoy the right ofinnocent passage (Source: U.S. Embassy, Victoria; of the Gambian Navy was the passage through the territorial waters. Foreign IFR-77/184.) of a law in Parliament establishing a Fish Marketing Corporation. The cor­ Canada's Atlantic Coast Fish Landings Drop Off poration has sole authority to license commercial fishing and permit the ex­ Landings in Newfoundland, New the first half of 1976 were valued at port of fish or fishery products. The Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince US$54 million. Government's participation in Gambia Edward Island have declined from Decreased landings on Canada's At­ Fisheries, Ltd., previously owned 80 328,823 metric tons (t), in the first half lantic coast were due to a variety of percent by the Japanese and 20 percent of 1976 to 232,438 t during the same factors. In Newfoundland, a strike im­ by the Gambian Government, has been period in 1977 or by 29 percent, accord­ mobilized the trawler fleet from 20 De­ increased to 51 percent. This company, ing to a report from the U.S. Consulate cember 1976, until the end of January which does not have a fishing fleet, but in Halifax, Nova Scotia. 1977. Redfish stocks were over­ purchases from local fishermen for Newfoundland's landings through exploited during 1976 leading to the processing and resale, becomes the June 1977 totaled 116,713 t, a decline imposition of severe quota restrictions operating base for the newly created of 25 percent from the 155,488 t caught on that species for 1977. In the corporation. during the same period in 1976; they Maritimes, a harsh winter adversely af­ The Gambians, according to a recent were worth approximately US$24 mil­ fected fishing conditions with resulting statement by President Jawara, took lion, compared with US$28 million for lower catches, particularly of herring this step to increase foreign exchange the first half of 1976. and mackerel. earnings and gain greater control of re­ Landings in the Maritime Provinces According to the NMFS Office of sources. Given the number of fishing (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and International Fisheries, representatives boats from other countries in this part of Prince Edward Island) totaled 115,725 t of Environment Canada's Fisheries and the world and the extent of illegal through June 1977, a decline of 33 per­ Marine Service (FMS) were apparently fishing in Gambian waters, as evi­ cent from the 173 ,335 t caught during unconcerned over the decline in land­ denced by continued detention of the same period in 1976. There were ings during the first half of 1977. Not­ foreign vessels, the sensitivities of the marked decreases in landings of both ing that transitory factors such as Gambians on this subject appear justi­ redfish and herring, which declined by weather could affect short-term fishery fiable. (Source: U.S. Embassy, Ban­ 86 and 65 percent respectively. Land­ landings, FMS representatives em­ jul.) ings in the Maritimes were worth about phasized that Canada's 200-mile The Government of Seychelles US$42 million, while landings during fisheries zone had only recently been

January /978 39 established and that rebuilding Cana­ catching larger amounts of salmon by 10 years and a member of the Canadian da's Atlantic fisheries would necessar­ using the more efficient purse-seiners Fisheries Advisory Council under both ily take many years. and thereby protects the salmon stocks Romeo LeBlanc and his predecessor, from overexploitation. Jack Davis. Sinclair has conducted a New Fishery License Sinclair will be consulting with rep­ thorough study on salmon and halibut resentatives of fishermen's organiza­ licensing for the Pacific region in 1958 System Studied for tions and other sectors of the fishing and he has also worked in an advisory British Columbia industry through spring) 978 by discus­ capacity for the Manitoba government An intensive study of the licensing sing licensing in fishing centers of concerning the commercial fishing in­ system for the British Columbia British Columbia to ensure the broadest dustry in Lake Winnipeg. For the past 8 fisheries is being made, according to possible communication with industry years, he has been chairman of the Ad­ Canadian Fisheries Minister Romeo groups. visory Committee to the Freshwater LeBlanc. The study will provide rec­ Sinclair has been a member of the Fish Marketing Corporation. (Source: ommendations for future licensing 3I:!d Fisheries Research Board of Canada for IFR-77/169.) fee structures and is expected to be completed early this year. Sol Sinclair EC FISHERY AID TO LDC'S DROPS will direct the study. The object of the study is to ensure the optimum resource The European Communities' (EC) Most fishery aid projects have con­ utilization of both commercial and aid to Less Developed Countries centrated on creating infrastructure in sport fisheries for Canadian fishermen. (LDC's) is granted through the Euro­ the recipient countries (Table 2). In LeBlanc said that the study is particu­ pean Development Fund (EDF). EC aid keeping with this trend, a number of larly necessary in view of both Cana­ for fisheries development is also ad­ fishery development projects planned da's extension of fisheries jurisdiction ministered by the EDF though to date it for the fourth EDF program period will to 200 miles and the announcement of represents only 0.75 percent of the total be geared towards improving fish the Salmon Enhancement Program for EDF aid to the LDC's (Table I). transportation and processing tech­ the west coast. Also, radical advances Total EDF aid for fisheries has been niques, a major obstacle to fisheries de­ in fishing techniques have led to larger declining steadily since the Fund was velopment in the LDC's. Projects will and more efficient vessels, producing organized in 1958. The main reason for be undertaken in Gambia, Guinea­ distortions and inadequacies in the this decline during the three EDF pro­ Conakry, and Ethiopia. In Uganda present licensing system. gram periods has been the LDC's lack and Guyana efforts will be made to While the study is underway, there is of interest in fisheries development. begin fish meal production. a moratorium on all transfers of tonnage Additionally, aquaculture projects will be initiated in Benin, Kenya, to salmon purse-seiners from vessels Teble I.-Percentege of flsherlee eld to developing using other types of gear. This measure countries from EOF funde through 1976'. Lesotho, Swaziland, and Zaire. Em­ prevents Canadian fishermen from Projects phasis has been placed on developing a lunded EDF 1 EDF 11 EDF 111 Total country's artisanal sector rather than its Total 522589 727.939 870.387 2,120.915 deep-sea fishery. For development of Fish- 8.623 4.325 2.926 15.874 Norwegians Study aries the latter, EDF planners prefer to rely %of 1.65 0.59 0.34 0.75 on joint ventures between the LDC's Salmon Cholesterol lotal and more developed countries, A Norwegian research team 'In European units 01 account (EUA). 1 EUA = US$1.13. Source: The Courier, January·February 1977. (Source: IFR-77/179,) has found that the salmon (Salrna safar) produces the same type of Table 2.-Funds allocated for neherles projects by the European Development Fund cholesterol as humans. In the alnce 1958.'

spring, prior to spawning, the Amount salmon is saturated with this fatty Country Title of project EDF in EUA substance; however, when the Benin Conan fishing port EDF II 624,000 Siudy of extensions to the Cotonou fish port EDF III 110,000 salmon begins its spawning mi­ Superstructure for Cotonou fishing EDF III 540,000 gration it produces an enzyme Ivory Coast Abidjan fish port EDF I 1,390,000 New fish quay at Abidjan EDF II 1,470,000 which breaks down the choles­ Loan on special terms 1,045.000 terol and provides the burst of EDF II 2,000 Congo Study for a tish quay at Point Noire EDF II 88,000 energy necessary for the salmon Mali Development of fisheries in Mid-Niger EDFI 151,000 (hydrology laboratory) to reach its spawning grounds. It Development of fisheries EDF III 2,126,000 is this enzyme that the Norwegian Mauritania Fish port at Port Etienne EDFI 2,876,000 Completion of Port Etienne fish port EDF II 1,096,000 team is trying to identify. If suc­ Sene9al Fish quay at Dakar EDFI 661,000 cessful, it is expected that exper­ Somalia Study of lhe development of fisheries EDF III t5O.ooo SI. Pierre, iments with the enzyme will be Miquelon Fish port on Saint Pierre EDF I 3,545,000 ----- conducted on humans. (Source: Total 15,874,000 IFR-77/186.) '1 EUA = US$I.13. Source: The Courier, January-February 1977

40 Marine Fisheries Review