Industry

Sharks

May be Basis of an Industry

Representing a group of Auckland business men, Mr. G. F. Russell arrived recently in Suva to investigate the possibility of establishing a shark fishing industry in Fiji.

It is not known, yet, whether there are sharks in Fiji in sufficient numbers, and capable of being caught, to justify such an enterprise, but Mr. Russell carries equipment for testing out the matter thoroughly, and he is being assisted in

his inquiries by the Fiji Government.

Commercial shark-fishing is now an established industry in several countries, he told the “Fiji Times”, and the pro ducts of shark-fishing are as follows; Hide, which produces the strongest and most durable leather, suitable for high quality goods.

Oil, from the liver, which is compar able with cod-liver oil, and has high medicinal and commercial value.

Gelatine, obtained from the shark’s fins, which is esteemed as a delicacy by the Chinese.

Poultry meal and fertilisers made from the carcase—these products being of re markably high value.

Also obtained from the shark are glue, from the head; teeth, which have a regu lar market; and a number of valuable extracts obtained from internal glands.

Readers of this journal should note the above facts. If there are any parts of the Pacific where there are sharks in large numbers, existing under conditions which might allow them to be caught fairly easily, there is a possibility of establishing a valuable industry. Such information probably would be welcomed by Mr. Russell.