Some Regulations
pp. 128-129 · Read in the full issue
The Pacific
Mop Industry
Some Regulations Need Revision
RECENTLY there was a curious and amusing demonstration of how the Cook Islands Pearl- Shell Fisheries Regulations work in actual practice.
One of the provisions is that no shell under 41 inches wide at its maximum point may be fished, and that any person found in possession of such shell will be fined up to £2O.
Last year, the Manihiki agents of two Rarotonga shell exporters were fined for this offence—but the value of the shell, which is no less on the world market because of its slightly smaller size, was far in excess of the fines. The fine in fact was no deterrent, as there appears to be no prevision for confiscation of the shell in such cases.
Realising this there is little doubt that buying agents will take few pains to avoid small shell, which can in any case always be broken and mixed with larger shell.
Overseas importers allow ten per
cent, by weight of broken shell in their quotations.
The size limitation is of course designed to conserve the beds, as shell under 4J inches is thought
to be under the age of reproduct; —though this has never Ixl asecertained by research in case of Cook Islands shell. II evident, however, that the Re
ms require revision, probably ;he direction of confiscation of ersized shell—a sure deterrent.
Suwarrow Results
Disappointing
post-war years mother-of earl shell has become big usiness for the Cook Islands— KK) worth was exported last —so there were high hopes Suwarrow atoll lagoon would e prolific when it was opened living recently. (PIM, July, 69). suits in the first month are not using. out 80 people were taken to irrow from Manihiki in mid to dive under contract to Mr.
'■ Brown, of Rarotonga, who been awarded the licence to the lagoon until the end of year. the latter part of June the I Inspire, taking supplies to the found that only about five of shell had been accumulated, cvas anticipated that quantities b be low until good beds were ?d, but four diving suits and y skin-divers are operating. year the suit-divers at tnki were reaping about 3i per month each and they to have expected similar s at Suwarrow. However, r operations at Penrhyn atoli year have resulted in only one ton per month, ippointed at what they ler very poor results—as ired with Manihiki which is rarily closed to diving—a ?r of the skin-divers packed and left the island per Inspire, le remainder were said to be Dessimistic frame of mind as outlook.