More Japanese

Tuna Boats For

New Caledonia

The fleet of Japanese tuna ishing boats operating in New Caledonian waters will be in reased from 31 to 40 in early aniiary. In April, the total may >e increased to 64.

A T present, two or three fishing boats come into Noumea each lay to deliver their catches to the efrigerated vessel Eiyo Maru, which s anchored in a cove of the Ducos Recently, there has been talk of ringing in a second refrigerated vessel as the Eiyo Maru is too small o handle the present fleet’s catches.

Meanwhile, the floating Japanese ishing school Hokusei Maru has >een in Noumea on a visit. The ship >elongs to the fishing faculty of the Jniversity of Hokkaido.

On board the Hokusei Maru were 15 trainee officers under the com nand of Captain Seikichi Mishima. fhey are on a tour of South Pacific ishing grounds.

Following five years of university raining, the officers undergo 18 nonths of practical work.

During this period, they are in itructed in fishing and fish-freezing :echniques and are taught about the

migration of fish. Special attention is paid to tuna.

After passing their final examina tions, the officers become eligible to command tuna fishing boats of the type now operating in many parts of the Pacific.

Each university in Japan has its fishing faculty and at least two float ing fishing schools.

The Hokusei Maru sailed direct to Noumea from Japan and later went on to Suva.

A familiar sight on the Noumea water front these days—a Japanese tuna boat alongside. Photo: Fred Dunn.