South Pacific Commission

Receiving primary consideration by the Fisheries Conference of specialists representing the six member governments of the South Pacific Commission, which met at Commission headquarters from May 14 to 22, 1952, was the development of fishing within the south Pacific area to meet the nutritional needs of the people. The conference stressed that in some territories populations were growing so rapidly that even present levels of fish consumption could be maintained only by increasing production. After discussing potential sources of fish foods, the conference considered that present methods used in processing, marketing and distribution of fish in the south Pacific were generally inadequate. It recommended the establishment where necessary of territorial fishing services to encourage development of the industry; requested the commission to explore the possibility of providing a special lecture course on fisheries administration for officers recruited within the region; and recommended that governments promote the development of community fishing enterprises, encourage the use of modern fishing techniques, and aid fishermen to acquire the necessary powered craft and modern equipment.