The figures for fish caught by fishing boat in the sea are estimates of the number caught by drift net.
The drift net fishery is a classic example of people reaping what they do not sow in a relatively uncontrolled way.
We are concerned at the effects of large-scale pelagic drift net fishing and are playing a constructive role in discussions on this issue.
Should large-scale pelagic drift net fishing be found to impact adversely on marine resources, we would support appropriate measures being taken.
No records are kept of the number of persons refused drift net licences.
The numbers of drift net licences issued in the five years from 1974 to 1978 inclusive were 117, 115, 115, 115 and 114 respectively.
That is true of the north-east drift net fisheries.
The operations of the north-east drift net fishery are certainly indiscriminate.
