The Fishes of the New Guinea Region: A Check-list of the fishes of New Guinea incorporating records of species collected by the Fisheries Survey Vessel "Fairwind" during the years 1948 to 1950.

Abstract

During the rehabilitation of New Guinea following the 1939-1945 world war, the Australian Government has shown concern over the deficiency of animal protein in the diet of the majority of native inhabitants of the Territory of Papua and New Guinea. For many years the principal source of animal protein available to native labourers has been canned beef imported from the Australian mainland. Fish and other marine products were suggested as a possible alternative source of protein. It was envisaged that coastal tribes might be encouraged to establish and develop fisheries and produce more than their immediate needs, also trade might be established with inland centres where the deficiency of protein foods was greatest.