In 1913 a successful attempt was made to introduce the European Turbot to New Zealand waters. On 12 January of that year 298 young fish, caught in the neighbourhood of Plymouth, and kept for some time at the Marine Biological Station, were put aboard the Waimana. Of these fish 195 were safely transported across the tropics, and were put into the tanks at the Portobello Marine Hatchery. The operation was a very successful one, thanks to the care of the late T. Anderton, who was then Curator of the hatchery.

The turbot were originally from one to two inches in length. It was intended to liberate most of them in the sea, but, on consideration, it was decided to keep them in captivity. Three years later (May, 1916) there were still 182 fish, 5 having died and 8 having been liberated in the sea. They grew very rapidly in the tanks, so much so that in May of 1916 many were about 18 inches in length. To keep these large fish healthy was difficult, and so, in 1916, 128 of them were liberated in Taukutu Bay.