PUERTO RICO 

 Division of Forests, Fish and Wildlife 



1. Puerto Rico Marine Sport Fisheries Investigations 



The purpose of this project is to study the nnarine sport fisheries in 

 respect to their biology and present development. The work being performed 

 is concentrated mostly at La Parguera (Lajas) and San Juan and includes: 

 Analysis of ratch per unit of effort according to species of fish and type of 

 angling; seasonal variation in the catch; length and weight of fishes; examina- 

 tion of gonads and stomach contents of important game fishes to determine the 

 attainment of sexual nnaturity, spawning seasons and food habits; the number 

 of people who engage in sportfishing and the man or boat days spent on the 

 various methods, particularly speax fishing, surfcasting, spinning, and troll- 

 ing. Another objective of this project is to study the commercial fisheries 

 of La Parguera from the standpoint of the species taken, relative number of 

 each, gear employed and possible effects on game fish and sport fishing. 



La Parguera; began July 1955, indefinite; $4,400; Donald S. Erdman, Leader; 

 reports available. 



Address inquiries to: Division of Forests, Fish and Wildlife, Department 

 of Agriculture and Commerce, Santurce, Puerto Rico. 



2. Introduction of Exotic Fishes to the Streams of Puerto Rico 



This project has as its ultimate purpose the hope of establishing a suitable 

 game fish in the upland river waters of Puerto Rico. A one -year survey was 

 carried on at the Anasco River. This river is inhabited with predatory salt 

 water fishes such as snook Centropomus and the "Viejo" Pomadasys crocro 

 up to El Guasio at about 300 feet above sea level. None of the predatory species, 

 however, ascend beyond the rapids which occurs just above El Guasio. Thus, 

 a long stretch of upper reaches of the river is uninhabited with game fishes. 

 Similar situations occur in other rivers of Puerto Rico. 



One fish which is being planned for introduction is the redeye bass 

 Micropterus coosae which is reported to be more adaptable to river conditions. 



Maricao; began November 56 ntinuing; $1,200; Donald S. Erdman 



and Herbert Zalduondo, Leaders; reports available. 



Address inquiries to: As in No. 1 above. 



3. Creel Census and Fish Population Study in Farm Fish Ponds and Lakes Loiza, 

 Carite, and Patillas 



Objectives of this project are: (1) a farm fish pond survey and (2) a creel 

 census and fish population study at Loiza, Carite and Patillas Reservoirs 

 which will lead to a more efficient utilization and conservation of the pond 

 and lake fisheries in Puerto Rico. 



The pnysical characteristics and chennical conditions of at least 15 ponds 

 into which bass and bluegills have been introduced are being studied and re- 

 corded in the following aspects: acreage, average depth of water; type and 

 approximate gradient of bottom; pH, dissolved oxygen content and temperature 

 of the water; types and extent of aquatic vegetation and kind of fish food present. 

 Composition and structure of pond fish populations are being determined by 

 seining, pond drainage, or occasional use of rotenone. Fishing by hook and 

 line and fish pots are being used as a supplementary sampling method. 



A creel census checker devotes four months work to each of the lakes 

 Loiza, Carite and Patillas. Two biologists collect fish population samples 

 with rotenone at least once a year. 



Patillas, Trujillo Alto, Guayama, Aibonito, and Barranquitas; began July 

 1956; to close June 1958; $4,400; Donald S. Erdman and Herbert Zalduondo, 

 Leaders; reports available. 



Address inquiries to: As in No. 1 above. 



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