THB: VENEZUELAN SALT-FISH INDUSTRIES 



3. Within what price limits can salt-fish be produced and exported? 



4. Within what period can properly processed fish be produced? 



5. What fishing gear and supplies not now available should be provided in order to 

 increase production? 



6. What modifications of fishing operations should be effected to increase produc- 

 tion? 



It is further proposed that the Venezuelan authorities appoint a representative in 

 Venezuela who speaks English to act as liaison officer between the experts and His Excel- 

 lency's Government and arrange for contacts vdth fishermen and processors and marketers 

 of salt-fish. 



The Fish and Wildlife Service would be pleased if the Venezuelan authorities would 

 also provide transportation for the experts within Venezuela to various important fishing 

 centers including transportation by boat if necessary. 



Facilities for conducting fish-salting experiments will be needed during the course 

 of the survey, and in that connection the Fish and Wildlife Service has requested that His 

 Excellency's Government provide a building with an adjoining open yard, located in a fish- 

 ing community. Such building should contain at least one room not less than thirty feet 

 long and twenty feet wide, with a concrete floor, tap water, electricity, sewer connections, 

 and screened doors and windows. The yard adjoining the building should be suitable for 

 the erection of racks for the drying of fish. 



Department of estate, 



Washington, July 28, 1%3. 



Resume of the Mission's Activities. 



The work of the mission began on September 15, 1943, with the arrival of Mr. Lobell 

 at Caracas. Due to certain difficulties Mr. Puncochar was not able to reach Venezuela un- 

 til October 8. Pursuant to instructions, both members of the mission reported to Ambassa- 

 dor Corrigan on their arrival (September 16 and October 8, respectively). 



On September 16, Mr. Lobell called on Dr. Rodolfo Rojas, then Minister of Agriculture 

 and Animal Husbandry (Ministerio de Agricultura y Cria) .1/ At his direction the mission 

 was detailed to work with the Fisheries Service (Servicio de Pesqueria) of the Division of 

 Agricultural Economy (Direccion de Economia Agricola) .£/ 



Sr. Benjamin Arriens, the Chief of the Fisheries Service, was appointed liaison officer 

 between the mission and the Venezuelan Government. With his help, official calls were made, 

 an investigative program and itinerary of travel planned, and the compilation of important 

 statistical and factual inforiiBtion commenced. In addition laboratory space was arranged 

 for, certain equipment and supplies secured, and samples of salted and dried fish procured 

 and examined. 



With the arrival of Mr. Puncochar on October 8, immediate steps were taken to initi- 

 ate the field work of the mission. On October 12 the party proceeded to Cumana where the 

 experts were met by Sr. Adolfo Ortega G., Administrator of the Pearl Fisheries. Sr. Ortega 

 was detailed to acconpany the mission and to cooperate in carrying out its objectives. 

 1' Dr. Rojas was appointed Minister of the Treasury in November 1%3. 



Dr. Biaggini was appointed to the position formerly held by Dr. Rojas. 

 2/ Dr. J. A. Gonzalo Patrizi is the Chief of this Division. 



