THE VEMEZLTELAN SALT FISH INDUSTRIES 



from abroad. It would be possible to have several vessels built according to specifica- 

 tions dictated by Venezuelan conditions.!/ There is adequate reason to believe that a stan- 

 dard type, universal purpose vessel would be best for some time to come. With several such 

 models operating in Venezuela it would be easy for Venezuelan ship builders to copy them and 

 turn out vessels of like type. That this can be done is evidenced by the fact that a fish- 

 ing vessel 50 feet long, of modern design, is now being completed by a boat builder at Porla- 

 mar. This vessel is of excellent design and construction and will be powered by a diesel 

 engine. It is to be used for fishing and for carrying fish to a cannery at Porlamar. 



Boats of the standard type described in this section would be, able to fish anywhere 

 in Venezuelan waters and would be seaworthy enough to stay out in almost any type of local 

 weather condition. Fishing could be carried on in the Gulf of Venezuela and also off the 

 outlying islands. Since there is a large ice-cooled hold and since the cruising radius 

 is considerable, relatively long trips could be made enabling the vessel to load up before 

 returning to port. 



Since there are already existent a considerable number of vessels, some of which are 

 motorized, these could be used in an offshore handline fishery and also for pick-up and 

 supply boats. They should be motorized and should have power on deck. The fish holds should 

 be well insulated and equipped with pen boards. The use of these boats, which are seaworthy 

 and able, is economic, particularly if they are also used for transporting fish to nearby 

 countries such as Trinidad, Curacao and Aruba, and Colombia. 



The need in the more sheltered fishing areas is fast, large-capacity fish carriers. 

 This is particularly true on Lake Maracaibo and in the Gulf of Cariaco. A light icing would 

 be sufficient for trips up to six or eight hours. For the present, goletas, tres punos, 

 or piraguas could be used, but any industrialization located at a central point will re- 

 quire carriers more suited for this task. Eventually it may be desirable to build one or 

 more powered scows for carrying fish. These are easy to build and efficient, and cost of 

 construction is not high. Power scows are extensively used in the fisheries in Alaska and 

 they should be v^ell suited to Venezuelan conditions. 



DEVELOPMENT OF UNUSED OR UNDER-UTILIZED SPECIES 



The addition of new techniques and the development of wider-radius fishing will utilize 

 all species to a greater extent. It will certainly develop the greater use of the pelagic 

 species such as carite, anchoa, cabana, cachorresta, arenque, palometa and many others. 

 It will offer an opportunity to exploit bonitos and tunas well offshore. Tiburones , meros, 

 pargos, and roncadores will be taken in greater quantities in offshore areas then at pres- 

 ent. Shrimp fishing should be stimulated tremendously. Lacking definite information on 

 the abundance and availability of fish offshore, it is impossible to assess the contribu- 

 tion that could be made by the now under-utilized species. There is, however, sufficient 

 evidence to indicate that development of offshore fishing would be economically feasible 

 and would probably in time exceed the shore fisheries in importance. 



DEVELOPMENT OF NEW AREAS 



The introduction of power-driven fishing vessels of extended cruising range will open 

 up extensive new fishing areas and wi ll enable the utilization to a much greater degree 



1/ Over-all Sneoif Icatlona 



50 to faO feet cnrer-all: 15 to 20 foot beam. To draw 4 to 6 feet of water. Wood construction, oop- 

 Tjer or bronze gheathing below water line. To be powered by 80 to ISO H.P. full diesel installed 

 well forward, A doubledrum hoist or winch driven through a power take-off from the main engine. 

 All houses and deck structure well forward leaving after two-thirds of deck open. Bow to be hi^ 

 and flared, stern a compromised purse-seine type, wide and flat in water. Fuel and water tanks 

 for 1,000 mile radius. Uast and boom to be stout and well guyed. Hold space amidships insulated 

 with 8 inches of cork or equivalent. Bilge pump, necessary auxiliaries to be included. Controls 

 to be one man, located in pilot house and on flying bridge. Speed 8 to 12 knots. To be equipped 

 with necessary fittings for trolling, trawling, riu^netting, and shark fishing. 



48 



