THE VENEZUELAN SALT-FISH INDUSTRIES 



now made in Venezuela and the basic cost of lumber would militate against setting up co- 

 operage machinery at this time, since the finished product would be relatively costly. 



Even if it were found that brine salt-fish cannot be successfully prepared in Vene- 

 zuela, some barrels would be required. It is proposed in a succeeding part of this section 

 to utilize such containers for a specific purpose. In this case the barrels would not be 

 expendable but would be used again and again. It is estimated that at least 20,000,150- 

 pound capacity barrels will be required for this purpose, 



LABOR 



With a gradual modernization of the present industry, manpower to operate more produc- 

 ing units will become available. It is the opinion of the mission that there will be suf- 

 ficient fishermen to produce the increased catches. With a definite assured demand and 

 fair returns to the primary producer, former fishermen now working at other occupations 

 will probably go back to fishing. Since the primary labor for salting the fish is already 

 on hand at the various rancherias it is probable that the proposed increase in production 

 can be handled. Again, as in the case of the fishermen, stimuli accorded by firm market 

 demands and fair returns will bring more labor into the fishing industry. There would be 

 no problem in over-all training of such labor since it is already conversant ydth basic oper- 

 ations. Modifications of the present techniques, however, will necessitate definite under- 

 standings with the owner or head man in each locality in order that the primary prepara- 

 tion may be carried out according to required specifications. 



Captains and crews for pick-up and supply boats are available and well acquainted with 

 Venezuelan coastal waters. 



Labor for secondary processing, finishing, and packing centers is believed to be a- 

 vailable to the extent needed. Both male arid female help would be required and almost all 

 of the labor operations contemplated do not require extensive skill or long training. Ade- 

 quate supervision, however, must be supplied, and it is believed that personnel to do this 

 can be recruited. 



Technical and managerial personnel present a greater difficulty than ordinary labor. 

 Although no complicated machinery is to be used, with the exception perhaps of the arti- 

 ficial driers, motors, and generators, skilled engineers or practical mechanics will be 

 needed. Since the proper processing and finishing of the dry salt-fish will require defi- 

 nite control by a competent technician, such personnel must be acquired — probably from a- 

 broad. Managerial personnel must be fully acquainted with every phase of the salt-fish 

 industry— not only as regards Venezuela but also as regards export markets and other pro- 

 ducing countries, Venezuelan managerial personnel would be very suitable to handle problems 

 under the direction of a general manager with the above-stated qualifications. 



In summation, then, it can be stated that every type of labor and technical skill is 

 now to be found in Venezuela with the exception of the top, directing positions. These 

 positions necessitate training, experience, and knowledge which cannot now be secured in 

 local personnel. 



TRANSPORTATION 



To care for the increase in production, a definite transport system must be orgsmized. 

 With additions to present motorized vessels such operations can be successfully carried 

 out. It is estimated that at least three motorized vessels of 75 to 100 tons would be re- 

 quired in the Eastern Zone, two in the Gulf of Venezuela-Paraguana area, and possibly two 

 others to care for other areas. These transports would carry empty barrels and other sup^- 

 plies to the rancherias and would carry filled barrels and fish to the secondary processing 

 points. They would also be used in carrying finished fish from the processing point to 

 the shipping points. Larger fishing vessels will be able to transport raw fish in their 

 own holds to processing points. 



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