THE CARIBBKAN AREA 



Unused Resources 



As previously pointed out, the Caribbean area is not generally rich in fishery re- 

 sources. Yet, practically every country in the area could increase the catch of fish in 

 its waters — some considerably and others on a lijnited scale. Thus, strictly, there are 

 sufficient unused i^sources to carry on and develop some new industries. While coral reef 

 areas are not very productive, they can produce some fish. Ihere are extensive reef areas 

 not now fished. Lagoons and estuaries are usually fairly productive — on the South and 

 Central American coastlines there are thousands of square miles of such habitat. Pertiaps 

 the greatest unused resource will be found in the pelagic fishes — both the long-range 

 migratory species and the ones of lesser migrations. The shellfish resources outside of 

 the popular langosta and conch are hardly utilized in most sections. 



In weighing all of the available evidence, the Mission has concluded that Venezuela 

 shows the greatest promise in the development of large-scale fisheries. Increased drying, 

 salting, and canning industries and development of quick-freezing industries are possible 

 here. There is also a distinct possibility of the establishment of a fish-reduction in- 

 dustry in Venezuela at Lake Uaracaibo. 



The Pacific Coast of Panama is regarded as a high potential producer. The fisheries 

 here can develop quick-freezing and handling facilities, chiefly for tuna. A canning in- 

 dustry could be supported but the chief objective now should be to develop a fresh- fish 

 supply for the Republic and for the Canal Zwie, 



Cuba's watei^ are capable of increased catches, as well. Cuba could supply more 

 fish to its own markets as well as such export specialties as spiny lobster and fish 

 fillets. 



The area fran Hispaniola around to Grenada and including Puerto Rico, the Virgin 

 Islands, the Leeward Islands and some of the Windward group has some limited areas vriiere 

 small local industries could be established. These local industries could supply a part 

 of the demands of the localities but they probably will never be able to satisfy any con- 

 siderable porticai of them, Develojauents here should be along the lines of fresh and 

 frozen fish, for the supply generally is too small to justify the salting, drying, or can- 

 ing of fish on a comnercial basis . 



The Atlantic coast of Central America -is so undeveloped that it is doubtful that the 

 fisheries could be industrialized on any considerable scale for some time. Since the 

 fisheries would have to con^sete with agriculture for labor and other necessities, and 

 since the region is relatively unpopulated, future developments will be slow. The re- 

 soiirces have, of course, been utilized to some extent by Cayman Islanders. TiTiether they 

 can stand any great further increase is unknown. 



The fish resources of the Campeche Banks are normally utilized by fishing vessels 

 from Mexico, Cuba, and the United States. Total catches are in the neighborhood of 

 15,000,000 pounds in normal years. There is no data as to the condition of the stocks 

 of fish on these banks, but catches seem to remain high. 



Central America's Pacific coast has possibilities in the production of fresh fish 

 for local use and also to some extent for salting and drying. There are indications that 

 increased activity in tuna fishing could be supported with quick freezers -and storage 

 plants for frozen fish, 



Colombian fishery resources offer considerable inducement to development. The lack 

 of transportation and handling facilities must be overcome, however, before any great 

 production can be hauidled or marketed. 



All of these developments will have to be predicated on economic feasibility. It 

 would be disastrous to expend thousands of dollars to develop fisherj' industries without 

 due regard for the available markets and the character of the resources. Each case is 

 more or less special, and for this reason, more detailed studies shoiold be made before 

 definite action is decided upon. 



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