THE CARIBBEAN AREA 



possibilities for fishery utilization were also examined. Action that can be taken to im- 

 prove observed conditions can be classified into emergency and long-range items. 



igmprgency action ; — The Mission recognized two main types of emergency action that are 

 feasible and important in the Caribbean area. Other action may be classed in a third 

 grouping. The three classifications are as follows: 



a. The provision of fishing gear and supplies to fishermen already engaged in pro- 

 ductive fishing. 



b. Elnergency fish-production projects. 



c. Other emergency stimulation of production, 



a. Einergency purchase of fishing gear and materials. 



Through the entire Caribbean there was already an urgent need for replacement of fish- 

 ing gear and other fishing materials. In many instances st?)plies of linen eind cotton net 

 twine, hooks, rope, sail canvas, leader wire, handline and trolling twine, and wire netting 

 suitable for fish traps were entirely exhausted in local stores and warehouses. The war had 

 disn^ted trade in these articles and no concentrated effort had been made to obtain emer- 

 gency supplies. As a result, fishing efforts were beginning to diminish and it was predict- 

 able that a serious decrease in the catch of fish would result unless some action was taken 

 to obtain these necessary articles. 



It is of considerable importance to Caribbean countries that they in some way arrange 

 for the supply of needed articles to permit continued fishing. For some areas, this is 

 certainly the most important matter that can be brought to the attenticai of local authorities. 



The suggestions made to local fishery authorities in the British West Indies led to the 

 purchase, some mcmths ago, of materials for the fishermen in many of those islands. 



b. Einergency production projects. 



There are many fishery resources in the Caribbean that have promise of yielding con- 

 siderable quantities of food if special efforts are made to obtain it. Particularly in 

 the case of mullet does this promise exist. Other species that display possibilities 

 generally, are the sharks, the Jacks, Spanish mackerel, and the tunas. Certain other 

 species show potentialities in a few localities. 



Capture and use of many heretofore unutilized fishery resources may be feasible today 

 in many areas solely because of the improved emergency demand for all flesh proteins. It 

 may also be considered in the public interest to engage in such activities with the local 

 governaent subsidizing minor losses or underwriting costs of speculative experiment. Cer- 

 tain types of gear now not used hold promise of success in fishing for many species of 

 fish. Considerable public good could come of intelligent experimentation with promising 

 projects. 



The operation of emergency fish production projects appears most feasible under direct 

 government operation or with assistance of the government. Private enterprise that has not 

 under normal conditions created uses for these resources cannot be expected to develop in- 

 dustries unaided when war has complicated the procurement of facilities, gear, labor, and 

 supplies, miile more favorable prices can now be secured for products, the difficulties 

 of procurement of fishing gear, boats, fishermen, and shore facilities are too formidable 

 to be surmounted without government help. 



c. Other emergency stimulation of production. 



The fishery industries are important assets of each locality. AH governments should 

 be concerned in maintaining these industries throiighout the war and should take every 

 feasible step to continue and enlarge their pjroductiveness. In addition to helping the 

 industries obtain gear, boats, materials, and supplies, assistance can be provided in the 



52 



