THE CARIBBEAN AREA — VEIffiZUSU 



has the basic responsibility of assuring that this resource is utilized and conserved to 

 the best interests of the country. 



2. The Servicio de Pesqueria devise, initiate, and maintain a definite program of 

 fishery management involving technical studies, the fostering and promotion of fishery 

 industries, and the conservation of the resources. The Servicio de Pesqueria, -in the past, 

 has initiated and carried out projects of various types to assist the fishing ind\istry. 

 Llany of their projects have been commendable. In general, however, they have been carried 

 out as independent short-term projects with little or no indication of being a part of a 

 program having definite objectives. Inasmuch as the most efficient use of the resources 

 demands long-range study and planning, it sould be the duty of the Servicio to devise on 

 over-all program with definite objectives. This program should include the necessary 

 technical studies to foster and pranote the fishery industries and conserve the resources. 

 This program can be best drawn up with the assistaince and guidance of trained fishery 

 technicians. 



3. The Government of Venezuela, through its Servicio de Pesqueria, initiate an 

 emergency program to assist the fishery industry in maintaining as high a level of pro- 

 duction as is possible. One of the most pressing problems confronting the fishery in- 

 dustry in Venezuela is the growing shortage of materials and supplies brought on by the 

 war. Since the individual units of the industry have so far been imable to cope satis- 

 factorily with this situation, the Government must take action if the fishing industry is 

 to survive. Steps should be taken immediately to secure emd distribute needed items at 

 the lowest possible cost. 



n 



Specific Recommendations 



The following recommendations are presented covering special problems that demand 

 particular notice. They should compose parts of an over-all fishery program, 



A. Biological ' 



It is recommended that: — 



1, Scientific investigations on the taxonomy of Venezuelan fishes, not only of 

 commercial but also of non-commercial species, be undertaken. Present nomenclature of fish 

 presents a confusing basis for all fishery-management work. This must be overcome in order 

 to make statistical and biological information understandable, 



2. The condition of the stock of arenque in the Gulf of Cariaco be investigated to 

 deteraiine the condition of the stock, 



D. Technological 



It is recommended that: — 



1, Improved techniques for the drying and salting of suitable fish be undertaken in 

 order to prepare more acceptable products for export and local consumption. Salted fish 

 observed by the Llission could not be regarded in general as conforr.iing with export standards. 

 Improvements in color and odor should be accomplished easily and could result in a much 

 superior product. 



2. During shortages of tin cans the canneries agree to eliminate all high-priced 

 specialty products and that special empjiasis be placed on producing standardized packs of 

 such products as "salmonete" and "sardir.as en aceite" . It is further recommended that the 

 canneries remove scales from the fish used for their canned products, since the presence of 

 scales is objectionable in these products. Canneries can re-arrange machinery to secure 

 greater efficiency. 



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