THE CARIBBK^ ASEk — PANAMA 



in operation soon, thus increasing ice production to such an extent that a sufficient anuDunt 

 would be available for packing fish. Cold storage facilities were extremely limited but 

 authorities stated that new construction would release greater amounts of storage space for 

 civiliein use. Ttie main markets for fishery products in the Republic and Canal Zone are con- 

 centrated and enjoy excellent communication facilities. The problem of distribution of fish 

 is relatively unimjMDrtant provided regular and sufficient supplies of fish can be secured. 



Fishermen 



In July, 19^, it was reported that 529 fishermen were employed in fishing on a more or 

 less commercial basis with others working part time or for their own use. The fishermen are 

 of heterogeneous stock, mostly Indian and Negro mixtures. Even normally, there is consider- 

 able con^)8tition for labor, so that many of the more progressive fishermen take work more 

 remunerative that fishing in the Canal Zone, or in other fields. At times other racial 

 groups such as Japanese, Spaniards, Portuguese, and Greeks, as well as Vfest Indians have 

 been engaged in fishing. 



The economic level of the average fishermen is low and his earnings relatively small. 



Boats 



All of the Jx)ats used in the fishery industries of Panama jire small. In July, 19^, 

 there were 214 of various classes. Of small motor boats there were 29. Chalupas or small 

 sailboats numbered about 150. In 1942 a larger fishing-type vessel was purchased and used 

 as a pickup boat. 



Most of the fishing craft in use are built locally but these are not particularly good 

 for fishing. 



Wind conditions are such in the Bay of Panama that the use of sailing vessels is some- 

 times difficult. On the Caribbean coast heavy winds and seas render small boats unusable 

 for months at a time. 



At La Palma, in San Miguel Bay, small dugout canoes are used occasionally for fishing. 

 These range from 12 to 25 feet in length and are hollowed from a single log. Some are 

 pointed fore and aft — others have square sterns. They have round bottoms and a shallow 

 keel. Paddles are usually used for propulsion but sails are also used. 



Sailboats of the felucca type (chalupas) were observed in Panama Bay. These range from 

 27 to 30 feet in length and are deckec^ except for a small cockpit. There is hold space for nets 

 and iced fish. These craft are equipped with a lateen-type sail and are double-ended. The 

 rudder is outboard and these little boats are reputedly good sailers. 



Conditions for fishing with small craft are nore favorable in the rainy season and there 

 is somewhat better fishing. Panama Bay is sometimes choppy, but heavy swells are uncommon. 

 The conditions for fishing aire much more favorable on the Pacific side than they are on the 

 Atlantic coast. 



Much of the fishing during normal tiiaes is done at night. This is done for two reasons; 

 first because it is believed that the nets catch more fish at this time; and second, because 

 the fisft must be placed on the markets early, and disposed of the same day in order to pre- 

 vent deccmposition. The fish markets are usually open only in the forenoon. 



Gear 



The types of fishing apparatus are of the same classes seen elsev/here in the Caribbean, 

 Cast nets are used extensively and are quite successful. Hook and line fishing for bottom 



110 



