THE CARIBBKAN AREA — PANAMA 



species as well as for surface species is an important activity. Haul seines up to 300 

 feet in length with l^ inch stretched mesh in the bag and three inch stretched mesh in the 

 wings are employed. The netting is tarred. Some 35 of these were reported in 19'+2. Weirs 

 are anployed in the esteros and these catch good quantities of fish because of the tidal 

 conditions in Panama Bay. Fish pots made of bamboo or wire are used to a limited extent. 

 Harpoons, spears, and bows and arrows are employed chiefly by the Indians in the lagoons 

 and sheltered waters. No figures are available as to the amount of these types of gear but 

 their use is widespread, A group of residents of Panama attempted, in \9U2., to utilize 

 traps for fishing. It was found that chicken wire was the best material for the leads and 

 good quantities of fish were caught. Because of neglect and mismanagement, however, this 

 enterprise was not altogether successful from a business standpoint. 



The Japanese fishermen in their operations used handlines in fishing for groupers and 

 snappers and nets for other species. Their activities indicated that such gear diligently 

 used Could catch relatively large amo\mts of fish. 



AH fishing gear is made up by the fishermen frc»n in^jorted twine and fittings. Such 

 items as floats and sinkers and some rope may be made fixim local products. 



Dynamite has been used to a considerable extent in Panama as it has in many other 

 places. In addition, various vegetable poisons have been used from time to time in certain 

 localities. 



POTENTIAL FISHERY INTDUSTRIES 



The marine resources of the Republic are many and varied. They offer infinite oppor- 

 tunities both for supplying local needs and for export. In a sense all of the fish resources 

 are relatively unused. Some are used to a limited extent — others are not used at all. 



Unused Fishery Resources 



Many species such as the groupers, snappers, corbina, snook, mullet, Spanish mackerel, 

 and grunts occur in large numbers almost throughout the coastal regions of Panama. Vlhile 

 some fishing is carried on to utilize these species in small conveniently-situated areas, 

 by far the greatest fishing grounds are untouched. These species and others of like type 

 can form the basis for an extensive fresh-fish industry with surpluses either frozen or 

 salted or dried. 



The tunas, of which there are great numbers, are caught to scjne extent by tuna-fishing 

 vessels from California. But in this case, also, there are vast resources still unused. 

 These fish, most efficiently used for canning, could contribute much to the economic welfare 

 of the Republic if facilities such as qroick-freezing, refrigeration, and canning were avail- 

 able. Ample supplies of bait fishes, nearness to the fishing grounds, a central strategic 

 location and good harbor lacilities make the establishment of a Panama-based tuna fishery 

 very logical from every standpoint. 



Quantities of shellfish are to be found — among them are shrimp, spiny lobster, clams 

 and crabs. These could form the basis for considerable fishing activity, certainly for local 

 use and possibly for export. The abundance of sharics indicates that success would attend 

 sharkfishing industries. Liver oils, meat, hides, fins, and other products could be derived 

 fxxDm these with profit. 



There is a lack of fertilizers and stock feeds — not only in Panama but throughout Central 

 America and the Caribbean. Tfestes fro.-n canneries, salteries, and the fresh- fish trade, as 

 well as specialized fishing operations, would supply raw materials for the operation of 

 reduction plants. 



Ul 



