THE CARIBBEAN AREA — COSTA RICA 



The migration of the eqiiatorial belt of calms is of considerable meteorological im- 

 portance in the region imaediately north of Panama. The belt of calms reaches its south- 

 ermost point in February when it extends along and just south of the 5-degree N. latitude 

 line. During the months of January to April, inclusive, the calm belt, although moving 

 slowly northward; remains south of Panama, and the trades blow with great strength and 

 constancy from north and northeast. This period is known as the dry season. 



As the belt of calms moves slowly northward, the trades are more frequently replaced by 

 calms and light variable winds. The transition month along the north coast of Panama and 

 Costa Rica is Uay when the rainy season begins. During the latter part of June, the 

 trades regaiJi some of their strength due to the increased pressiire over the North Atlantic 

 and, although tliis effect is quite pronounced over most of the Caribbean, it is very 

 slight in the region just north of Panama and Costa Rica, 



During the middle of the rainy season, west winds are frequent along the coast from 

 Cabo la Vela in Colombia westward to the Nicaraguan coast. These winds are known as 

 "vendevales" . Wind velocities are highest in the dry season with a secondeiry maximum 

 occurring usually in July. 



There is little definite data as to the salinity of the Costa Rican waters. Since 

 there are a number of rivers entering and since rainfall is heavy, it can be expected that 

 the coastal waters are less saline than normal for the open sea. It may also be expected 

 that a considerable supply of nutrient salts is available to bolster the productivity of 

 the waters. Little is known, however, of the actual abundance of fish in this region for 

 weather and sea conditions are such that little or no pelagic fishing is carried on. 



Species and Distribution 



There are indications that the lagoons support an abundance of fish as tarpon, mullet, 

 snook, threadfins, mojarra, groupers, grunts, croakers, anchovies, and others. Reefs and 

 banks support populations of groupers, snappers, grunts, and other reef types. Possibly 

 Spanish mackerel, barracuda, kingfish, and others can be taken offshore if suitable equip- 

 ment is used. There should also be shrimp, oysters, and spiny lobster in various local- 

 ities. Turtle fishing has been carried on extensively, and Port Limon is the center of this 

 activity. Some shark fishing has been done, particularly around the mouth of the Rio 

 Colorado . 



From the standpoint of oceanographic and weather conditions, it appears that the best 

 possibilities for large-scale fish production will be found on the Pacific Coast rather than 

 on the Caribbean. 



nSHERT INDUSTRIES 



Fish has never played an in^ortant part in the feeding of Costa Rica. Wlile native 

 coastal populations have relied on fish for much of their food supply and a few fishermen 

 with dugout canoes and simple gear have caught a few fish for commerce, no organized locail 

 trade in native fish has ever been established. Costa Rica is an agricultural country that 

 has ample food supplies for its people in its own beef, poultry, vegetables, and fruits. 

 The development of the fishing industry to feed Costa Ricans has never seemed necessary. 

 Agricultural products are both plentiful and cheap. 



Distribution 



The limited amount of imported fish products utilized is handled through general lines 

 of food Trtiolesaling and retailing. Fish is used for fast days and holidays as prescribed by 

 Chiirch obligations, and salt fLsh is said to appear for sale in grocery stores only during 

 Lent. Fresh fish is caught for commerce at Pentarenas and Port Limon and is sold locally. 



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