THE CARIBBEAN ARKA — BRITISH HONDURAS 



from 200 to 500 feet. These were almost all of 2-l/2-inch mesh, but some seines with A-inch 

 loesh were reported. The latter were 6 feet in depth and 1/4 inile long. A few turtle nets 

 of 8-iaich mesh, 30 feet in length, were in use. 



A very few fish pots were reported in 19^, not more than 10 or 12, and these were in 

 need of repair. Spiny-lobster pots were reported to number about 75. 



Castnets are used extensively for bait and to catch mullet for sale. 



In the northern part of the Colony, the use of shore weirs or traps is reported. Ihese 

 are made of chickenwire and are designed to block off a channel and lead the fish to a con- 

 centration area where they can be taken. These were reported to be about 50 feet square and 

 equipped with a tunnel. 



An Ajnerican citizen, irtio had been fishing in Uexico, was attanpting, in 19A2, to carry 

 on a slBric fishery for livers and hides. He was using the regular type of shark-fishing 

 long lines constructed of chain. 



Ihe Indians use bow and arrow, harpocns, and spears to take fish in the rivers and 

 lagoons. The use of various fish poisons in the streams ha 9 been mentioned by various 

 authors . 



Host of the fishing gear used is hotneniade from imported materials. Such items as hooks, 

 leader wire, chidcemiire, sinkers, and twine are usually inserted, as well as canvas, boat 

 fittings, paint and tools. 



POTENTIAL FISHERY INDUSTRIES 



Unused Resources 



Possibly the greatest under-utilized resources of British Honduras waters are those 

 which have export value. It is reported that sections near Belize, which have been intensive- 

 ly fished with seines, are becoming depleted. It is certain, however, that other areas both 

 north and south of Belize are under-utilized so that fish supplies for local use can be 

 obtained. 



■Qiere are possibilities for increasing the catch of such pelagic fishes as bonlto, tuna, 

 and frigate nackerel by trolling. The edge of the lOO-fathom curve should offer a good area 

 for such oj)erations. 



During normal times, British Hond\iras exports some fishery products such as spiny 

 lobsters, turtles, shark hides, and alligator skins. This probably can be continued after 

 the war, when transportaticm becanes more available and markets are re-opened. Possibly, 

 the sponge industry can be resurrected. There is some indication of possibilities in salt- 

 ing and drying fish for export. Ffcm previous experience, however, it is doubted that any 

 lai^e-scale processing industries could be organized, based on any of the known aquatic 

 resources. There are some possibilities of small-scale industries as named above and, also, 

 in the quick ftreezing of fish fillets for escport. 



It is the opinion of the Mission that British Honduras has developed an excellent local- 

 use fishery, but that there are not large enough, known, unused resources to justify any 

 large extractive developments. 



Potential Mai4cet 



There is little potential maiket in British Honduras for any increase in locally-produced 

 fishery products since the population is practically all coastal and well served TJith fisn 

 already. If sufficient low-cost production of salt and dried fish can be attained, there are 

 possibilities of selling product in nearby countries. A small quick-freezing unit and cold- 



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