mE CARIBBEAN AREA — BRITISH HONDURAS 



storage plant located at Belize could probably handle sufficient lobster tails and fish 

 fillets to make an export business worthwhile. Perhaps turtle steaks could be popularized 

 if quick frozen. These products might all be sold in the United States, Shri.iqj might be 

 dried or frozen lor local or for export aiarkets. 



Sharks might be exploited to a greater extent if markets exist for the products. 



To improve the status of the local-fishery industry auid the lot of the fishermen, make 

 more regular the supply of fresh fish, and increase fish con3un5)tion, it is suggested: 



a. That somewhat higher prices, at least for a few choice species, be allowed the 

 fishermen to permit them to obtain larger live-well vessels and maintain 

 supplies of gear and equipment, 



b. That holding boxes be constructed for keying reserve supplies of live fiah 

 for market use to tide over periods of scarcity. Such live-boxes (about 8' 

 X 25' X 5') are used to hold fish alive for the Havana, Cuba, market. It is 

 suggested that these be operated cooperatively by the fishermen or as a 

 public service conducted on a cost basis. 



No inquiry was made into the sanitary condition of the water in the area where the 

 live-well fish are held in Belize prior to sale. It is emphasized that unpolluted water is 

 a requisite to the holding of fish in live wells. 



Game Fishing ; Ihe prospect of game fishing as an industry in British Honduras is a 

 bright one, if suitable accommodations can be provided. Tarpon, jewfish, snook, crevalle, 

 tuna, bonito, and many other gamefish species may be found to lure the sportsman. If 

 popularized, this activity might overshadow the commercial fisheries in return to the 

 Colony. 



GENERAL CONCLUSIONS AND RECOLfflffiNDATIONS 



1. this Colony has only about 65,000 people, with the 

 greatest concentration at Belize and along the coast. 



2. It is felt that the fishery industry of British 

 Honduras is conducted along very practical lines. Little needs 

 to be done to improve either catching or marketing. Prices are 

 very low and fish are abundant , 



3. With the approach of normal times, British Honduras 



may coritribute materially to an export fishery for spiny lobsters, 

 turtles, and other special products. 



151 



