niE CARIBBEAN AREA — GUATEMAU 



For miles, the Pacific coast of Guatemala is backed by lagocns and estuaries. TRhile the 

 variety of species in this type of habitat is somewhat restricted, the productivity of these 

 areas is high both in fish and in shria?). A considerable increase in the amount taken from 

 from these areas could be expected. 



The offshore fisheries present the greatest possibilities but the utilization of these 

 requires a considerable investment in boats, gear, handling facilities, etc. Large schools 

 of tuna and tuna-like fishes are to be found but a short distance offshore. If tuna and 

 other species can be caught in large quantity, a ready market exists for export. Ihe lack 

 of suitable harbors for large fishing vessels and the lack of adequate shore facilities are 

 factors which must be overcome, however. 



Fresh-water Fisheries 



Guatemala possesses a number of fresh-water lakes and streams and fish have been taken 

 from these by neighboring Indians for centuries . TOiile the total amount of fish caught is 

 comparatively small, the activity of fishing assumes great importance during certain times 

 of the year, chiefly during Holy Week. 



Attempts were made by the monks during Colonial days to introduce new species and to 

 increase the production of fresh-water fish by cultuj^al methods. 



CONCLUSIONS AND KECOLaSENDATIONS 



While both coasts of Guatemala have some possibilities for expanded production of 

 fishery products, the Pacific coast is the more premising. However, lack of buying power, 

 and a complete agricultural economy so severely restrict commercial possibilities in the 

 development of large-scale food fishery industries as to make this development almost im- 

 possible without governmental encouragement. 



The Y/aters of Guatemala have fishery items of definite export value, particularly tuna 

 and sharks. It may well be that fishery industries based on these items could also supply 

 low-cost fishery products to the Guatemala population. 



It is suggested that the Government of Guatemala appoint a fishery officer to collect 

 fishery statistics and to keep informed on the fishery situation in Guatemala. 



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