On the basis of data developed during the survey, the amount 

 of ice and fuel a vessel can be expected to consume under certain types 

 of conditions was obtained. The tabulations in the boc^y of this report 

 give particulars for a sample of vessels whose owners were able to 

 furnish needed statistical information. The fuel and ice consumption 

 rates furnished are approximations, and it is difficult to generalize 

 on the basis of the limited amount of data available. The variables 

 that must be considered in connection with consumption rates per hour, 

 fishing day (or night), season, year, or per pound of shrimp caught, are 

 too numerous to set up fixed consumption rates on scanty observations. 



The shrimp fishery has at times suffered from credit strictures, 

 particularly in financing vessels. The Fisheries Loan Fund, established 

 by the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, provides a source of loan funds to 

 fishing vessel owners and operators. The Fund does not compete with 

 private banks or other lending agencies and each applicant must furnish 

 proof that the financial assistance needed is not otherwise available on 

 reasonable terms. 



In March 1958, all functions of the Maritime Administration 

 pertaining to Ftederal Ship Mortgage Insurance for fishing vessels were 

 transferred to the Department of the Interior. Under a program administered 

 by the Bureau of Commercial Fisheries, mortgages and loans may be insured . 



for the construction, i^construction and reconditioning of fishing vessels.—' 



Some attempt should be made to obtain a lowering of the high 

 insurance costs of shrimp vessels, which in some instances amount to as 

 much as 18 percent of the declared value. Progress will eventually be 

 reflected in lower premium costs, if some of the improvements suggested 

 for vessel design and equipment and personnel training are adopted. 

 Economies may come about in the wake of self-help action initiated by 

 the industry. Attempts have been made recently to underwrite risks 

 collectively. These provide for hull insurance at premium costs ranging 

 from h.lS to 3.25 percent of the declared value of steel diesel vessels to 

 5.75 to U.25 percent on wooden diesel vessels. The rates decrease in 

 proportion to the increase of the deductible amount. Specific recommen- 

 dations for lowering vessel insurance costs are contained in the United 

 States Fish and Wildlife Service publication Hull Insurance and Protection 

 and Indemnity Insurance of Commercial Fishing Vessels , Special Scientific 

 Report — Fisheries No. 2U1. 



Shrimp Processing 



Information obtained in a study of shrimp plant efficiency conducted 

 by a private research firm for the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, 

 has been used in the preparation of this section of the report. Existing 



18/ The Department of the Interior has this authority but until legislation 

 pertaining to the funding of the revolving fund supporting this activity is 

 enacted, this insurance is not being effected. The legislation was pending 

 in the U. S. Congress on August 15, 1959. 



158 



