statistics of tuna landings in Costa Mca are not available, 

 Moreover, because of the small but significant local consumptions 

 available export statistics only reflect the size of landings by 

 United States vessels o Exports of tuna products are shown in 

 table 46.. 



TABLE 46. - COSTA RICA: 



EXPORTS OF TWIA AND TUNALIKE FISHES, 

 1937-1951 



In April 1949, at the request of the International Baak for 

 Reconstruction and De'-slopment, the Food and Agriculture Organiza- 

 tion of the United Nations undertook a study of possibilities for 

 fishery development in Costa Rica. Because of the readjy market 

 for tuna in the United States, it was concluded that Costa Rica 

 could obtain valuable I'oreign exchange if some of the tunc, now 

 caught in Costa Rica or adjoining waters by United States vessels 

 could be taken and landed by Costa Rican fishermen. It was pro- 

 posed that five American-type refrigerated purse seiners, cf 70 tc 

 80 tons cargo capacity, be acquired. The establishment cf. addi- 

 tional freezing and cold-storage facilities in Puntarenas was also 

 suggested. Since canned tuna is protected by a United States 

 import duty, it was not considered advisable to establish new 

 canning facilities or to enlarge the plant already in operation o 



155 



