
f old river channel oons lying more or less perpendicular to the coast, and a 
eee of irregular-shaped iyi areas. Except for those maintained by tidal action, the 
lagoons are subject to large seasonal changes in size, and many are dewatered during the. dry 
season. In the rainy season, the salinity of many brackish waters is decreased, and some . 
may become entirely fresh. This change in salinity increases the areas available for fresh 
water fishes and decreases the areas for salt-water forms. The reverse is true during the 
dry season. A reconnaissance flight paralleling the coast at a distance of about four kilo- 
meters inland and returning along the coast was made on May 19, 1947. At that time, there 
were 12 to 15 lagoons and rivers open to the sea over shallow bars. Perhaps twice that 
mumber are open during the rainy season. 
It was estimated that 140,000 hectares or more of bays, lagoons, and natural canals 
existed on May 19. For the most part, access by roads is difficult during both the dry and 
the rainy seasons. In the near future it will be possible to reach San Jose by paved road 
from Guatemala City. From San Jose eastward to El Salvador, most of the coastal water 
areas can be reached by small boats by way of the Chiquimlilla Canal. Roads permit access 
to the canal at Iztapa and Ahumado, at least during the dry season. Between San José and 
M&ico, roads reach the coast at Sipacate, south of Tiquisate, at Champerico and at Ocdés. 
Many of the lagoons in other areas can be reached by truck if one is acquainted with local 
roads .« 
Observations were made near Ahumado, in the Chiquimlilla Canal from San José to 
Iztapa, 40 kilometers south of Tiquisate, at Champerico, and at Ocos as roads, boats, and 
motors permitted. : 
Salina de Acapan, lying about six kilometers west of Champerico, was examined 
March 27, 1947. It was approximately 16 kilometers long, from one-fourth to one kilometer 
wide, and generally from about 30 to 120 centimeters deep. The bar at its mouth had been 
closed for some time prior to our visit. The water at the village of Acapan had a salinity 
of 11 per cent. A six-hour night set with 550 feet (167.6 meters) of gill-nets and 100 
feet (30.4 meters) of tammel netting resulted in a catch of 42 kilograms of fish, It is 
believed that catches of 50 to 150 kilograms could have been taken in single hauls with a 
large seine of 150 meters length. Sixteen genera of salt-water and anadromous fishes were 
represented in the catches. All could have been sold in the inland cities. However, of the 
total weight taken, only about 10 kilograms were of quality species such as the robalo. 
(Centropomis) and pargos or snappers (Lutjanus), which bring premium prices on the market 
in Guatemala City. 
Seining in the bay at Iztapa with experienced fishermen assisting in the work did 
not indicate that this method would be productive enough to warrant its use where tidal 
currents carry brush and other objects that interfere with seining. The use of hoopnets 
with wings and leaders resulted in catches of 5 to 10 kilograms of bagre (Arius and 
Galeichthys) per trap for each change in tidal action. 
Near Ocdés, an overnight set with 450 feet (137 meters) of gill-nets in brackish 
waters affected by tidal action resulted in a catch of approximately 80 kilograms of fish, 
but only two (Centropomus and Lutjanus) of nine genera of the fish taken could be classified 
as quality fish. 
Observations at the points visited indicate that most of the commercial fishing 
is done on a small scale by individuals with one or two helpers, and the fish are either 
Salted and dried or sold fresh in the nearby village. Fish caught at San José and Iztapa 
are sent to Guatemala City in small amounts, and fish from other points reach inland cities 
in limited quantities. Just prior to and during Lent or Holy Week, the demand for fish is 
large, and prices are high. Consequently, during this period, fishing effort is high and 
considerable quantities of fish reach inland cities, 
Owing to the lack of refrigeration in most towns, and the high cost of ice, fish- 
ing gear, and transportation to inland cities, the poor quality of labor available, and the 
lack of large quantities of high quality fishes such as robalo (Centropoms) and pargos 
(Lutjanus), fishing effort in the canals, bays, and lagoons is not great. However, with 
high prices, many of the brackish water lagoons and bays offer commercial possibilities for 
those with small boats and moderate investments in fishing gear. The logical market for . 
