
duction occurs, it should not be necess to do fur 
found desirable to introduce additions] species. Phey Paeat ine in leesettyskould.be 
The difference in rate of Stocking of different species is reflected in the 
potential productivity of the waters involved and the types and number 
present, Smallmouth bass waters like lasos Atitl&n and Apaen are nee Er ra eee 
other highland lakes where largemouth bass are recommended, In the large lowland lagoons 
(100 hectares or more), less survival is expected because of the presence of anadromous 
predatory fishes. The lowland lagoons are more shallow, and have larger proportions of 
the total areas suitable for fish utilization than the highland lakes, - 
The most economical sizes for planti 
] ng should be approximately four centimeters 
for the basses, the guapote, and the chumbimba; and six t i 
APA ay catfish, ' oe ght centimeters for the crappie 
Tt has been suggested that trout be introduced into certain G 
It is believed that this should be approached with caution for it i eereer an narireact 
would not reproduce well because of the uniform temperatures throughout the year. They 
could be expected to grow normally in certain isolated streams where the waters do not 
rise above 20 degrees Centigrade, as in the Rfo Moragan above El Tablon, Rio Blanco at 
piece ie a ee headwaters of the Ri Rabinal, the Ro Suchiate, in the 
cnumatanes Mountains, as well as below larve spri 1 
erchcthecaghactiitatrbies. ge springs that maintain a suitable temperature 
Since potential trout waters are not concentrated in one geographic area, and 
since the trout population would have to be maintained by annual stocking, the program 
would be very expensive. I do not consider the trouble and expense warranted under present 
conditions. When a resident fishery technician becomes available, it should be worth his 
while to spend time in studying this phase of fishery development. The waters in the 
Cuchumatanes Mountains were not examined, but altitude and reduced soil erosion in this 
area indicate that they should be given consideration. 
Hatchery Sites and Recommendations - 
It is recommended that no fish hatchery facilities be constructed unless the 
results of the test plantings in lego Atitlan and Rio Matagua have been evaluated and 
found satisfactory. It is believed that the construction and operation of a hatchery may 
prove a waste of funds unless trained men are available to see that the fishes propagated 
are planted in the appropriate waters and in proper numbers, A considerable amount of 
technical training is needed by the personnel for the successful operation of a fish 
hatchery. Unless personnel cen be trained in fishery management and hatchery operations 
as outlined in the discussion, “Administration of the Fishery Resources", the investment 
of funds in a fish hatchery may not be warranted, 
The investigation indicates that the fresh water fishery resources of Guatemala 
may be increased by the introduction of fishes into many waters. For this purpose consid- 
eration has been given first to the native fishes, and second, to fishes of the United 
States which possess desirable qualities and give more promise of material contribution to 
the develovment of the fishery resources. If the program as outlined proves desirable and 
warrented, and adequate personnel can be trained to handle the program, it may be advisable 
in later years to construct a fish hatchery for the transportation of sufficient planting 
stock by plane from the United States would be extremely expensive and much less satisfactory. 
Since it may be desirable to propagate from four to six species, a number of small ponds 
containing one-tenth to two-tenths hectare (one-fourth to one-half acre) of surface water 
would beof greater value than a number of larger ponds containing the same or more water 
area. It is believed that 16 rectangular ponds of about one-tenth hectare (one-fourth acre) 
each, and 8 of approximately two-tenths hectare (one-half acre), each will be adequate 
for present and future needs. This will make a total of about 3.23 hectares (8 acres) 
of water. A superintendent, an assistant, and three or four laborers should be adequate 
for ite operation and the maintenance of equipment and lawns. 
With a station of this size, the more important waters should be stocked first. 
This would permit observations on results and permit methods of operation and management 
to be perfected before stocking became widespread. By the time the majority of natural 
waters have been developed, which may take 10 to 15 years, it is expected that many finca 
owners will have seen the possibilities of developing a source of local food fishes for 
their laborers by the construction of small ponds. Undoubtedly, in the future, Guatemala 
lig 
