
Mullet (Mugil) are reported to en 
ter Guatemalan waters in February and again in 
anee® pear crates Apparently they are not utilised extensively. This ie due, probably, 
to ac types of fishing gear used are not suitable for taking mullet. 
Mackerel are taken on troll lines 
and are r 
information as to dates i# conflicting, ' eported to occur in schools, but 
In addition to the species already mentio 
ned, there are a number of others of 
less importance commercially. Some of these, such as barracuda (picuda), Kingfish 
(eierra), tarpon (sabalo), and dolphin (dorado) are important sport fishes. 
There are reports of excellent shark fishi 
. ng just off Punta Manabique to the 
west; also from Punta Manabique to the mouth of Rf Motagua. The latter area is open 
and often rough, It is doubtful that ehark fishing can be conducted there profitably. 
The offshore fishes, such as tuna and swordfish, are considerably distant from 
territorial waters and are seasonal in occurrence, It is unlikely that. they will be 
considered for exploitation in the near future, because simpler and less expensive 
equipment is suitable for taking inshore forme. The inshore fishes appear to offer 
excellent opportunities for immediate exploitation. ‘he primary problems involved are 
refrigeration and transportation. 
Commercial fishermen will find the following charts and publications helpful for 
fishing in Bahia de Amatique and Gulfo de Honduras: - . 
Chart No. 1496 - Central America, Gulf of Honduras with Zapotilla Cays. 
Published by the Hydrographic Office, United States Navy, Washington, D. C. Price 50 
cents. This chart gives soundings for areas adjacent to Guatemala; also for the Rio Duice 
and El Golfete. 
Chart No. 1497 - Central America, British Honduras, Ranguna Cay to Columbus 
Cay including Inner Channel and Glover Reef. Published by the Hydrogrephic Office, United 
States Navy, Washington, D. C. Price 50 cents. 
a Chart No. 1498 - Central America, British Honduras, Approaches to Belize. 
Published by the Hydrographic Office, United States Navy, Washington, D. C. Price 50 cents. 
Chart No. 1973 - Central America, Eastern Coast, River Dulce in Guatemala. 
Published by the Hydrographic Office, United States Navy, Washington, D. C. Price 20 cents. 
This chart includes Rfo Dulce, Bl Golfete, and lower Lago Izabal. 
Bulletin No. 21 - The Fisheries of British Honduras, by Ernest F. Thompson. 
Published by Advocate Company, Bridgetown, Barbados. Price 10 cents. 
Future Development of the Marine Fisheries 
The territorial waters of Guatemala in the Caribbean Sea are not extensive, but 
it is safe to say that the fisheries are far from being completely exploited. Many of the 
methods and much of the equipment used are crude and could be greatly improved. The ports 
of Livingston and Puerto Barrios are within easy reach of well-lmown fishing grounds outside 
territorial waters, such as the Campeche Banks, Mosquito Coast, Rosaline Bank, Serrana and 
Seranilla Cays, which are among the most fertile grounds in the Caribbean and should not be 
overlooked in considering the future exploitation of the marine fisheries. 
The distribution of fish on the limited home grounds is not well mown, and the 
possibilities available outside territorial waters on more distant banks are unexplored, 
for the most part, although they are of considerable magnitude. The potential supply of 
fish is more than sufficient for local requirements. 
The first requirement for increase in production is a thorough survey of the 
home waters and the cays and banke within fishing range of Puerto Barrios and Livingston. 
Tne survey of the home waters would be of chief interest to Guatemala, but the survey of 
more distant waters would be of interest to neighboring countries of the Caribbean area. 
123 
