FRESH WATER FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT

Evaluation covers the period 12/78-6/80 and is based on onsite review. Current efforts are focused on producing imported trout stocks. The Huashao and Acopalca fishfarms are stocked with 200,000 and 227,000 fingerlings, respectively, and are operating as expected. The Acopalca Fishfarm has been unprofitable because of its distance from major consumption centers. (Direct marketing is recommended.) Colorado State University (CSU) experts determined that Lake Yanacocha has a substantial production capacity, while Lake Purhuay, the larger of the two lakes, does not. The stock at the fish hatchery was increased to 25,000 fish, and the pellet plant is in operation. Approximately 60 Peruvians were trained in hatchery management. Consumer campaigns were also carried out. Shortages of feed ingredients was one of the most significant factors affecting the project -- a problem which CSU advisors failed to address. Sporadic visits and poor planning on the part of CSU caused shortfalls in other areas, especially in marketing, economic and financial analysis and fish processing. M.S.-level training for two technicians was dropped because of a lack of candidates with adequate English language capability. A new government decentralization policy left the project 1 year behind schedule and led to changes in project management from the Ministry of Fisheries down to Ordenor-Centro, the local implementing agency. Despite these problems, trout sales should generate enough income to keep the new enterprises in operation. Evaluators conclude that full-time technical assistance is needed to complete the project and that counterpart personnel should have a working knowledge of English. Other recommended actions include assigning an economist to the project team; procuring a refrigerated vehicle; promoting freshwater fisheries in Ancash; developing plans for the timely acquisiton of feed ingredients; developing a practical solution to fish processing problems; extending the CSU contract for 1 year; and assessing the impact of anchovy extension on freshwater fisheries.