Guatemala aquaculture development

It is greatly interested in improving the diet and nutrition of the predominately Indian inhabitants of the Alto-Plano region through fish culture. To be successful at higher altitudes, fish other than Tilapia must be used. This is an extremely good fish for culturing at lower elevations in the tropics, but Tilapia grow very slowly and reproduce lightly, if at all, at elevations of 1500 M and above. Israeli carp and the Chinese silver and grass carps could be successfully cultured in the Alto-Plano region. Extensive, rather than intensive culture techniques are recommended, since supplies of organic fertilizers and waste agricultural by-products in this area would be limited. It is further recommended that tests be carried out at an early date to determine the acceptability of the carps species by the inhabitants of the region. People of the region may show reluctance to accept fish that appear strange and different from the native types and an educational program may be required. The author visited two government fisheries stations. Observations of each are reported in detail. In the author"s opinion, there is substantial potential for aquaculture development in Guatemala, providing existing facilities are improved, a thoroughly trained staff is developed, and adequate operating budgets are made available to carry out effective investigational and extension programs.