Honduras aquaculture development project

The marine fisheries catch is largely shrimp and lobster, most of which is exported. Freshwater fishing is exploited only by subsistence fishermen. Limited marine catch and inadequate preservation has resulted in restricted distribution and high prices. The report discusses the Government Fisheries Service, El Picacho Fingerling Production Station, La Lujosa Agriculture Experiment Station, the National Center for Agriculture and Grains, the Jesus de Otoro Community Fish Pond Project, the Guanchias Agrarian Reform Cooperative, and the National Agriculture School. It is recommended that an adequate technical assistance component be included in the fish culture project and that the U.S. Peace Corps be involved. The fish culture technology worked out in El Salvador is applicable in Honduras and can be utilized directly in the fish culture development project. This technology involves the use of Tilapia aurea and the predacious Cichlasoma managuence in polyculture. A detailed survey of existing freshwater ponds to provide information on pond size, location, accessibility, structure, possibility of multipurpose use in irrigation of vegetable crops or pasture for livestock, and renovation required to place ponds in condition for fish culture is needed.