INLAND FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT

Evaluation covers the period 10/76-10/79 and is based on interviews and review of project files. The project is complete and most of the original targets were met or exceeded. Over 1,000 farm ponds were surveyed, of which 166 were considered acceptable for fish culture; and approximately 50,000 acres of land were identified as having proper water and soil conditions for fish culture. A total of 110 acres of ponds were put into fish production over the project period. Approximately 200,000 lbs of fish were produced during the project (below the 1979 target of 700,000 lbs), 30% of which came from the private sector, which was emphasized in the project"s final year. The prospects for continued development appear favorable. Despite the late arrival of the extension advisor and delays in procuring vehicles, 75 farmers participated in production, against an amended target of 30-40. The Tickenham Park Research/Training Center was upgraded from 1 to 5.6 acres, and its fish handling facilities, permanent housing, and office/storage space were upgraded. The Mitchell Town Fish Production Farm was expanded from 27 to 88 acres, and annual fish production of 4-5 tons/acre (60-100% above targetted levels) was repeatedly demonstrated in ponds at this facility. Fifty-nine MOA staff members were trained. Of three participants scheduled for M.S.-level U.S. training, one was unable to leave when his replacement refused to return to Jamaica following his own training. The third participant will be trained in the follow-up project (5320059). In-country extension training was provided through establishment of a course on freshwater fisheries management and production at the Jamaica School of Agriculture. The project demonstrated that high levels of tilapia production are feasible for the private sector and that hand-sexing, as a means of monosex culture, is possible at a relatively large commercial scale in a country with little previous experience in fish culture.