Survey of the fish culture potential in the San Julian and Alto Beni colonization projects of Bolivia

Each region is described in detail as to climate and topography, fish culture potential, fish culture project proposal, recommended culture fish, ecological impact, Bolivian participation and training, and USAID participation. Recommendations for the San Julian colonization project are: (1) a limited stocking program utilizing Tilapia nilotica to test if this fish significantly increases roadside pond fish production and is utilized by the rural population; (2) contacts with the construction company building a new access road to inform them on the proper construction of roadside ponds within the economic limits of the present contract; (3) a full-time fish culture specialist be made available for 2-3 years, to orientate interested parties in proper fish culture techniques and research maximization of fish production in roadside ponds and consumer preferences; (4) provision for training selected people in net construction and usage; and (5) funding for practical training in pond construction and tilapia culture for selected Bolivian field technicians. Similar recommendations for the Alto Beni area included a request for funds for the construction of small family-sized fish ponds to demonstrate proper pond construction and tilapia culture techniques associated with farm animals.