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SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
Fish has been suggested by the Government of El Salvador (GOES) as a source of high quality protein to improve thediets of low-income Salvadorans. Large quantities of inexpensive fish are needed.
Large commercial fish farms can contribute significantly to the future supply of fish in the cities. For these fish farms to provide one-third of the additional need for fish in urban areas in 1985, ponds totaling 580 hectares will be required.
Family fish ponds represent an important source
of fish to rural areas. Fish produced in family ponds can provide animal protein
for the immediate farm family and cash in come through sales to neighboring
families. It is estimated that approximately 359 hectares of family ponds
will be required to meet the additional need for fish in rural areas in 1985.
A prerequisite to increased production of pond-raised fish is government input. While technical assistance provided by agencies of the GOES will allow development of large commercial farms, family pond development requires a well coordinated promotion-extension program designed specifically for the small farmer.
Agencies of the GOES have done much to increase pond fish production and efforts in this area should be continued. Though progress is slow and difficult to measure, the development or fishculture is one important means by which the GOES can improve the quality of life for many of the Salvadoran poor.