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SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
It has been established that Jamaica has a strong neec for additional sources
of cheap animal protein. Fish cutture has possibilities which must be considered
in view of the development plan for the country. The study reportechere established
information relevant to decision-making about fish culture in Jamaica, delineated
areas in which information deficiencies exist, and suggested means for obtaining
information needed for decision-making.
A. Facts related to decision-making are:
1. A sizable demand exists for fresh fish in Jamaica. This result is
manifest through:
(a) high prices of other fish in existing markets, and
(b) high prices of competitive high-protein food products.
2. The labor supply for fisheries operations should be adequate to
begin tnis enterprise in tne country with selectea farmers. Extension education
is a necessary complement to a fishery venture.
3. Byproduct feedstuffs are available in sufficient quantities to begin
fishery operations in certain areas.
4. An adequate marketing and transportation infrastructure is available
for beginning a fish culture enterprise.
5. Interest rates are high in Jamaica, and are not likely to be reduced
soon in view of capital outflows.
6. Sizable risks may be encountered in a fish culture operation subject
to:
(a) the ability of operators to utilize the appropriate technology,
(b) sandy and porous limestone base soils leading to leaks in ponds and loss
of water, and
(c) a possible dependence on imports of feeds and fertilizers which are subject
to fluctuations in world prices and to government import restrictions.
B. Areas in which more information specific to Jamaica is needed are:
1. The extent of the market for fresh fish in Jamaica.
2. Production rates of fish utilizing different types of locally available
feeds and fertilizer materials.
3. Costs of the various types of inputs to pond fish culture.
4. Costs of construction of different types of ponds.
5. Alternative uses of inputs suitable for fish culture.
6. Extent and location of lands suitable for aquacultural development.
C. The above types of missing information are to be obtained by:
1. Complete record keeping on costs of construction, maintenance, and
variable inputs to the fish culture operations for different sized ponds.
2. Setting up pond experiments with alternative feeding and fertilization
methods.
3. Observing market price changes and responsiveness of customers to
the product presented by size of fish.
4. An appraisal of alternative uses of resources used in fish culture
operations.
The requirements under C can be met by use of extension personnel, by outside
consultants on the marketing aspects, and by observation of the fisheries
staff on the
project. The next year will afford the opportunity to gather a large amount
oithe data needed.