An Investigation into the Use of Artificial Habitats as a Means of Increasing the Fishery Productivity of the Great Lakes Complex of Nicaragua

Authors

Terrance M. Lim, University of California - Berkeley
Kenneth R. McKaye, University of California - Berkeley
Douglas J. Weiland, University of California - Berkeley

Date of this Version

1976

Comments

Published in INVESTIGATIONS OF THE ICHTHYOFAUNA OF NICARAGUAN LAKES, ed. Thomas B. Thorson (University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1976). Copyright © 1976 School of Life Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Abstract

Protein deficiency is a major dietary problem in Central America where protein-rich foods are scarce and costly. Fish, however, represents a rich source of animal protein that is not being utilized to a significant extent. Moreover, it is a source that could be made available to large portions of the populations of these countries if improvements of the present fishing and distribution methods were realized. Prerequisite to expansion, however, is a basic understanding of the ecosystems and their components. It is at this preliminary stage that the situation presently lies. Once this understanding has been achieved, means of maximizing production can be developed. This paper examines one means toward that end.