Within the past eight years the export of fishery products from British Honduras has risen 400 percent. This rise, though partly due to the development of markets, is mainly the result of increased fishing. The Government of British Honduras, recognizing the possibility of an upward trend some years ago, became concerned about the likelihood of overexploitation and requested the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) for technical assistance in assessing the fishery stocks. For 16 months, starting in early 1965, Mr. W.H.L. Allsopp, Marine Fishery Biologist, prepared the groundwork required for a functioning fishery unit, conducted a survey of the fishery operations, and established the collection of statistical data on production, export and consumption of spiny lobster. Mr. D. Weber was then recruited for one year to continue the work. He took up his duties in February 1967.
Mr. Weber's terms of reference were:
To advise and assist the Government of British Honduras on the coastal fishery resources and particularly on the exploitation and management of spiny lobster.
Shortly after the expert's arrival in the country it was apparent that the fishing industry had changed considerably since 1966. A shrimp fishery had grown from nothing to an annual catch of over 200,000 lb (91,000 kg), lobster production was decreasing, and the fishermen were diverting their efforts to other marine products. With the emerging shrimp fishery and diversification came expansion, resulting in a need for research on lobster and the collection of statistical and biological data on other facets of the industry.
Grateful thanks are offered to the personnel of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Trade without whose assistance the expert's program could not have been accomplished.
The expert also desires to express his appreciation for the cooperation received from the fishermen of British Honduras, their assistance in the collection of lobsters for tagging and their patience when he was sampling and measuring their catches.
