Fishing, Beaches and the Environment recognizes that Puerto Rico has an uneasy relationship
with exotic species in the island’s inland waters. In the 20 th century, when rivers were being
dammed for hydroelectric power, drinking water supply or flood control, the native riverine
fauna, with very few exceptions, were unable to adapt to the reservoir environment. Exotic
species were introduced mainly from North America (largemouth bass, sunfish, catfish,
threadfin shad), and later peacock bass from South America and tilapia from Africa. Gambusia,
small livebearers, were introduced to control mosquitos. These were planned introductions by
government agencies, with a stated purpose of providing a recreational fishery plus a source of
protein to rural populations, control of rooted aquatic vegetation by the tilapia, and avoiding
disease in the case of the mosquitofish. These planned fish species introductions were wildly
successful in providing a high quality inland recreational fishery that lead to the formation of
numerous bass fishing clubs that hold tournaments throughout the year, benefitting the local
economy in various ways. They provide a source of enjoyment for tens of thousands of
occasional anglers as well. The Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental
Resources supports this activity through regular fish community composition evaluations, fish
stockings from the Maricao Fish Hatchery as needed, educational programs to encourage new
anglers to join in the fun, and has developed 4 first-class recreational fishing facilities at
reservoirs.
