WATER BUDGETS FOR FISH PONDS IN THE DRY TROPICS

Water budgets were calculated for embankment fish ponds located in the dry tropics. Two 5-month studies were conducted at Comayagua, Hondura s. Daily pond evaporation averaged 0.55 +/- 0.22 and 0.64 +/- 0.17 cm during studies 1 and 2, respectively. Pond evaporation was 14.5% great er during study 2. Significantly greater pond evaporation was measured during the 3 driest months compared to the 3 rainiest months. Mean da ily seepage ranged from 0.11 to 0.43 cm and from 0.06 to 0.60 cm durin g studies 1 and 5 respectively. Total rainfall during study 1 exceeded that during study 2 by 43%. Regulated inflow water was required every month to replace water losses to pond evaporation and seepage. Pond e vaporation accounted for 70% of total water loss during both studies, while seepage accounted for the remaining water loss. Rain accounted f or 45.5 and 21.8% of gains during studies 1 and 2, respectively. Regul ated inflow water accounted for 52.8 and 77.9% of the respective gains .