IKE CARIBBEAN AREA — CUBA 



nSHERY RESOURCES 



The distribution and abvindance of marine life is not ruled by haphazard coincidences but 

 is subject to fixed factors involving definite oceanographic conditions. With almost the 

 same certainty as a geologist can detect likely regions to explore for oil or iiiinersJ.s, the 

 fishery technician can recognize areas where there are indications of fish abundance. Among 

 the strongest of these indications are the configuration and type of oceanic currents, the 

 topography of the coast and sea bottom, and the annual variations in the temperature of the 

 water. While many years of study are necessary in order to collect sufficient data to make 

 definite predictions, there are sufficient data in the case of Cuba to predict the presence 

 of large potential fishery resources. 



Oceanography and Ecological Conditions 



Cuba lies in an enviable position in relation to the oceanic currents. Fishery activity 

 based in Cuba can take full advantage of the narrowing down and concentration of all the 

 currents passing through the Caribbean, for these must flow into the Gulf of Mexico through 

 the Yucatan Channel, Furthermore, all of the major currents flowing out of the Gulf of Mexico 

 must pass through the Straits of Florida, another concentration point easily available to 

 Cuban fishermen. On the north coast, another current is squeezed between the Bahamas and 

 Ciiaan coast in the Old Bahama Channel. In addition to these main oceanic currents, there are 

 a number of smaller counter currents which serve to circulate the coastal water masses and to 

 aid in the distribution of nutrient salts and food organisms. In several localities, the 

 interactions between the currents and counter currents tend to form eddies or whirlpools where 

 great quantities of food organisms gather and reproduce. For this reason, enormous numbers of 

 certain species of fish are to be found in these regions. A full consideration of the current 

 phenomena is most important to a correct evaluation of the potential fishery, for it has been 

 shown repeatedly that migratory species such as tuna, swordfish, and others tend to follow the 

 currents, and that even the abundance of sedentary species is intimately connected with the 

 current phenomena. 



Shallow-water areas ; By far, the most productive areas for non-migratory fish are to be 

 found within the lOO-fathom curve. Cuba has some extensive shallow areas, particularly on 

 the south coast. The largest of these, the Gulf of Batabano, extends from Cape Frances on 

 the west to Golfo Cazones on the east and from the mainland to the Isle of Pines. The area 

 contains about 8,000 square miles (nautical) of shallow water which is interspersed with 

 numerous coral reefs, cays, and shallows. The greatest depth is only seven fathoms, with by 

 far the greatest areas being less than four fathoms deep. The seaward edge of the Gulf is 

 very steep-to and depths up to 2,300 fathoms are found within a few miles offshore. 



From Golfo Cazones to Casilda, depths are predominantly great along the shore and the 

 only exceptions are a few very small banks and some fair-sized bays such as Cochinos, 

 Cienfuegos, and Casilda. 



An extensive shallow-water area is to be found from Casilda to Cape Cruz. This area is 

 partially enclosed within an arc of coral reefs and cays, cut by numerous channels. Among 

 these cays is the Laberinto de Doce Leguas. Within the enclosed area are innumerable cays 

 and reefs. Depths range up to about 16 fathoms, but practically all of the region is more 

 shallow than 10 fathoms. Ihe entire area contains about 6,000 square miles, including the 

 Gulf of Guacanayabo. 



The remainder of the south coast from Cape Cruz to Cape Maysi is notably lacking in 

 shallow-water areas, and the lOO-fathom curve is found but a few miles off the coast. The 

 only exceptions are to be foxmd at Santiago and Guantanamo Tihere fair-sized bays cut into 

 the mainland. 



The north coast, also, has several fairly extensive areas of productive bottom. To 

 the extrenfi west, from Cape San Antonio to Bahia Honda, the Gulf of Gxianacabibo and its 

 extension eastward along the coast forms an extensive potential fishing ai^ea. Depths range 



IbA 



