THE CARIBBEAN AREA — CUBA 



productive region. Further exploration should be carried on in the numerous areas where 

 like conditions are to be found. 



From a careful consideration of the oceanic and ecological factors and of the species 

 of fish involved, it is uidicated that the waters of Cuba are not noTf being used to their 

 full capacity. It seems strange that Cuban fishing boats have been so active in fishing in 

 relatively distant ar«as when so much available fishing ground remains untouched around Cuba 

 itself. Doubtless, the reason can be found in the economics of the fishing industry and in 

 the lack of transportation and handling facilities at many of the more isolated fishing ports. 



THE PRESENT FISHERY INDUSTRIES 



TTith supplies of fish and shellfish accessible at many points along her 2,170 miles of 

 coastline, Cuba has been relatively well supplied with these foods since the colonizing of 

 the New Zorld began. The many harbors and bays came to shelter hundreds of fishing craft, 

 and coramunities devoted entirely to fishing were established adjacent to the best fishing 

 areas. A sponge industry was developed. Eventually, large schooners from Habana ventured 

 to the Campeche Banks off Yucatan, to waters off the west coast of Florida, and to other 

 relatively distant banks to catch the highly-prized groupers and snappers. The industry 

 devoted itself to supplying Ciban markets, and it also engaged in producing several premium 

 items for foreign trade. Frozen and canned spiny lobsters and frozen frogs' legs were 

 exported, as well as sponges, shark, and turtle products. 



Production 



Duriiag recent years, the annual take of fish in Cuba, according to reports, has fluctuated 

 between 10 to 20 1/ million pounds, and the shellfish take from about J to 2 million pounds. 

 The total value of these products ranged frcm over 3 million dollars down to about 1 million 

 dollars annually. The sponge take, noimally, has been valued from 300 to 500 thousand doll rs 

 per year. 



Distribution 



There are fishing ports around almost the entire coast-line of Cuba. Fish are sold and 

 consumed locally at all fishing points. From these ports, most communities on the Island are 

 supplied with some fresh fish. Rail and road facilities from the main centers of production are 

 ccHnparatively good. Some distant points suffer dissidvantages in competing in the main markets 

 because of transportation charges. Habana provides the best market and consumes over half of 

 the total commercial catch. Normally, all of the main productive centers ship fish to Habana. 



Fishermen 



Reliable estimates place the number of full-tijne fishermen at about 40,000 and this 

 number is augmented considerably by part-time fishermen and by others who fish for personal use. 



Cuban fishermen are capable and hard working and are excellent seamen. Their boats are 

 well built and are well kept. Cuban fishermen seem to have a definite pride in their calling. 



There are a number of fishermen's organizations, among them a "gremio" of fishermen who 

 fish in the Campeche Bank fishery. 



In recent years, refugees from European coxintries have added to the fishing population, 

 TTith them they have brou^t new ideas and new techniques. 



1/ It appears that the figures of catch of CAan fish have been calculated conservatively. 

 Including fish used by fishennen's families, the total catch of fish may exceed considerably 

 the figures quoted. 



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