THE CARIBBEAN AREA ~ CUBA 



other planned governmental controls must be applied if the fishing industry is to be a thriving 

 and contributing factor to Cuban commerce and national welfare. 



Technological Studies and Eyploration ; The fishery agency should perform technological 

 studies and exploratory activities. The former is concerned with the most efficient use of the 

 catch by the development of new products and new techniques for preserving fishery items. The 

 exploratory work has as its objective the locating of new sources of supply and the develop- 

 ment of more efficient means of producing the catch. The section embodying these activities 

 would have the following duties: 



1. To undertake, immediately, research projects to produce salt fish on a large 

 scale. 



2. To undertake research activities to develop better methods of preserving Cuban 

 fish and shellfish. 



3. To undertake exploratorj"- fishing with new types of fishing gear, 



i(+. To develop methods for the better use and preservation of fishing gear. 



5. To undertake studies designed to develop better methods in the handling and 

 marketing of fresh fish. 



6. To develop uses for types of fish and shellfish not used at the present time. 



7. To conduct special surveys on the needs, supplies, and costs of fishing gear. 



Biological Studies ; Since fish are living organisms, biological studies are essential 

 to effective fishery management. Species that now make up the commercial catch in Cuba are 

 highly susceptible to depletion by overfishing. Through well-ccxiceived biological investi- 

 gations and analysis of catch recor^is, overfishing can be detected and corrective measures 

 devised. Fishery regulations based on hearsay and incomplete data are worse than useless, 

 for they not only may do untold harm to the resources, but they also tend to weaken the 

 prestige and authority of governmental agencies and endeavoring to enforce them. 



The duties of the biological section should be as follows: 



1. To identify the various species Trtiich compose the commercial catch and determine 

 their seasonal abundance in various localities. 



2. In instances where the depletion of a species is suspected, to determine as 

 clearly as possible the life history of the species. This should include the growth 

 rate, spawning time, spawning grounds, age and size at maturity, and other characteristics. 



3. To carry on such special short-term projects as maybe necessry in the investi- 

 gation and development aspects of the fishery. 



Fishery Statistics and Economics ; One of the most valuable functions of a fishery manage- 

 ment agency is the collection and compilation of statistics. The statistics will give a definite 

 and accurate picture of the extent and value of the fishery industries; and interpreted with bio- 

 logical findihgs, will provide a systematic basis for the preparation of regulations for effi- 

 cient use of the resources. In no case should collection of these data become an end in itself, 

 but should be directly designed to obtain a better knowledge and management of fishery industries. 



The following statistical and economic studies should be made iminediately to provide a 

 basis for 1rfar measures to stimulate production. Current data under these categories should also 

 be kept continuously to provide a basis for fishery management operations: 



1. Study of the characteristics of the fishing fleet, including the number, type, 

 size, distribution, and use of the various units. 



2. Study of the number and distribution of the fishermen, 



3. Study of the type, size, number, distribution, and value of the fishing apparatus- 



4. Study of the capacity and location of facilities for the handling of ft-esh fish. 



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