It points out that contributing to the preservation and sustainable use of fishing resources in Cuba’s southeastern shelf, the implementation of control and surveillance systems and alternatives to reduce the impact of catches were the goals of the National Workshop on Scales and Fishing Regulations.

The meeting took place recently as part of the Conpescas Guacanayabo project, implemented by the Fisheries Research Center (CIP), with technical assistance from FAO, the document emphasizes.

Inaugurated by Deputy Minister of the Food Industry Midalys Naranjo, the event was attended by CIP researchers, managers of Cuban fishing companies and members of the inspection body of the National State Inspection Office.

Among the issues discussed were the proposed regulatory measures for multi-species fishery (type of fishing in which fish of different species are caught simultaneously using the same gear or system), the United Nations agency explained.

These provisions are based on scientific studies and bioeconomic models that show the state of catches and vulnerability to fishing species of commercial interest, including, lane snapper, mutton Snapper, and sawfish.

The decrease in catches in the Gulf of Guacanayabo during the last 10 years deserves the revision of fishing management measures, CIP researcher Romina Alzugaray said.

Currently, species of smaller size and commercial value are caught, which are part of the food chain of species of greater interest for trade and food, which “has a negative impact on the biodiversity of this ecosystem,” she noted.

With approximately 1.3 million dollars, Conpescas Guacanayabo will contribute to the conservation of biodiversity through the management of fishery resources and other marine-coastal goods in the Guacanayabo Gulf, FAO said.

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