So far, 12 vessels belonging to the state shrimp fishing fleet and for the capture of flake species will have more selective fishing gear and other essential supplies, FAO stated in Havana.

The organization detailed that the supplies of resources include nets with different mesh sizes, fishing lines, ropes, cables and hooks to improve conditions on the 12 vessels, as well as some 200 private fishermen and other key players in the exploitation of marine resources in the Gulf of Guacanayabo.

According to FAO, the fleet in the south-eastern region of the country is experiencing difficulties due to the impossibility of acquiring fishing gear, materials and spare parts for equipment on the international market, which has had a negative impact on the conservation of marine biodiversity.

The new assistance is the result of a working partnership between FAO and the Fisheries Research Center of the Ministry of Food Industry of the island, with financial support of USD$1.3 million from the Global Environment Facility.

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