In the middle of the snapper run, one of the key moments of the year for fishing in the municipality of Niquero, Granma, the local fishing industry is practically paralyzed due to the lack of electricity and the limited production of ice, essential elements for preserving the catches and keeping the fleet active.
So far, only seven tons of snapper have been delivered, less than a quarter of the 30 planned for the campaign.
"During the past few days, the low production of ice has been the main factor preventing the eight vessels prepared for the fishing campaign from operating, and electrical interruptions have been the primary reason," acknowledged the official newspaper La Demajagua.
The newspaper noted that April, May, and June are the months that have historically provided the entity with the highest volumes of catch of top-quality species, as this is the period when the snapper run occurs.
However, Jorge Luis Torres Anaya, head of the Fleet at the Niquero Fishing Company, stated that they remain hopeful of increasing catches in June, during the final phase of the campaign, "if the necessary basic conditions are met."
The source did not specify the final destination of these productions. At a time when food scarcity significantly affects the population, fish is not sold regularly in the state retail network, so the product barely reaches the tables of Cubans.
However, various species of fish are available on Cuban e-commerce platforms. In the case of snapper, prices range from 12 to 14 dollars per kilogram. On one of the online stores, the kilogram of the product is sold for 3.35 dollars, with delivery limited to the city of Bayamo.
The situation reflects a constant contradiction in the country: while the authorities emphasize the discourse on food sovereignty and the strategic importance of the food sector, they do not ensure the basic resources for the functioning of the fishing industry.
No solutions, no clear strategies; just the typical voluntarist rhetoric from the official press stating that “the seafarers maintain a strong work ethic and the will to fulfill their duties as they always have,” while every day tons of food are lost at sea and never reach the tables of the Cuban people.
The current energy crisis in Cuba has resulted in severe blackouts across almost the entire country, with outages lasting over 20 hours, impacting both residential and industrial sectors. The shortage of fuel and electricity is hindering fishing operations and the functioning of industries, thereby limiting fish catching and production.
Authorities have acknowledged that the fishing production in Cuba is limited due to a resource deficit, lack of boats and equipment, and issues of poaching and illegal activities, among others.
However, they have also mentioned that at least 15% of the production is dedicated to tourism and a significant part to export in order to generate foreign income, which reduces the amount of fish available for domestic consumption.
In 2023, the government stated that “Cuba is a country surrounded by sea, but the waters do not have the levels of fish needed to meet the demands of the population, in order to satisfy this growing demand.”
The above represents a frustration for countless citizens who argue that eating fish in Cuba is a privilege reserved for a few, despite the island's geographical nature.
Recently, it was revealed that fishing production in Cuba's largest reservoir, the Zaza Dam, located in Sancti Spíritus, is experiencing a severe crisis: fish are scarce, plans are being unmet, and the authorities' response has been to blame the bad weather and the poor "manifestation" of species such as cyprinids (carp).
While that province leads aquaculture in Cuba, its fish markets are empty, to which local leaders argue that fish is indeed being distributed, but the demand is so high that it is sold out immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Fishing and Energy Crisis in Niquero, Cuba
Why is the snapper fishing in Niquero paralyzed?
The snapper fishing in Niquero is affected due to the lack of electricity and limited ice production. These elements are essential for preserving the catch and keeping the fishing fleet active. The low ice production and power outages have significantly impacted the ability of the boats to go out fishing during the snapper run, a crucial time of year for fishing in the region.
How do power outages affect the fishing industry in Cuba?
The severe blackouts in Cuba impact both the residential and industrial sectors, including the fishing industry. The lack of electricity limits the ability of plants to produce the ice necessary to preserve fish, leading to a decrease in catches. Furthermore, the power outages affect fishing operations and the functioning of related industries, further complicating the food situation in the country.
What role do renewable energies play in Cuba's energy crisis?
Renewable energies, such as solar parks, are considered a partial solution to alleviate the energy crisis in Cuba. However, the dependence on diesel and the lack of batteries to store the generated electricity limit their effectiveness. Although new solar parks have been inaugurated, they only partially meet the energy demand of regions such as Granma, where Niquero is located, while 70% of the energy still relies on fossil sources.
What does the Cuban population think about the distribution of fish on the island?
Many Cubans believe that eating fish is a privilege for the few, despite Cuba being an island surrounded by the sea. Fish production is limited by various factors, including a lack of resources, boats, and equipment. While a significant portion of the production is allocated for tourism and export, the amount of fish available for domestic consumption is insufficient to meet the population's demand.
Filed under:
