Cuban Fishing Communities Discuss Fisheries Law

 Havana, July 1 (ACN) Some 222 fishing communities in 78 Cuban municipalities are currently discussing and speaking their minds about the enforcement of the rules stated by the local Fisheries Law.

Fishermen are currently putting forth their concerns although the draft legislation was put to debates before its passing in 2019; there is still lack of understanding, said Miladys Naranjo, deputy Minister of the Food Industry.

The law has not yet achieved the results the country needs, said the deputy minister, because some aspects of the legislation were not appropriately applied; so, it is necessary to find consensus in order to achieve a larger fish production.

Major issues on the table for discussion include the commercialization of fish, a proceeding approved in 2022, which allows fishermen to sell their products without any obligations to have a contract with a state company, as it was the case previously.

Those bearing a non-state license like self-employees should bring their products from the fishing communities to the benefit of the people.

A fishing community in the western Baracoa locality was the first to hold the meeting with local fishermen, who put forth their concerns and everyday difficulties.

Food Industry Minister Alberto Lopez said that there are over 20 thousand fishermen in the country, a huge potential that can revert the current food situation by producing more fish meat.