Cuban fishing fell by half in four years and limits the population's access, according to Food Monitor Program

Gross fishery product captures in Cuba fell from 46,386 tons in 2020 to 22,330 tons in 2024. (Courtesy: Food Monitor Program)Gross fishery product captures in Cuba went from 46,386.5 tons in 2020 to 22,330.6 tons in 2024, a decrease of more than 50%, according to a report by the Food Monitor Program, published on September 24, 2026. The document states that the production decline deepened the population's difficulties in accessing fish and seafood, foods that for decades were part of the local diet and gastronomy. Under the title "Where is the fish for the population?", the organization argues that the drop affects a country with 5,746 kilometers of coastline and an insular platform of more than 50,000 square kilometers. Despite that geographic condition, fish has become an occasional purchase for many households, with limited supply in state establishments and high prices in private and informal circuits. The data cited in the report correspond to the 2024 Statistical Yearbook of Cuba, from the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI). In the case of fish, production fell from 35,148.8 tons in 2020 to 18,064.7 tons in 2024. The Food Monitor Program report highlights the lack of fish supply in a country with more than 5,000 kilometers of coastline. (Courtesy: Food Monitor Program)The breakdown by species reveals a lower availability of high-consumption, high-commercial-value products. According to the figures compiled by Food Monitor Program, in 2024 there were 220.2 tons of snapper, 317.2 tons of tuna, 24 tons of bonito, 49.5 tons of yellowtail snapper, and 480.2 tons of ray. Lobster, historically largely destined for export, fell from 4,224.8 tons in 2022 to 2,016.3 tons in 2024. Sea shrimp production showed a greater contraction: it went from 426 tons in 2023 to 4.6 tons the following year. The report also notes setbacks in aquaculture, which could partially compensate for the limitations of capture fishing. Tilapia fell from 2,153.7 tons in 2020 to 790.3 tons in 2024. In the same period, catfish went from 4,428.3 to 329.1 tons. Tench accounted for the largest volume within aquaculture production, with 10,442.4 tons in 2024. The report warns, however, that this production is not necessarily reflected in a stable, affordable, and quality supply for consumers. The Food Monitor Program report highlights the lack of fish supply in a country with more than 5,000 kilometers of coastline. (Courtesy: Food Monitor Program)The reduction in access to fish has nutritional implications, according to the document. The food provides protein, omega-3 fatty acids, iodine, vitamin D, calcium, selenium, iron, zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin B12, nutrients that are relevant in diets with limited access to meat, eggs, and dairy. The Food Monitor Program cites the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), which estimates that a 150-gram portion of fish can cover between 50% and 60% of an adult's daily protein requirements. The report links this situation to the general deterioration of food security in Cuba. In everyday life, the supply of fresh fish is usually concentrated in private or informal channels, according to the report. Bonito, tuna, cubera snapper, snapper, and Spanish mackerel can sell for between 650 and 900 pesos per pound uncleaned, with variations depending on the area, the season, and availability. The FAO estimates that a 150-gram portion of fish covers between 50% and 60% of an adult's daily protein. (Courtesy: Food Monitor Program)The document argues that refrigeration problems, ice shortages, and blackouts affect the preservation and transport of products. Added to this are the difficulties in obtaining fuel, engines, boats, fishing gear, and supplies for the sector. A note from Inter Press Service (IPS), cited in the report, indicated that during the first half of 2024, 15,620 tons of fish and seafood were captured, 53% of what was planned in the plan for marine fishing and aquaculture. Of that volume, 71% was allocated to population consumption, 15% to tourism, and 14% to export. The text questions the restrictions faced by non-state fishermen to expand production and market their catches. The Cuban Fisheries Law contemplates non-state commercial fishing, although it maintains licensing requirements and administrative regulations. In 2024, the requirement of having a prior contract with an official entity to obtain a non-state commercial fishing license was eliminated. Marketing, however, remained under the decisions of local governments, according to the report.