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The Industrial Fishing Company of Santa Cruz del Sur (Episur), located in Camagüey, proudly announced at the end of 2024 that it had successfully met its lobster catch quota for the third consecutive year, stating, "this is the only species we managed to meet our target for this year."
In a statement shared on their social media, the organization emphasized the dedication of its employees, noting that "nothing stopped them, neither issues with water supply and energy, nor the whims of nature that destroyed arts and fishing areas, nor the countless resource limitations."
The company emphasized that the lobster, known as the "Queen of the Caribbean," is its main economic engine and an essential component of Cuban exports. "This is why we are betting all our chips on its success and have become the only company that achieves this in Cuba," they stated.
His message concluded with a strong dose of optimism for the new year: "May 2025 bring us the good news of continuing in this way, working as a team, allocating every resource where it is needed, seeking alternatives to move forward; on board and without dropping anchor, because this ship always looks and will continue to look towards the future."
However, this achievement has sparked criticism because the entirety of the production is directed toward the international market, leaving the Cuban population without access to this sought-after shellfish.
This situation is not exclusive to Camagüey; in other regions of the country, such as Pinar del Río and Granma, fishing companies also prioritize the export of lobster, while Cubans face challenges in accessing seafood products.
In 2020, the then-Minister of Food Industry, Manuel Sobrino Martínez, justified this policy by stating that revenue from exports of products such as lobster and shrimp is essential for acquiring staple foods for the population.
In a controversial statement, he remarked: "If we indulge in eating lobster and shrimp, there will be no milk for the children."
Despite the increase in exports, the Cuban fishing industry faces significant challenges. In 2023, for instance, in the Isle of Youth, the company Pescaisla was unable to meet its annual lobster catch quota, attributing this shortfall to factors such as climate change and the migration of species to deeper waters.
That same year, Episur set a capture plan with the goal of reaching 250 tons of lobster. According to reports from the official press, the state-owned company regarded this objective as crucial to strengthening its position as a leader in the national fishing sector.
Meanwhile, the Cuban population continues to face a shortage of fish products in local markets.
Despite being surrounded by the sea, Cuba is unable to meet the internal demand for fish and seafood, leading to frustration and discontent among its citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lobster Exportation in Cuba and the Food Crisis
Why is Cuban lobster not allocated for domestic consumption?
Cuban lobster is primarily intended for the international market because its export generates essential revenue for the country. The government justifies this policy by stating that such income is necessary to acquire basic food supplies for the population. Additionally, it faces a resource deficit and energy problems that limit the production and distribution of fish on the island.
What are the main challenges facing the Cuban fishing industry?
The Cuban fishing industry faces challenges such as a lack of resources, energy issues, and outdated equipment. Additionally, it must contend with illegal fishing, the prioritization of exports over domestic consumption, and difficulties in meeting production targets. Despite these obstacles, exports of products like lobster and shrimp often meet or exceed the established plans.
How does the seafood export policy affect the Cuban population?
The seafood export policy impacts the Cuban population by limiting their access to marine products. Despite being surrounded by the sea, Cuba struggles to meet the domestic demand for fish and seafood, leading to frustration and discontent among citizens. The scarcity of these products adds to the food crisis the country is experiencing, where the basic food basket is also affected by a lack of resources.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to improve sustainable fishing?
The Cuban government has launched a sustainable fishing project in collaboration with the FAO, funded with 1.3 million dollars from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). This project aims to ensure the sustainable management of marine resources and to promote environmentally friendly fishing practices. However, there are concerns about whether these initiatives will truly benefit the Cuban citizens.
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