Beset by falling fish catches, Cuba has decided to create new, highly independent and flexible production units, with economic and labour conditions which will guarantee worker stimulation. The move will not put an end to the massive loss-making state-run enterprises, but will definitely mean reduced centralism.

Cuba has only 1 fishing ground in the north Atalantic, near Canada; out of its 34 fishing vessels, only 7 are in operation this year. Suggestions that the Cuban cooperative ideal (under which land was handed over to agricultural workers' cooperatives in 1993) be extended to the fishing sector for increasing production have not found favour with the government.

Cancellation of hundreds of fishing expeditions every year due to unavailibility of ice (needed for preserving the catch) or non-functioning docks has been cited as the principle problem plaguing the industry.(ips)