Cubanichthys cubensis.

Cuban freshwater fish have been a neglected group for several years. Hence, there is a generalized ignorance about their life history traits, current threats and conservation status. Fortunately, we have been able to gather ecological information and to assess the preliminary conservation status for several native fish species lately.

In a recent project carried out in Cienaga de Zapata National Park (western Cuba) were identified some endemic freshwater fish species with a delicate conservation situation resulted of predation pressure by alien fish species over their populations in natural habitats. At the same time were revealed conflicts between various vulnerable fish species and local communities because some native people are carrying out illicit fishing inside the limits of natural protected areas. This activity, together alien species, are affecting endemic freshwater fish in this area. The goals of this project are to educate local communities for catching and breeding foreign fish species for their diet instead fishing vulnerable endemic species and to link local team members in a pilot program aimed to save threatened fish species in Cienaga de Zapata National Park.

The current project will be implemented in five local communities located in Cienaga de Zapata National Park, Matanzas. We will carry out training activities aimed to increase abilities regarding to the conservation of native fish and associated habitats. Particularly we will focus our fieldwork and captive breeding program in a local community named Los Hondones. This is a rural community with a strong fishing tradition where, in the past projects, were identified some native fish species with a delicate conservation situation as well as others species in conflicts with the local people. Our main goal is to educate local people in the sustainable use of their available natural resources. This will ensure a reduction of illicit fisheries over vulnerable endemic fish species and, at the same time, will promote the consumption of alien fish species, as diet of local people. The beginning of a captive breeding program for some endemic fish is a key outcome of this project. This is a motivating activity that will draw attention of local community members, mainly children and young people. This program will guarantee the training of local team members for the reproduction and keeping of native fish, which will be incorporated to natural habitats restocking flattened populations.