A group of artisanal fishermen recently hooked an enormous swordfish off the coast of Guantánamo, located in eastern Cuba. Photos of this impressive catch, also known as "emperor," have been circulating on social media. The images depict the fish placed on a horse-drawn cart, which is fully loaded with several of these ocean giants.
The Facebook page 'Pesca en Miami' shared the pictures with the caption, "Another huge Emperor caught in Cuba. Wow, this one is really big." The post quickly went viral. In another post, the question was posed: “Can anyone help me count? Can the horse handle all that weight? This happened in eastern Cuba. Congratulations, friends.”
The shared content reveals that the catch occurred in a rural area, showcasing the skill of the fishermen alongside the challenging conditions under which these fish are transported: lacking refrigerated means and using animal-drawn carts. Swordfish, valued for their meat, are commonly found in the deep waters of the Caribbean. Despite international regulations, fishing in Cuba often occurs without effective oversight and through traditional methods.
This isn't the first time such a significant catch has been reported in Cuba. Just last week, another large fish was caught in Matanzas, sparking admiration among netizens but also raising questions about the Cuban regime's fishing laws and the decline of a crucial industry for the island's food supply.
Artisanal fishing remains a vital source of sustenance and income for many Cuban communities, yet it highlights the logistical challenges and lack of institutional support in sustainably managing these catches. The reliance on horse-drawn carts and the absence of adequate refrigeration systems underscore the logistical hurdles faced by Cuba's artisanal fishing, a practice that, despite its potential, remains heavily restricted by current legal frameworks.
The Cuban Fishing Law, in effect since 2020, enforces strict controls over allowed fishing zones, authorized species, and permissible types of vessels. It even prohibits fishing in iconic areas like Varadero, impacting numerous fishermen who rely on this activity for their livelihood.
Despite the regime's promises to expand fishing zones and open more sales points, regulations continue to hinder the sector's growth and its associated industries. The recent catch in Guantánamo brings to mind a similar event last December in Havana, where a fisherman landed two giant swordfish in Cojímar.
These stories of catches made using rudimentary fishing techniques highlight the reality of a nation where the government has nearly driven this profession to extinction amid severe food supply issues. Fishing could play a crucial role in food security, yet it remains stifled by bureaucratic obstacles and outdated regulations.
Despite the country's rich fishing potential, much of the catch is allocated for export or tourism, leaving the local population with limited access and prohibitive prices. Meanwhile, fishermen persist in overcoming challenges to provide for themselves and their communities.
Fishing in Cuba: Challenges and Realities
What are the main challenges facing Cuban fishermen?
Cuban fishermen face numerous challenges, including stringent regulations, lack of modern equipment, inadequate refrigeration, and limited access to fishing zones. These issues are compounded by the Cuban government's restrictive policies and outdated legal framework.
How does the Cuban Fishing Law affect local fishermen?
The Cuban Fishing Law imposes strict controls on where and how fishing can take place, which species can be caught, and what types of vessels are allowed. This restricts local fishermen's ability to operate freely and affects their livelihoods.
Why is much of Cuba's fish catch allocated for export?
Much of Cuba's fish catch is exported or used in the tourism industry to generate revenue. This leaves the local population with limited access to fish, often at higher prices, despite the country's rich fishing resources.