A group of artisanal fishermen recently caught an impressive large swordfish in the province of Guantánamo, in eastern Cuba.
The images of the specimen, also known as "emperor," were shared on social media and show the animal on a horse-drawn cart, completely loaded with several of these fish.
"Another huge Emperor captured in Cuba. Wow, this one is really big," wrote the page of Facebook ‘Fishing in Miami’, where the photos were published and quickly began to go viral.
In another post, it reads: “Can you help me count, friends? Can the horse handle so many pounds of fish? This was in Eastern Cuba. Congratulations, friends.”
According to the shared content, the capture took place in a rural area and reflects both the skill of the fishermen and the precarious conditions under which this type of cargo is transported: without refrigeration and using animal-drawn carts.
The swordfish, one of the most sought-after for its meat, is a common species in the deep waters of the Caribbean. Although its fishing is regulated internationally, in Cuba it is often caught using artisanal methods and without effective control mechanisms.
This is not the first time a catch of this magnitude has been reported in Cuba. Last week, another large fish was captured in Matanzas, which has generated admiration among internet users, as well as questions about the fishing laws of the Cuban regime and the collapse of a vital industry for the food supply of residents on the island.
Artisanal fishing continues to be a vital source of food and income for many Cuban communities, although its practice highlights the lack of logistical resources and the institutional weakness in sustainably managing this type of catch.
Horse-drawn carts and the lack of adequate refrigeration systems highlight the logistical limitations facing the art of artisanal fishing in Cuba, an activity that, despite its potential, remains heavily restricted by the current legal framework.
The Cuban Fishing Law, in effect since 2020, imposes strict controls on allowable fishing areas, authorized species, and the types of vessels that can be used. It even prohibits fishing in iconic areas such as Varadero, impacting numerous fishermen who rely on this activity for their livelihood.
Despite the regime's promises to
The recent capture in Guantánamo recalls another one that occurred last December in Havana, where a fisherman also caught two giant swordfish in Cojímar.
These reports of captures by individuals using rudimentary fishing techniques illustrate the reality of a country whose government has undermined this profession, almost condemning it to disappear amidst a context of serious food supply issues, where fishing could play a key role in food security, yet is hindered by bureaucratic obstacles and an outdated regulatory framework.
Despite the country's fishing potential, a large portion of the fish caught in Cuba is destined for export or tourism, leaving the local population with limited access and prohibitively high prices. Meanwhile, fishermen continue to face challenges to bring food to their tables and those of their communities.
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