For much of the 20th century, Cuba's sea turtles were hunted for meat and shell until a series of regulatory measures, championed by marine biologist Félix Guillermo Moncada Gavilán, led to the fishery's closure and the species' protection.
- Moncada led Cuba’s sea turtle program for 40+ years
- Cuba phased out turtle fishing between 1994 and 2008
- Ongoing efforts address poaching and bycatch challenges
What happened
For much of the 20th century, sea turtles in Cuba were commercially fished—green turtles for meat and hawksbills for their shells. The legal fishery averaged 836 metric tons annually in the 1980s. Starting in the 1990s, Cuba implemented size limits and strict quotas, eventually closing the fishery entirely in 2008. A 2011 regulation then prohibited capture and trade except for scientific and conservation purposes.
Félix Guillermo Moncada Gavilán, a marine biologist at Cuba’s Fisheries Research Center for over 40 years, played a key role in this transformation. He led research on nesting, migration, and population trends, helping guide the regulatory shift from fishing toward conservation. Moncada also coordinated Cuba’s involvement in the regional conservation network WIDECAST, emphasizing the need for multinational cooperation to protect migratory turtles.
Why it feels good
Moncada’s dedication reflects a broader success story of shifting environmental values and policies in Cuba. His passion for turtles was evident—colleagues remember how his face brightened at the mention of sea turtles, showing his lifelong commitment despite challenges. Through training new scientists and expanding research beyond government centers, he helped build a sustained conservation community in Cuba.
The phased approach, starting with quotas and ending in a full ban, showcases working within existing social and economic realities while moving toward a more sustainable future. The linking of Cuban research with the wider Caribbean via WIDECAST illustrates the understanding that effective conservation requires cooperation beyond national borders, especially for migratory species like sea turtles.
What to enjoy or watch next
Despite the formal closure of the fishery, illegal hunting and accidental captures remain threats to Cuban sea turtles. Enforcement levels vary, and a black market for meat and shell persists. Future progress depends on continued research, enforcement, and community engagement to reduce poaching and bycatch.
Cuba’s example now serves as an inspiring model for other countries balancing traditional practices with wildlife protection. Watching regional collaborations grow and monitoring emerging conservation strategies will be crucial to sustaining sea turtle populations across the Caribbean in the years ahead.