Cuba is a hotspot for sportfishing, hosting visiting fishers from around the world. The industry is likely to grow as tourism to the country increases. We have partnered with Harte Research Institute, University of Havana's Marine Research Center, and Cuba's Fisheries Research Center to think about how Cuba can design a sportfishing industry that is sustainable and conservation-based, while taking advantage of this valuable economic opportunity. Our project involves the following activities:

• Conduct case studies of sportfishing policies around the world and apply lessons learned to the Cuban context
• Understand current sportfishing science in Cuba and the Caribbean that can guide sportfishing management in Cuba
• Organize a workshop for Cuban sportfishing experts and specialists from other nations to discuss conservation-based sportfishing models with interested parties 
• Partner with pilot sites to better understand the scientific, conservation, and economic opportunities for operators
• Work with Cuban officials to design a nationwide sportfishing management plan

Photo: Avalon Cuban Fishing Center

A major part of this initiative is to exchange knowledge surrounding sportfishing management with other countries. We are collaborating with the Seychelles government to bring a Cuban delegation to the Seychelles in order to share knowledge surrounding sportfishing and other marine resource management issues. Read more about the exchange in this blog post by CariMar's Director.

​View a short video with photos from the exchange visit to Seychelles: