Abstract

Recreational fisheries are very popular around the world, being catch and release increasingly preferred. Few studies have been carried out concerning recreational fisheries in Cuba, and not one of them has focused on the socio-economic characteristics of the activity. The aim of this research is (1) to socioeconomically characterize recreation-al fisheries in Jardines de la Reina and (2) to evaluate visitors’ perception concerning natural resources conservation. 93 recreational fishermen from 13 countries were interviewed, mainly from United Kingdom, Canada, Argentina and United States of America. The sample was dominated by males, 41 to 50 years old, married and with university degrees. 37% had visited Jardines de la Reina before, 4 times average. These repeaters currently consider the area in better envi-ronmental conditions than in previous visits. Recreational fishery is ranked good or excellent by interviewees and 100 % of them would recommend Jardines de la Reina as a fishing destination. The main attraction is the abundance of target species (first, tarpon (Megalops atlanticus); second, bonefish (Albula vulpes) and third, permits (Trachinotus sp.). It could be concluded that Jardines de la Reina are in a good environmental conservation status. Recreational fishery is compatible with the conservation status of protected area and is ranked as excellent and with international recognition by visitors. Jardines de la Reina exceed the expectation from recreational fishermen when visit the area.

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