Dr. Félix Guillermo Moncada Gavilán, a renowned marine biologist who spearheaded sea turtle conservation efforts in Cuba for over 40 years, passed away on Sunday in Havana. The Cuban Center for Fisheries Research confirmed his death with a heartfelt statement, describing him as "a cornerstone of marine biology in Cuba."
The Lifelong Dedication to Sea Turtles
Throughout his life, Moncada Gavilán devoted more than four decades to researching and safeguarding sea turtles in the Cuban archipelago. He served as the head of Cuba’s "Sea Turtle Project" and was the national coordinator for WIDECAST—the Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network—since its inception at the institution in the late 1980s.
A Regional Impact on Conservation Efforts
One of his most significant achievements was advocating for a gradual process that led to the complete ban on sea turtle capture in Cuba. Initially, he proposed minimum catch sizes, followed by quotas, ultimately resulting in a total ban. "Since 2007, there has been an indefinite ban," the scientist explained in an interview with the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Environment. This measure was formalized through Resolution 9 of the Ministry of Fisheries Industry, issued in January 2008.
The Fisheries Research Center emphasized that this accomplishment had "regional significance," as sea turtles are a shared resource among several Caribbean nations. Moncada clearly articulated, "Those nesting in one area feed in the waters of another country, making regional collaboration essential."
International Recognition and Contributions
Moncada's career included at least 40 scientific publications on sea turtles, and he represented Cuba at international forums such as the 41st International Sea Turtle Symposium in Colombia and scientific events in Ghana. He held a Doctorate in Biological Sciences, was a member of the International Sea Turtle Society, and served on the specialist board of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Among his accolades were the National Awards from the Cuban Academy of Sciences in 2006 and 2020, the "Carlos J. Finlay" Order in 2018—the highest scientific honor in Cuba—and the National Award for Marine Sciences in 2024, presented last October at the XII Congress of Marine Sciences in Havana.
A Legacy Remembered Beyond Borders
His passing resonated with conservation organizations outside Cuba as well. The Siete Quillas Turtle Group in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where Moncada was a cherished friend and collaborator, issued a tribute calling him "a teacher, friend, and tireless protector of the oceans."
The sea turtle nesting season in Cuba occurs from May to September, peaking in July and August, just after his departure. The Guanahacabibes Peninsula hosts three of the world's seven sea turtle species, an ecosystem directly impacted by Moncada's dedicated work.
"Thank you for answering the ocean's call to save it. We will miss you. Farewell, Félix!" wrote the Siete Quillas Turtle Group in their final goodbye.
Questions About Sea Turtle Conservation in Cuba
What was Dr. Moncada's role in sea turtle conservation in Cuba?
Dr. Moncada was the head of the "Sea Turtle Project" in Cuba and the national coordinator for WIDECAST. He played a pivotal role in advocating for the gradual ban on sea turtle capture in the country.
What did Resolution 9 of the Ministry of Fisheries Industry achieve?
Resolution 9 formalized the indefinite ban on sea turtle capture in Cuba, a significant step in the conservation efforts led by Dr. Moncada.