Catching sword-fish in the straits of Messina is one of the most spectacular and ancient ways which man has invented to make a living. But very soon implacable economic realities together with the indifference and incompetence of the authorities in this matter in allowing uncontrolled industrial fishing, will sound the death-knell for these sword fishing communities. These will also be responsible for the disappearance of the rich fauna in the entire Mediterranean sea. However, this documentary seeks to record one of the oldest aspects of Mediterranean popular culture for posterity before its total extinction.