It’s at all times very transferring and such a privilege to witness the lifting of an Almadraba lure off the coast of Costa de Luz. An early morning begin from the port of Barbate is commonly required because the lifting is timed with the flip of the tide. This yr we departed Barbate at 06.45.
To understand this historic type of fishing which dates again to the time of the Phoenicians, it’s good to recognize the native historical past. For 1000’s of years, every spring, the North Atlantic blue-fin tuna migrate from the chilly Atlantic waters into the nice and cozy Mediterranean to spawn. Like salmon, they return to the place they had been born to spawn. To do that, these mighty bluefin cross proper by the coast right here into the Strait of Gibraltar. They stick near the shoreline as a result of they know their biggest predator, the orca, don’t come near shore. These mighty fish are hungry as a result of their tummies are so stuffed with eggs and sperm, they don’t have any room for meals. This implies their journey is sort of a detox. Prime clear fish, laden with Omega 3-filled blubber.
These days the Almadraba fishing technique is totally sustainable, because the apertures of the nets permit for the smaller & youthful tuna (in addition to another sea life) to cross via. This annual spring tuna harvest has been the “bread and butter” of the coastal cities of Barbate, Zahara de los Atunes, Conil, and Tarifa since data started. Their economies have suffered significantly as a result of overfishing of bluefin in different elements of the world.
Over the centuries these robust fishing communities have change into masters of preserving tuna utilizing air, salt, pork fats, and olive oil. Means earlier than refrigeration and canning, they devised methods of preservation that endure to at the present time. Mojama (air-dried tuna)in all probability being probably the most well-known.
It’s good to witness the humane & laborious strategies with which these tuna are captured. Snorkelers with lengthy stun gun poles strike the tuna particularly between the eyes/prime of the pinnacle. These majestic surprised fish are then hoisted onto the ready ice boat the place the Japanese technique of ike jime is utilized. They’re then taken to Barbate for freezing at -60deg.
This can be a very condensed model of what must be some of the intriguing fishing tales on the planet. Include me subsequent yr to expertise this phenomenal historic connection between man and fish.
Ebook your spot right here for my Almadraba Tour 2024, date not but confirmed however it will likely be mid Could 2024
Remark from Almadraba consumer, Could 2023
What a stunning time we had. You had been a beautiful host and organised the proper tuna and cultural expertise. We have now been raving in regards to the journey to our mates ever since. The Almadraba, El Campero and the nice tapas tour will dwell lengthy in our reminiscence, and we’re very pleased with our new discovered skill to fillet an anchovy! We’re already attempting to organise our diaries for subsequent yr to slot in one other tour with you, possibly to Portugal or Tangiers.
Bev, Ian, Alison & Graham, UK
