This sophisticated fishing technique has existed for over 3,000 years. The earliest evidence of its use was by the Phoenicians, although it was the Romans who consolidated its reputation throughout the Mediterranean and Algarve. It is believed that the system was perfected during the Moorish occupation.
In 1898, 18 traps existed along the Algarve coast and, by the early years of the 20th century, especially with the advent and growth of the canning industry, tuna fishing became enormously important.
However, the industry went into decline and by the second half of the 20th century only 5 traps still existed (Santa Maria in Faro and Medo das Cascas, Barril, Abóbora and Livramento in Tavira). In 1968, the Santa Maria trap closed and, in 1972, the only surviving one, Medo das Cascas, came to an end after catching just one tuna. The end of these traps in the Algarve was essentially due to overfishing and the gradual movement of the tuna away from the coast, combined with the issue of profitability of a very costly operation.
However, the industry went into decline and by the second half of the 20th century only 5 traps still existed (Santa Maria in Faro and Medo das Cascas, Barril, Abóbora and Livramento in Tavira). In 1968, the Santa Maria trap closed and, in 1972, the only surviving one, Medo das Cascas, came to an end after catching just one tuna. The end of these traps in the Algarve was essentially due to overfishing and the gradual movement of the tuna away from the coast, combined with the issue of profitability of a very costly operation.
The Real Atunara trap – Armação do Barril – lies 1.5 miles off the coast in the direction of the village of Santa Luzia in the Algarve. Our concession covers around 4 hectares in area and its average depth is 25 metres, reaching up to 50 metres in some places.
In the first quarter of every year, our team prepares all of the materials and equipment: anchors, cables, buoys, nets, vessels and the facilities on land. All of them are put in place to catch Atlantic bluefin tuna as it passes by on its way into the Mediterranean.
The trapping season lasts from May to September. In May, the tuna migrate from the cold Atlantic waters through the Strait of Gibraltar into the warmer Mediterranean to spawn. The fish during this period are known as “atum de direito” [arriving tuna]. Later, from July onwards, when they make the journey back to the Atlantic, they are called “atum de revés” [returning tuna].
Bluefin tuna aquaculture fundamentally concerns feeding the fish. Also called farming, it is a key activity to ensure that the tuna meets the quality standards demanded by the market. Specimens can remain in the fattening pools for two or more months until they reach the optimal fat level, feeding on a 100% natural diet of sardines, mackerel and herring and without the use of feed, supplements or drugs.
