The April sun illuminated the coast of Barbate as the almadraba fishermen prepared for the first 'levantá' of red tuna. Three miles offshore, the almadraba, an ancient net structure, waited in silence. The sea breeze accompanied the fishermen on this crucial day, which promises to be the start of a prosperous season for the local community.
The day unfolded under optimal conditions, with calm tides and clear skies. More than ten boats surrounded the 'copo', the submerged net that traps tuna during their migration to the Cadiz coast. The almadraba fishermen, with precision and skill, began to hoist the net from about 30 meters deep, revealing the first tuna breaking the water's surface.
The capture process is meticulous. Divers equipped with oxygen tanks and others without them, using a specialized harpoon called a 'lupara', worked together to secure the largest specimens, some weighing between 250 and 300 kilograms. Coordination among the boats was key to the operation's success.
“"It went very well for us. The catches have been excellent, both in quality and size. The tuna are in very good condition."
The day's final catch amounted to about three tons, with a total of between 50 and 60 specimens. Pedro Muñoz, a shareholder of Petaca Chico, expressed his satisfaction with the quality and size of the tuna. He explained that the first boat transported between three and four tons, with about twenty specimens, and a second boat would load another thirty tuna, adding between six and seven additional tons. Most of this catch will be destined for the national market, including Madrid and Andalucía.
Muñoz also highlighted the evolution of the market for almadraba tuna. While in previous years Japan was a primary destination, currently 90% of the catch remains in the national and European markets, with only 10% going to Japan. This diversification provides greater economic security and contributes to the sustainability of fishing and the preservation of tradition.
The arrival of the first boat at the port of Barbate, with its 30 specimens, was a festive moment. Locals and curious onlookers gathered at the dock to witness the unloading, while refrigerated trucks waited to transport the fresh tuna to markets. The day concluded with hopes for a successful season, which will extend until mid-June, reaffirming Barbate's commitment to its almadraba tradition.
