A Great step forward

Monday May 4th was a very significant day for us at Somos Esperança when we were integrated into one of the most important days of the fishing season in Olhão and the Algarve. This was when the first Tuna of the Algarve season was auctioned involving a promotion by Tunipex and Nutifresco supported by Docapesca. 

The bluefin tuna weighing 238 kilos and measuring approximately 2.5 meters was sold
to The Pine Cliffs resort for €10,000. The tuna was caught using the traditional trap technique - a sustainable and age-old method that is part of the Algarve’s identity. Marking the official opening of the tuna season in the Algarve I was part of the group that included around 90 guests including renowned chefs and institutional representatives. 

These included: The Mayor of Olhão, Ricardo Calé, the Director of Ports and Fish Markets for the Southern Region, Rosa Cavaco, and the Commander of the Port of Olhão, Pedro de Palma, as well as representatives from the Local News Action Group (GAL) Fisheries Sotavento Algarve, the Directorate-General for Food and Veterinary Medicine, and the Directorate-General for Natural Resources, Safety and Maritime Services (DGRM).

The reason for my attendance on behalf of the Associação was to accept a cheque for nearly €500 for which we are extremely grateful but as important to us was the incredibly generous commitment from Tunipex to supply us with fish on a weekly basis to feed so many families in need in Olhão.

To be recognised in this way as a core part of such an important moment in our fishing community felt like a tremendous move forward and we hope one that will encourage more community partners to come on board with our work. 

Patricia Guerreiro
​Co-Founder Somos Esperança