The Return of Iberian Sardines
September 30, 2025 | 1 min to read
When Iberian sardine stocks fell, Portuguese and Spanish fishers united to protect livelihoods and the fish. At night the crew of the Vitória Coentrão sets a large net, practicing purse seine fishing described as an art by captain Francisco Santos, and returns at dawn to unload silvery sardines, some sent fresh to the cannery while others head to morning auctions for summer markets.
When Iberian sardine stocks dropped seriously low, the Portuguese and Spanish fishing sectors came together to ensure the livelihoods of fishers and the health of their beloved fish.
By the time the gear is loaded onto the Vitória Coentrão, it’s close to midnight when the crew sets out. The night at sea involves carefully setting the large net and hoping to gather fish in one haul.
“Purse seine fishing is one of the most beautiful fishing techniques in existence. It’s like an art form when you see both the movement of the school of sardines and the gear,” says Francisco Santos, captain of the Vitória Coentrão.
The 25-metre vessel returns after dawn, the rising sun casting a path back to the dock. They unload and sift the catch, a mass of silvery sardines, some of which will go fresh to the local cannery. The rest are destined for the clamour of the morning auctions, ready to shine on summer market stalls.
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