Mackerel fishing along the coasts of France, Spain, and Portugal embodies a centuries-old maritime tradition deeply rooted in the culture and daily life of the coastal communities. These artisanal fishing methods stand in stark contrast to industrial deep-sea fishing and are characterized by their sustainability and local roots.
France: Between tradition and nature conservation
On the French Atlantic coast, mackerel fishing is cleverly combined with recreational activities and professional coastal fishing. Brittany and northern France are particular centers of this tradition.
Paternoster fishing is considered the pinnacle of French mackerel fishing. This sophisticated technique involves attaching several hooks along a main line and baited with colorful feathers or small rubber lures. Because mackerel hunt gregariously in large schools, this method allows for spectacular multiple catches with minimal bycatch.
From the dramatic cliffs of Brittany and the rocky jetties of northern France, fishermen practice coastal fishing with artificial lures. Spoons and poppers cleverly imitate the behavior of small prey fish, luring mackerel to the surface.
French coastal fishermen place particular emphasis on ecological responsibility . Their deliberately selective fishing methods and the targeted fishing of smaller schools actively contribute to the protection of fish stocks.
Spain: Family tradition at sea
In Spain, especially in Galicia and along the Mediterranean coast, mackerel plays a central role in both cuisine and maritime culture. Often, it is family businesses that pass on their secrets from generation to generation.
Trolling and spin fishing dominate Spanish mackerel fishing. In trolling, lures are dragged behind slowly moving boats, while spin fishermen actively search for migrating schools using artificial lures.
Coastal fishing requires special expertise: Experienced fishermen interpret the behavior of seabirds that gather above hunting schools of mackerel as a natural compass for their fishing activities.
In certain regions, selective net fishing is also used. This purse seine fishing differs fundamentally from industrial methods in its targeted approach to specific schools of fish and its consideration of the marine balance.
Portugal: Cavala as cultural heritage
Portugal, especially the Algarve, has developed a particularly close relationship with mackerel, which is known there as cavala and is considered an indispensable part of everyday cuisine.
Artisanal fishing forms the backbone of the Portuguese mackerel tradition. With their characteristic, often brightly painted barcos de pesca, the fishermen head out to sea and practice fishing methods that have been refined over generations.
Selective hook-line fishing is central to Portuguese fishing techniques and reflects the traditional appreciation for the sustainable use of marine resources.
A unique aspect of Portugal's cuisine lies in its artisanal processing . Small, often family-run canneries transform freshly caught mackerel into high-quality products according to traditional recipes. Careful preservation in the finest olive oil and handcrafted packaging make these preserves highly sought-after culinary treasures.
A model for sustainable ocean use
Traditional mackerel fishing in these three countries vividly demonstrates what a harmonious relationship between humans and the sea can look like. This fishery thrives on deep regional knowledge, genuine respect for nature, and the direct link between catch and consumption. It thus embodies a timeless model of sustainable marine use that is gaining importance in our modern world.
