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01 Xavega_Praia_pelag_rocha 361A1373 (2).jpg

THE MARINE SPECIES
OF SESIMBRA

01 Xavega_Praia_pelag_rocha 361A0757 (2).jpg

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A collaborative Project  exploring the interconnected relations  between marine biology, fisheries and gastronomy in a an old traditional Portuguese fishing village.
illustrations  (Ângela Menezes) and photography (Pedro Barros)


An exhibition of illustrations of the marine fauna of Sesimbra typically fished for human consumption . The species represented were acquired locally or given by fishermen and were selected if  they were included in the catalog of the Prof. Luís Saldanha Marine Park and simultaneously be relevant in the commercial circuit of this community. This park, located between Espichel and Arrábida is a biodiversity hot spot for marine life, knowing about 1350 species of marine fauna and flora. 


Accompanying the illustrations are photographs of Pedro Barros showing the journey  of these fish, from the moment they are fished up until landing in our plate and examining the various interactions that the population of Sesimbra maintains with them.  This set of images reveals the strong relationship that the inhabitants of Sesimbra have with the exploitation of local marine resources, resulting from a long tradition of uses and customs, namely traditional fishing techniques, the organization of work on the dock, the fish trade and its use in traditional gastronomy.

CHOOSING THE FISH

Sorting and separating the different species caught together in the fishnets is done on the boat, but most frequently  on their arrival at the docks.

CERCO

The traditional fishing technique Cerco with the “traineira” boat Beatriz Paulo brings us the large shoals of pelagic fish, in this case sardines.

AT THE DOCKS

The fish is unloaded to Doca-Pesca facilities and immediately goes through several processes: selection, packing with ice, weighing, auctioning and expedition.

CHINCHA 

Locally named Chincha, Xavega fishing technique is still practiced by a few local fishermen. The traditional boat aiola of mestre Joaquim Paulo and it's crew (companha ) go fishing for the species that live very close to the beach.

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TRADITIONAL FISHERIES

In the short-distance fishing trips, the local fishermen use many different techniques to catch different types of marine animals that inhabit the rocks.

SELLING THE FISH

In the local fishmongers and in the public fish market, where a big variety of marine species is sold on retail.

COOKING THE FISH

On the backstage of Sesimbra’s restaurants, where a variety of cooking traditions of preparing fish dishes and seafood are revealed to us.

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