Pioneers in respect for the sea and the environment.
A classificação Dolphin Safe e Pesca Salto e Vara
Como valorização e reconhecimento ecológico, a pesca do atum nos Açores, conhecida como “Salto e Vara”, é certificada desde 1998 pela organização não governamental Earth Island Institute como sendo “Dolphin Safe”, devido às suas caraterísticas pouco predadoras.
Since it is an artisanal method, "Salto e Vara" fishing requires all the experience of the fishermen on the island of São Jorge
They start by detecting the presence of the tuna using binoculars. Then they approach, turn off the engines and turn on the showers which, by simulating the escape of the small fish on which the tuna feed, hide the fishermen from their field of vision.
They then throw the bait into the sea to attract the shoal and start the fishing activity. It's an example that allows fishermen to catch only the fish they need without putting other species or smaller fish at risk. Contrary to
the centuries-old "Salto e Vara" fishing gear practiced by the region's tuna boats is considered environmentally friendly, as it allows the fisherman to select the fish and does not involve by-catches.
