Almadraba is a technique used in Spain to catch tuna. This term comes from the Arabic "almadràba" which means "place where you hit or fight." It consists of placing a tangle of nets through which the tunas pass, which usually happens near the coast. The most striking thing about this technique is how old it is, since it has been used since pre-Roman times.
Tuna usually come down from the cold waters of the Arctic Circle, to settle in the warm waters of the Mediterranean. On its journey it must pass through the Strait of Gibraltar and it is here where the trap is located, in these nets the tuna gets stuck without being able to escape, and in turn keeps it alive. Once there is a sufficient quantity of fish in the nets, the so-called "lift" is made., which consists of raising the nets, allowing the tuna to rise to the surface; When this happens, the fight between the fishermen and the tuna begins, for this they use rudimentary tools, taking great care not to damage the skin of the fish. Then it is uploaded to the ship where it dies and then the larger pieces are selected.
There are many families that depend on the trap, however this technique is about to disappear due to over-exploitation. The schools of bluefin tuna are getting smaller and smaller and the traps are barely able to cover the expenses, this added to the commercial pressure of the buyers, mostly Japanese, represents a determining factor in the decline of this fishing. As has already been said, it is the Japanese who buy the most of the product, and those who pay the best, which is why almost all the fish is sold to them.
The future of the trap is looming, until now, somewhat uncertain, it would be a pity if it eventually disappeared, since this art is centenary and is part of the culture of various Spanish towns as well as being a work that is transmitted in a artisan from parent to child.
