Tunipex

At the helm of Tunipex is Alfredo Poço, a key figure in the revival and contemporary reinvention of the traditional “almadraba” in Portugal. Founder and driving force of the project, Alfredo represents a generation that does not only preserve one of the oldest tuna fishing methods in the Mediterranean — the “armação de atum” — but repositions it within a modern framework where tradition, sustainability, and technical precision intersect.

“Armação de atum” is more than a fishing technique; it is a form of culture. For many years, it was one of the most important fishing activities in the Algarve. It involved not only fishermen, but their families and entire surrounding communities. During the fishing season, temporary settlements were built on the beach, known as “arraiais”, where people would live for approximately six months, fully immersed in the rhythm of the fishery. This practice dates back to before the Age of Discoveries and, for over 400 years, represented a period of prosperity and cultural intensity for coastal communities. Its decline came abruptly in the early 1970s.

In 1991, a project was launched to rebuild the “armação de atum”, with the collaboration of the INIP (National Institute for Fisheries Research), local communities, and other partners. Rather than relying solely on the traditional technical and human methods of the past, the project incorporated the most advanced Japanese know-how and technology, as Japan is considered the world leader in tuna trap fishing systems. This initiative was implemented from 1994 onwards and continues to this day, effectively creating a renewed fishing culture in the Algarve.

Within this context, Tunipex operates as the contemporary expression of that revival. Under Alfredo Maia’s leadership, the company develops its activity through an almadraba located off the Algarve coast, supported by onshore facilities in Olhão where reception, selection, and logistics take place. The system is based on a passive fishing method, guided by the natural migratory behaviour of bluefin tuna and a network of fixed submerged structures designed to respect marine ecosystems.

In this process, tuna enter the system voluntarily, moving through successive compartments until reaching the final chamber, where they are selectively and carefully captured. This method allows for a more selective harvest, reduced environmental impact, and significantly lower stress levels compared to active fishing methods, resulting in higher-quality fish.

More than a fishing company, Tunipex reflects Alfredo Maia’s vision: transforming an ancestral practice into a contemporary system where cultural heritage, scientific knowledge, and international expertise — particularly Japanese — converge. The result is not simply a preserved tradition, but a living culture of fishing that continues to evolve in the Algarve.

Tunipex is committed to developing the fishing industry in Portugal and exploring the potential of net fishing, combining tradition, culture, and modern Portuguese and Japanese technology.