Almadraba (a Spanish word coming from Andalusian Arabic: al-maḍraba, lit.: ‘the place to strike’; in Portuguese: almadrava) is an elaborate and ancient technique for trapping and catching Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus). This fishing method is over 3,000 years old and evolved from a natural process: The principle of the almadraba is based on the fact that tuna move along the same routes in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean: In spring, they migrate from the nutrient-rich, cold waters of the Atlantic, carrying fat reserves, through the Strait of Gibraltar into the warmer Mediterranean to spawn. And in autumn, the young fish begin their return journey north. For fishermen, this was once one of the few opportunities to catch tuna themselves. From this practice, a tradition developed that continues to this day. read more…
The Northern Mariana Islands is one of two insular areas that are Commonwealths of the United States; the other is Puerto Rico. It consists of fifteen islands in the western Pacific Ocean located about three-quarters of the way between Hawaii and the Philippines. Head of State is the US President. read more…
