A chave para abrir o futuro da pesca | Mudar para Melhor

It is in the port of Sesimbra, in the district of Setúbal, that another trip to the fishing sector begins, in the second episode of the Mudar para Melhor series. In this new adventure, the famous Portuguese TV host, Fátima Lopes, boards the Leonis, one of the boats in the Testa & Cunhas fleet that maintains a vision of constant innovation, despite more than 90 years of history. An example of how the art of coastal trawling has also been changing for the better, with a more sustainable practice of marine resources and the preservation of the marine ecosystem, through scientific knowledge and technology available on vessels. An activity that today offers fishermen better working conditions, both in terms of safety and in terms of remuneration. It should be noted that fishing employs 15,324 fishermen in Portugal, according to data from INE 2020, with coastal trawling having the highest rate of registered fishermen under 55 years of age. In this crossing of histories and know-how of professionals and of various generations, Fátima Lopes will discover, during the night when she follows the Leonis team, how work is carried out inside this type of fishing vessel, observing and working side by side -side with the fishermen in a few moments. It is with the testimonies of master Carlos Santos, already with a long experience, and of the young foreman Rafael Cunha that we realize how passion combined with the desire to work make this profession an opportunity for a successful career. But it is also important to have shipowners with an innovative perspective, who are committed to investing in the modernization of fleets and the sustainability of natural and human resources. António Miguel Cunha is one of these leaders and gives his contribution, in a vision of the evolution of the activity and how it can be created more agility in the training model, to make the sector more attractive to young talent. An approach that is in line with the priorities of the Mar 2020 Program in promoting environmentally sustainable fishing and increasing employment within the sector. Here may be the key to unlocking the future of fishing!