A specialist in biology (from the association « from Fish to Plate » composed of scientists and fishermen) guided the students and teachers through the fishing port. The groups visited all the different parts of the port and discovered each aspect of the fishing profession ( the port was active so they were able to see professional fishermen at work): unloading the docked boats, repairing the nets, maintaining the fishing boats. Near each type of docked boats, the guide explained the different fishing techniques, in relation to the species of fish that are to be caught. With the help of posters and sketches, the students learnt the names of the different species of Mediterranean fish, the names of the different sorts of boats and their fishing techniques, and also learnt about the numerous types of nets used spread on the quays.
As well as that, the guide insisted upon the issue of the tons of waste (plastic, non-degradable materials) caught in the nets: they cause damage to the nets and as a consequence, the fishermen have to go out to sea more often to obtain the necessary quantity of fish to insure sufficient income.
The visit ended in the building where the fish auction is carried out: all the selling process stages were explained and the students were able to experience a direct sale. They realised the balance and connections between theconsumer’s choice, the
Price of fish and the fisherman’s activity.
The students listened to a comment in English and communicated in English, so they improved their language skills and extended their vocabulary. They learnt about the issues of the economic development of the city: in 50 years time, the number of boats has been halved (25 today and 300 families only live on the fishing port activity). These figures really impressed the students; they immediately compared them to a fast growing economic field in Barcelona: tourism. They reflected upon the ecological issues related to over fishing of certain species and the deterioration of the Mediterranean ecosystem.
They answered questions in the booklet they were given at the beginning of the stay. They wrote articles for the blog
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