In fishing boats with a crew of 25 people, the tour begins to obtain part of the tuna consumed in the world.
But where does tuna come from? The crew is made up of a captain, who knows the itinerary with the routes for fishing; a navigator or pilot, and a cook, to which the personnel of cover and handling of machines are added.
The boats have three special characteristics: temperatures for the preservation of the product of up to 18 degrees Celsius below zero, hydraulic system equipped for long journeys and special fishing tackle.
The ships used have capacities of 500, 1,000 and up to 1,300 tons. The fishing trip lasts between 60 and 90 days.
The boats are equipped with a helicopter, speedboats, a pangón, cranes and a watchtower. The net used to fish tunas is two kilometers long and up to 2,000 meters deep.
There are three types of tunas that are the most consumed: yellowfin, large eye and skipjack. Because of its large size and better flavor, large companies focus on the first, also known as Yellowfin.
Once in international waters, to catch it, the helicopter flies over the schools. When detected, the aircraft immediately notifies the captain of the ship.
After receiving the captain's order, the speedboats depart to support the task and prevent the selected school from spreading.
It is estimated that tunas swim at a speed of 75 kilometers per hour and can travel distances of up to 100 kilometers per day.
From a panga they release the net and, thus, enclose the school. After fishing, tunas are stored in the freezing rooms until the ship returns to the processing plant.
The tuna vessels carry on board an independent observer linked to the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission, CIAT, which fulfills the role of seer during the fishing task. He takes note of everything that happens during the fishing trip and sends weekly reports to his bosses on land. One of the greatest care that must be taken in the work is not to fish for dolphins because it can represent economic sanctions, the suspension of the license or permission to fish in international waters and the captains may be subject to disciplinary measures. That is why tuna vessels are equipped with instruments that prevent dolphins from being trapped in the net and it is an obligation to release them if this happens.