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and in what circumstances does it function to displace diverse knowledges, cares and

concerns? In what circumstances does fisher knowledge become part of global fishery

science? And how are globally circulating sustainability discourses maintained and made

relevant in local settings?

Knowledge in Practice

The transfer: observers, fish and fishers

I arrived at La Punta at around 9am for the final transfer, and straight away sensed the

tension. One of the most important moments for the observers and stressful moments for the

owners is the final transfer of tuna from the trap to the sea cage in preparation for their

journey to Malta. Numbers are a key concern in this moment. Several problems can occur.

Unlike the previous transfers of the season, the crew must be as accurate as possible when

estimating the number of tuna that move from the trap to the sea cage. Going under the quota

would mean that the Fuentes group would not receive the agreed upon quantity. Going over

the quota would mean a potential fine from authorities. This tight squeeze between regulation

and industry is one that the tonnara knows too well. A national observer and an ICCAT

observer must be present to ensure compliance with the quota. Since 2007, when quota

monitoring tightened, observers have become part of the socio-technical configuration of the

tonnara and their payment needs to be factored into the finances of running the tonnare.

Observation of the activities of the tonnara is part of the ICCAT Regional Observer

Programme for Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Bluefin Tuna and also part of the Multi-

annual recovery plan, which requires bluefin fishery vessels to adopt a 15-year recovery plan

from 2007 to 2022.

The final transfer took place in mid-June. It was my second day at sea on the small

boat, just large enough to fit eight tonnarotti and one rais, Luigi. We settled in the middle of

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