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Fig. 5.6 Tonnarotti preparing to raise the net for the transferal. Isola Piana tonnara, 2013. Image by author.

As soon as Luigi indicated it was time for the next stage, the tonnarotti were ready and

concentrating on the task of moving tuna through to the sea cage. Shannon and I moved out

of the way and back to our stations. The tonnarotti began lifting the net. Other boats were

strategically placed to help with the movement of tuna and prevent escapes. The tonnarotti

pulled up the heavy sodden net from the sea floor, grunting and heaving in unison. Luigi

yelled commands. As the tonnarotti pulled up the net, it changed colour several times to

indicate to them when they were nearing its end. Luigi continued to look through the

specchio. The tuna splashed in the water, every now and again rising close to the surface so

that you could see one glide through the water. The men continued to grunt and heave on and

off in chorus.

A while after the transferal was complete we arrived back on land. Straightaway the

observers began to watch the underwater videos the divers had captured. I was not authorised

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in the room and so could only hear that they were counting . The observers and Giuliano

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