Soaked in blue and salt

The proximity to the sea has played a major role in the development of the culture, identity and character of the Portuguese people. With a coastline length of more than 1200 km, Portugal has one of Europe's largest exclusive economic zones of maritime space.

The population's eating habits follow the country's long fishing tradition with high percentages of fish consumption, more than double than the European average. Despite of Portugal's wide maritime space, more than 70% of the fish has to be imported from other countries in order to meet the consumption demands.

Overfishing is having a devastating impact on marine ecosystems and a number of species is disappearing at an alarming rate. The scarcity of fish has been seriously affecting the lives of those who depend on the ocean. Despite of the difficulties, in the city of Peniche a large percentage of the population still remains dedicated to activities related to fishing. In this historical epicentre of Portuguese fishing tradition, the harbour is the stage of a variety of work and leisure activities.

For fishermen who came from other parts of the country attracted by the abundance of species with good commercial value that used to characterise the region, the harbour is also their home. Low wages make it difficult to rent houses in the city, therefore the majority lives in groups in the warehouses along the harbour.

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