“Fishing Port”: Seaweed, Flavors, and Stories in the Heart of Azenha do Mar

On September 21, 2025, the Port of Azenha do Mar will become a meeting point between the sea, gastronomy, and local culture. It is called “Porto de Pesca” (Fishing Port) and is a free event designed to raise awareness of the value of seaweed—not only as food, but also as part of the identity and history of Portuguese coastal communities. 

The initiative is part of the Rota das Algas (Seaweed Route) project, launched in 2023, which has been traveling along the coast of mainland Portugal and the islands, with the aim of raising awareness of the potential of macroalgae: how to identify them, how to harvest them sustainably, and how to use them, especially in cooking.

Organized in conjunction with the CDPM Azenha do Mar Association, photographer João Mariano, and CIEMAR (MARE-UÉvora), the “Porto de Pesca” event promises a day rich in educational, cultural, and gastronomic experiences:

• A nature outing to identify edible algae;
• Sessions with experts on algae cultivated in aquaculture and their role in today's diet;
• A lunch prepared with algae collected and supplied especially for the event, showing how this resource can inspire contemporary cuisine;
• Conversations with members of the local fishing community, who will share memories and ancient knowledge about seaweed harvesting, a practice that was once part of the region's economy;
• Visual and documentary moments, recorded by photographer João Mariano and director Pedro Aguilar, which will help preserve this encounter between generations and knowledge.

“Porto de Pesca” is not just a celebration of seaweed. It is also a way of valuing the cultural and ecological heritage of Azenha do Mar, promoting sustainable practices and recognizing the importance of marine resources in the present and future.