João Rodrigues, Portuguese marine biologist and underwater photographer, based in the Algarve, has just published a report on the subject entitled «Can Portuguese sardines make a comeback?», in the international edition of National Geographic magazine. João Rodrigues is even the first Portuguese photojournalist to achieve this feat.
João Rodrigues, Master in Marine Biology, founder of the Algarve production company Chimera Visuals, told the Sul Informação that «the photographs were taken in the Algarve, both at sea and on board fishing vessels in the region», and also at factories (Conserveira do Sul) and at the Pilot Fish Farming Station in Ohão.
The report (text and photographs) had been first published in the Portuguese edition of National Geographic, in March 2021, and has now been published in the international edition of the magazine last September.
«This, which is one of the greatest achievements of my professional career, has a triple special taste because I found, once again, that Marine Science and Conservation in our country can be of extreme quality, when the consensus between the various parties prevails».
On the other hand, he stressed, it is «a 100% Portuguese story», which «has finally arrived at the largest science communication house in the world, proving to me that the sacrifices are worth it».
«The incredible cycle of the Portuguese sardine» (title of the Portuguese version) is, according to the biologist and photographer, «a report of hope!».
It is «a testament to the extraordinary ability of the Portuguese to adapt in the face of adversity, who, despite the cost, are well aware of the advantages of making the most desirable fruit forbidden. If the community, industry, politics and science continue hand in hand, one day it will be possible to see the queen of the Portuguese sea raised to her deserved throne”, she adds.
The author ends by thanking «all those who follow and support my work! I promise to continue trying to seduce you with the magic and singularities of our marine world, in the hope that the ties between people and nature will become ever closer».
But he also thanks in a special way «Gonçalo Pereira Rosa and the entire team of NatGeo PT magazine. In fact, this achievement is not mine. It is theirs. It's ours!".
multiple times awarded, João Rodrigues emphasizes that, «those who know me, know that my dreams have no limits and that, therefore, I am never fully satisfied with my results. But today, I will have to stop, breathe and savor this reality wide awake, which fills me with a monumental pride that does not fit in my chest and that soothes me with a rare feeling of accomplishment».
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