The young skipper from Culatra defending his island’s fishing identity

Fishing is woven into the identity of the small island of Culatra, but with fewer young fishers entering the profession, it is in danger of being lost. Coming from a long line of fishers, Hugo Padinha was determined not to let that happen. By investing in his own fishing boat - with the help of EU funding - the 31-year-old is becoming part of the new generation of forward-looking artisanal fishers helping to keep Culatra's maritime heritage alive.

An island at a crossroads

Having fished alongside his father since the age of 19, Hugo Padinha is now the youngest skipper among the 100 fishers in Culatra, a small island off the south of Portugal. Fishing remains deeply rooted in the island's identity, with at least 10% of the population working in the sector - a heritage that also shapes much of Culatra's tourism appeal. However, according to Hugo, many local fishers have already diversified into oyster production to make ends meet. Still, he believes fishing itself remains essential to the island's future. "Fishing is our tradition" he says. "Tourists like to learn about the local fishing activity."

Turning ambition into ownership

The opportunity to buy his boat came through Culatra's Association of Ship Owners (AMIC), which introduced Padinha to a grant from the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF). With guidance from AMIC to cut through the paperwork and demystify the application process, Hugo was finally able to turn years of saving into a reality.

"It would have been more difficult to buy my boat without the funding", he says. Like many small-scale fishers, Hugo faced the challenge of securing financing in a profession often seen as risky by banks. Without EU support, the savings he had carefully built up over the years would not have been enough.

A small boat, a big step forward

When the grant for his boat was approved in August 2025, Hugo wasted little time turning his dream into reality. By October, the 31-year-old was the proud owner of Boa Tarde, a seven-metre artisanal fishing vessel used to catch seabream, seabass, sole and other local species. Boa Tarde allows Hugo to secure half of his monthly revenue, with the rest coming from oyster farming.

But for Hugo, Boa Tarde represents more than just financial security. His investment has brought a new small-scale fishing business to the island - and he hopes, inspiration for a younger generation: "I hope to inspire other youngsters to start-up in fisheries, the island needs them".

Learning the trade on his own terms

Becoming his own skipper has meant more to Hugo than just learning to navigate the seas - it has also meant learning how to manage his own business. He explains how he has learnt to be patient, as knowledge takes time to acquire. "Older fishers don't want to teach or help the young", he says, "I hope I will be more patient".

So what does a young person need to launch a fishing business? For Hugo, the answer is simple: "Experience of the sea and a will to learn. There is so much to learn, I have been working for 12 years and it is still not enough." He is quick not to romanticise the profession. "It is a dangerous job and mustn't be taken lightly," he says. "But fishing is different from other jobs; it is freedom - a job in the open air".

Shaping a more sustainable future

By attracting new, younger fishers, Culatra can sustain its fishing sector while encouraging a forward-looking mindset, one that places greater emphasis on protecting the marine environment. Hugo points to a growing awareness of the importance of marine conservation, including small but meaningful changes such as reducing marine litter.

Hugo also believes education and training have an important role to play. While completing secondary school is essential, he says additional technical and maritime training can give young fishers valuable skills and a deeper understanding of sustainable fishing practices. Maritime schools, for example, help students learn how to better protect the sea, while also building practical expertise. Hugo himself is soon due to begin training in radio operations - another step in building a more solidified future at sea.

Holding on to tradition, facing the future

Asked whether he would apply for EU funding again, Hugo replies without hesitation: "Yes, definitely! It was very helpful". For Hugo, the support was more than simply buying a boat - it was an investment in preserving the identity of Culatra itself. "For me, it is important to maintain the tradition and culture of Portugal and of Culatra," he says, before adding with a smile of realism, "but it is not going to be easy!"