Es Nàutic explores the history of the Sant Antoni Fishermen’s Guild

This Friday, February 14, at 8:00 PM, the ‘Xerrades Essencials’ discussion series at Club Nàutic Sant Antonireturns, this time dedicated to the Sant Antoni Fishermen’s Guild. Participating in the event will be José Antonio Castelló, Patrón Mayor (head) of the Guild; Lucas Costa, Vice-Patrón; and Nico Vallespir, board member, with the discussion moderated by journalist Xescu Prats.

The talk, titled ‘The Sant Antoni Fishermen’s Guild and its Current Reality’, aims to analyze both the evolution of this essential institution in the history of Portmany Bay and its current situation, along with future projections. It is important to note that the Sant Antoni Guild covers half of Ibiza’s coastline and includes both fishermen with boats moored at the town’s dock and others based at boatyards in various coves along the southern and western coasts. These professionals supply fish to local businesses and restaurants, ensuring that both residents and tourists can continue enjoying a unique traditional gastronomy based on seafood cuisine and local products.

The Sant Antoni fishermen, like those across the Pitiüsas, face major challenges such as trawling restrictions imposed by the European Economic Community, generational turnover, illegal fishing, changing consumption habits, and the transformation of the marine environment due to various factors (climate change, pollution, boat congestion, etc.).

The discussion series takes place in the social hall of Es Nàutic and gives a platform to men and women with interesting perspectives on the evolution of Sant Antoni and Ibiza itself. Previous discussions have covered topics such as the Club de los Argonautas (the first agency to operate in Sant Antoni), the historic llaüt ‘El Bohemio’, the Hormigo family of artists, Pep de na Mossona (creator of Hotel Portmany), the historic Pensión Catalina, drought in Ibiza, the experiences of rally driver Toni Vingut, and hidden heritage.

This event is open to the entire island community, with free admission until full capacity is reached.