Raised in earthen tidal ponds, inside the Ria de Alvor nature reserve. Low density, harvested by hand and delivered within 24 hours.
The Vale da Lama tidal ponds, on the Ria de Alvor.
One family, since 1989.
Our origins
Since 1989, one family has raised sea bream in the Vale da Lama tidal ponds, inside the Ria de Alvor nature reserve, just a few metres from the sea. The tide renews the water, the Ria brings the food and the fish grow for as long as they need.
1989
First tidal ponds at Vale da Lama
3kg/m³
Maximum density in the ponds
10ha
Of tidal ponds in the nature reserve
120t
Up to 120 tonnes a year
It all began in 1989, when António Vieira started raising fish in the Vale da Lama tidal ponds. Today the second generation, with Leonardo Vieira, carries on the work with the same principle: give the fish time and the Ria respect.
How we farm
Seawater flows in and out of the tidal ponds naturally with the tide, in a stable environment close to the sea.
The tidal pond is rich in algae, small molluscs and invertebrates, which form part of the fish's natural diet.
Never more than 3 kg per cubic metre. More space means less stress and higher quality in every fish.
We fish with nets, in the ponds themselves, to keep each fish intact right up to the last moment.
The Ria in motion
Two tides a day.
Every day, since 1989.
Our product
One species, one focus. Uniform size grades, full traceability and temperature-controlled packing, reaching kitchens, fishmongers and distributors within 24 hours.
Restaurants, fishmongers and distributors who need consistency, freshness and to know exactly where the fish they serve comes from.
tastethe ocean
In the kitchen
A tidal pond sea bream has firm flesh and a clean flavour. It needs nothing more than that.
Coarse salt · olive oil · lemon
Scaled and grilled whole, with crackling skin. Olive oil and lemon only at the end.
Coarse salt · bay leaf
Whole, covered in a salt crust and baked in the oven. It keeps the flesh moist and full of flavour.
Potato · onion · garlic · white wine
With sliced potatoes, bay leaf and a glass of white wine. The classic Sunday dish.
Guided visits
Walk the tidal ponds with the people who work there every day. Visits by appointment, for individuals and families or for groups: schools, universities, companies and tour groups.
Our commitment
The water in the tidal ponds is renewed naturally by the tide, twice a day.
This is the maximum density in our ponds, so that every fish grows without stress.
We harvest with nets, in the ponds themselves, to match each order.
We research multi-trophic aquaculture and help restore seagrass meadows in the Ria.
Projects and innovation
We coordinate Aquadiversify, an integrated multi-trophic aquaculture project that does not yet exist on a commercial scale in Portugal, with CCMAR, GreenCoLab and MARE, Politécnico de Leiria.
Where to find us
The Vale da Lama tidal ponds lie inside the Ria de Alvor nature reserve, just a few metres from the sea. This is where every sea bream comes from, and where we welcome those who wish to visit us.
Trade orders
Tell us what you need (size grades, quantities and frequency) and we will prepare a tailored quote.
Call to a Portuguese mobile number