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The Story of Finisterra
“We are helping to revive an old Algarve tradition—seafood preserved products—while innovating the way this bivalve is farmed.” This is the story of Finisterra, as told by its manager, Manuel Pinto Ribeiro.
Located 1 to 2 nautical miles off the coast of Sagres in the Algarve, Finisterra is setting a new standard in certified organic mussel farming. The company exemplifies an ESG-driven enterprise—integrating environmental responsibility, social equity, and sound governance into every aspect of its operation. From regenerative aquaculture practices to inclusive employment and full traceability, Finisterra is committed to shaping a future-focused, low- impact seafood industry. Fully certified under both ASC and EU Organic frameworks, Finisterra meets the highest standards in sustainability, animal welfare, workers’ rights, and community engagement.
Established in 2011 with the deployment of its first longline rope system (2012), Finisterra is on track to harvest between 2,500 and 3,000 tonnes of fresh mussels annually by 2026 representing a relevant share of Europe’s certified organic mussel production. It cultivates Mytilus galloprovincialis, a native species that thrives in the clean, oxygen-rich Atlantic waters. As Manuel explains, this results in a “completely natural, organic, and healthy, renewable source of marine animal protein.”
He adds: “Unlike many other sources of animal protein, bivalves and crustaceans capture CO₂ to form their shells and therefore have a positive carbon footprint when farmed in these conditions.”
An example of circular economy in a single location: Sagres
It takes Finisterra no more than 24 hours from the moment fresh mussels are harvested to the point of sterilisation in the autoclave of the preserved product. All operations are vertically integrated in Sagres—from natural seed collection to the final canned preserved product, with a shelf life of 4 to 5 years. They are also a clear example of a circular economy:
“The mussel shell resulting from our steam-cooking process is ground and used for instance in organic agriculture and/or as animal feed,” Manuel says.
As a certified organic, vertically integrated mussel farm, Finisterra uses only a minimal amount of chemicals, strictly limited to equipment cleaning, and makes no use of pharmaceuticals or antibiotics. Another environmental advantage comes from being an offshore Atlantic Ocean operation, constantly exposed to oceanic currents, with a minimal benthonic environmental impact.
In addition to embracing circular economy principles, Finisterra is focused on innovation and has developed both onboard and onshore procedures to minimise residues.
The human side of Finisterra
To date, Finisterra employs five women and sixteen men from five different nationalities, spanning a +30-year age range. Innovation is one of the farm’s strengths, along with its commitment to diversity and equal opportunity in hiring. In fact, Finisterra has been instrumental in helping staff members obtain personal and professional residency in Portugal.
Recognised for environmental and social quality
“In five years, we want to be a benchmark in the sector not only for the quality of our products but also for our environmental and social policies.” To that end, Finisterra keeps progressing, and ASC certification is a strong tool to move forward, as it provides “international recognition of our commitment to environmental and social sustainability.”
ASC also plays a key role in reaching more distributors and consumers, by emphasising the nutritional and ecosystem value of bivalves as a food source for a growing population increasingly concerned about the quality of the products they consume. This ongoing commitment to excellence is reinforced by ASC’s role in setting ambitious benchmarks.
“ASC challenges us to continually improve and raise the highest standards for both sea and land operations,” Manuel concludes.
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