Carloforte Tonnare represents one of the last remaining traditional tuna fishing systems in the Mediterranean, located on the island of San Pietro off the southwest coast of Sardinia. Its activity is based on the historical tonnara method, a complex structure of fixed nets anchored at sea that guide migrating tuna through a sequence of chambers until the final capture stage.

This practice dates back to the 17th century, reflecting a long-standing connection between the local community and tuna fishing. The operation is organized within a defined maritime area, allowing the fish to be brought to shore and processed within a short time frame, which helps preserve quality.

The process relies on coordinated manual work, with clearly defined roles passed down through generations. Fishing is seasonal, typically taking place between late spring and early summer, when bluefin tuna migrate through these waters.

Compared to industrial methods, this system is more selective and controlled, targeting specific fish and reducing unnecessary catch. Today, Carloforte Tonnare combines this historical fishing technique with modern processing and distribution of tuna products.

Its identity is not limited to production alone, but also includes the preservation of a structured body of knowledge, skills, and practices that define this long-established maritime tradition.