UNIQUE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT PRODUCE UNIQUE FISH
About us
who we are?
Since 1986, Esteros Lubimar has been dedicated to the farming and commercialization of premium fish, such as sea bass and glithead sea bream. The project currently spans seven locations across the provinces of Cádiz and Huelva.
Nestled within marshes in natural landscapes, parks, and reserves, these esteros (traditional salt-marsh ponds) produce fish of exceptional quality.
This project does more than guarantee a superior product; it actively contributes to the recovery and conservation of the local flora and fauna, reaffirming sustainability as one of its core, intrinsic principles.
OUR STORY
A JOURNEY THAT BEGAN IN VETA DE LA PALMA IN 1986
Observation and curiosity were the driving forces that led Don Antonio Hernández Barrera, in 1986, to launch a visionary project in Veta de la Palma. This estate is located in the heart of the Doñana Natural Park, where the Guadalquivir River carves its path toward the Atlantic. There, he discovered the perfect environment for fish farming: a unique ecosystem where the river’s freshwater meets the salinity of the sea, creating an ideal natural balance.
In these marshlands, the constant flow of the tides naturally oxygenated and renewed the water, providing optimal conditions for the development of exceptional quality fish, crustaceans, and algae. Drawing on his experience and knowledge, Don Antonio decided this would be his next professional challenge.
This is how the first estero (salt marsh pond) was born—a starting point that laid the foundation for the current project and defined the best practices that continue to guide our path of farming in harmony with nature today.
01
about us
SEVEN LOCATIONS BETWEEN CÁDIZ AND HUELVA
02
Today, his initiative has grown into seven locations situated between Cádiz and Huelva, covering more than 2,000 hectares and generating over 200 direct jobs. This reflects a project that seamlessly combines tradition, innovation, and environmental commitment.
Each estero is unique, possessing singular conditions based on its location, layout, and water characteristics. Our work, always respectful of nature, is based on making the most of these particularities to guarantee the highest quality.
01
about us
THE ESTERO : A LIVING ECOSYSTEM
02
We were born with the purpose of recovering and enhancing a millenary, nearly forgotten farming technique: the estero. We placed our trust in what the land and sea could provide, seeking out the finest team of professionals to develop this project.
In the estero, sea bass and glithead sea bream take center stage, but they are not alone. These waters also offer a wide variety of naturally occurring fish, shellfish, and mollusks, such as grey mullet, meager, sole, white sea bream, and eel. High-quality shrimp and king prawns are raised here, alongside oysters, clams, and a rich diversity of seaweed.
Nature sets the pace: sea bass and sea bream require up to three years to reach 1 kg in weight, growing according to their natural life cycle. Throughout this time, they swim tirelessly against the swell generated by the Levante wind in the estero, developing a lean silhouette and a fat infiltration that enhances their unique flavor and texture.
Their diet is another key factor: they feed on what the marsh itself provides—shrimp, small fish, and mollusks—a diet supplemented with feed made from
sustainably caught fish.
WHAT DEFINES US?
MANIFESTO
We were born with the purpose of restoring and enhancing an ancient, almost forgotten farming technique: the estero. We placed our
trust in what the land and sea could provide, assembling the best team of professionals to bring this project to life.
A committed project from the very start. Our respect and admiration for the environment are the reasons why our work has always been guided by best practices and honest processes. For that same reason, we are constantly striving to improve.
Manual, artisanal processes coexist with the advancements that modern technology offers today. This is a process where tradition, knowledge, and experience are the essential pillars of our craft, and where ingenuity and innovation have been key throughout the project’s more than 39-year history.
about us
HOW WE WORK?
Thanks to our team’s expertise and knowledge, we evaluate various factors every day—such as the time of year or the desired size—to decide which estero is best for harvesting. This precise approach allows us to offer an exceptional product year-round, keeping the essence and flavor of fish raised in harmony with its environment intact.
In the estero, fishing is conducted selectively, artisanally, and always on demand, ensuring the freshest fish at its absolute peak.
A LIVING ECOSYSTEM
THE ESTERO
The estero is a privileged natural environment where the sea floods the land, offering the perfect conditions for marine life to flourish.
This unique setting allows for the rearing of exceptional quality fish, with characteristics remarkably similar to those of wild-caught fish.
ESTERO BALANCE
A SELF-REGULATED ECOSYSTEM
A unique system, developed at the project’s inception, guarantees the excellent and consistent water quality within the estero. In this system, water flows through interconnected ponds, a process that not only facilitates the transfer of natural nutrients for the fish but also acts as a filtration and purification system, ensuring a perfect balance within the ecosystem.
The estero combines extensive and semi-intensive rearing ponds, replicating natural habitat conditions and allowing for the optimal development of the fish.
This model, built upon the respect for and observation of nature, actively contributes to the conservation of the environment.
MINIMAL IMPACT
DAILY ARTISANAL FISHING
365 days a year at our clients’ disposal. The foundation of our work to strengthen our core goal of minimal impact is built upon selective, artisanal, and on-demand fishing. Every day, our clients communicate their needs, and based on those requirements, the harvest (despesque) is planned.
