Sardines are central to Portugal's fishing industry and culture. They bring people together throughout the summer via street parties in nearly every village and town. "Where there are sardines, there are people, beer, friends" explains Goncalo Ortega. Sardines also account for two-thirds of the fish Portugal brings in and the species has spawned a major canning industry, with more than 60,000 tonnes produced annually. The sector is doing well in a Portuguese fishing industry that otherwise looks bleak. According to the National Statistics Institute, there were 35% fewer fishers last year than 20 years earlier. Alvaro Garrido, specialist in fishing's economic history, hopes that "sardines will bring the situation back into balance." IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES