Overview
JC Mackintosh (Atún Rojo del Estrecho) is a specialized fishing company from Tarifa, Cádiz, that combines bluefin tuna fishing with traditional Andalusian methods and Japanese quality techniques. Since 2022, JC Mackintosh has been Spain's first MSC-certified bluefin tuna fishery.
Location & Advantages
- Location: Tarifa, the southernmost point of continental Europe
- Advantage: The Strait of Gibraltar as a natural migration route for bluefin tuna
Innovative Fishing Techniques
The 5 Mackintosh Steps
- Stress-Free Fishing - Handline fishing with GREEN STICK® technology (a 15m pole keeps the bait above water)
- Ike Jime Slaughter - A 350-year-old Japanese quality technique
- Complete Bleeding - For optimal meat quality
- Gutting - Directly on board
- Controlled Cooling - Immediate temperature control
All steps are performed individually by hand on board.
Ike Jime - The Japanese Slaughter Technique
What is Ike Jime? Ike Jime is a 350-year-old Japanese slaughter technique in which the fish is killed by an immediate, precise cut to the brain. This prevents stress reactions and the resulting loss of quality.
Quality Advantages:
- Avoidance of "Yake": Prevents "burnt meat" caused by stress
- Better Texture: The meat remains tender and firm
- More Intense Flavor: Natural aromas are preserved
- Longer Freshness: Significantly extended shelf life
- Highest Meat Quality: Optimal organoleptic properties
For large fish such as bluefin tuna, this technique is performed by hand, fish by fish, to ensure minimal animal suffering and maximum quality.
How JC Mackintosh Operates
- Fishing to Order: Only fish that has already been sold is caught
- MSC-Certified Since 2022: Spain's first bluefin tuna fishery with the MSC seal
- Direct Marketing: No intermediaries, fixed prices
- Complete Traceability: From the moment of catch
Special Features
- Over 20 years of experience in the bluefin tuna sector
- Europe's first fishery with GREEN STICK® technology
- Online auctions for freshly caught fish
- Pesca Turismo: Andalusia's first fishery with a fishing tourism license
- Supreme Taste Award: Three gold stars from the International Taste Institute Brussels
JC Mackintosh combines tradition and innovation and has established itself as a premium provider of bluefin tuna.
