Tuna fishermen bronze sculpture and memorial.

Three bronze fishermen on Shelter Island together reel in a huge tuna.
Three bronze fishermen on Shelter Island together reel in a large tuna.

A monumental bronze sculpture in Shoreline Park on Shelter Island has become an iconic image. The Tunaman’s Memorial, by artist Franco Vianello, dedicated in 1988, honors the courage and hard work of generations of tuna fishermen in San Diego. The 9,000 pound sculpture depicts three individuals pole fishing from a boat of the once-large tuna fleet out on the Pacific Ocean. The history of San Diego’s tuna fishing industry contains generations of life stories. These unwritten stories involve fishermen who immigrated from many different nations, including Italy, Portugal and Japan.

One polished side of the sculpture contains names of fishermen who were pioneers in our region, and those who were lost at sea. An inscription reads: Tunaman’s Memorial honoring those that built an industry and remembering those that departed this harbor in the sun and did not return. Anthony Mascarenhas.

The Tunaman's Memorial on Shelter Island is a 7,000 bronze sculpture honoring generations of fishermen.
The Tunaman’s Memorial on Shelter Island is a 9,000 pound bronze sculpture honoring generations of diverse fishermen.
Tuna fishing in local waters was once a major industry in San Diego.
Tuna fishing in local waters was once a major industry in San Diego.
Polished side of Tunaman's Memorial contains names of San Diego fishing pioneers and those who were lost at sea.
Polished side of Tunaman’s Memorial contains names of San Diego fishing pioneers, and those who were lost at sea.
This iconic sight on Shelter Island provides a glimpse back in history, at those in our community who worked the sea.
This iconic sight on Shelter Island provides a glimpse back in history, at those in our community who worked the sea.

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Richard Schulte

Downtown San Diego has been my home for many years. My online activities reflect my love for writing, blogging, walking and photography.

15 thoughts on “Tuna fishermen bronze sculpture and memorial.”

    2. My Dear Uncle ” Raul Robert Guerra” who’s Name is on the Memorial along with a Father and his two sons who went to Sea and Never returned. One Month after I was named after him…seeing the Memorial makes me wonder after “53” Years have I lived up to our (Same family) Name…RIP Tio..

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