Spearfishing is the most selective and sustainable fishing method in the world, practiced since ancient times, and needs very good training as, by law, breathing tanks cannot be used. Spearfishing involves freediving and the use of equipment, such as fins, mask, snorkel, speargun, and optionally a neoprene wetsuit for thermal protection and weights for buoyancy control. As no artificial breathing devices can be used, the spearfishing action depends entirely on the technique and physical performance of the spearfisherman. For security reasons, it is best to fish in pairs so spearfishermen can watch each other. 

Spearfishing stands in direct opposition to the destructive and non-selective large-scale industrial fishing methods. In spearfishing, the act of hunting fish is intended solely for the purpose of providing food for oneself or others.

Even spearfishing competitions are intended for feeding, are extremely selective, and are a means to make charity in favor of poor people, where all the fish caught is used to feed people in need. An example of this is the action brought forward for many years by the FEDAS on the occasion of the international Semana Master competition in Palma de Mallorca, where fish caught is given to the SOS Mamas charity organization. Eventually, more and more clubs and federations give fish caught in competitions for donations and charity.

Competitive spearfishing rapidly grew along with other sports within a solid system of national and international institutions and like all sports “recognized” by that system it formed its athletes, national clubs, and federations as well as the world confederation (CMAS). Being part of the system since its early days, gave competitive spearfishing access to state funding, which provided the means for the organization of prestigious continental and world championships.