From this Thursday onwards, fishermen can return to fishing for sardines in Portugal, with a maximum annual limit of 29,560 tonnes, more than 66% of the quota allocated to the Iberian Peninsula.
“Sardine fishing will reopen from 00:00 hours on May 2, 2024”, determined the Government, in an order published in Diário da República.
Sardine fishing is jointly managed between Portugal and Spain, following a multi-annual plan for the period 2021-2026.
For 2024, the fishing campaign foresees a catch limit of 44,450 tonnes, with Portugal responsible for 66.5% of these (29,560 tonnes).
According to the diploma, signed by the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, José Manuel Fernandes, daily limits were also defined for the unloading and sale of sardines.
For vessels with an overall length of less than or equal to nine meters, the limit is 2,700 kilograms (kg) or 120 baskets, when applicable.
Vessels longer than nine meters and less than 16 meters have, in turn, a limit of 6,750 kg or 300 baskets.
On national holidays, the capture, keeping on board, unloading or sale of sardines is prohibited.
The transfer of a different auction “from the one corresponding to the port of unloading” is also prohibited, similar to what happens with the possibility of a vessel unloading in more than one port during each day.
