The sardine fishing season has reopened today, as per a decree published in the Diário da República, although certain restrictions remain in place.
Sardine fishing in the Bay of Biscay (Southern) and Portuguese Waters (Eastern) is managed by both Portugal and Spain through a multi-annual plan.
The total allowable catch for 2025 has been set at 51,738 tons, with Portugal allocated 66.5%, equivalent to 34,406 tons.
Specific periods have been outlined during which sardines cannot be captured, unloaded, or sold beyond the specified limits.
As of midnight today, vessels with an overall length of nine meters or less are permitted a maximum of 1,800 kilograms or 80 baskets.
Vessels longer than nine meters but no more than 16 meters have a cap of 3,150 kilograms or 140 baskets, while those over 16 meters are limited to 4,500 kilograms or 200 baskets.
From midnight on May 5, the cap for vessels up to nine meters is increased to 2,250 kilograms or 100 baskets.
Vessels between nine and 16 meters can take up to 3,938 kilograms or 175 baskets, and those over 16 meters are allowed 5,625 kilograms or 250 baskets.
From midnight on June 2, the limit is set at 2,700 kilograms or 120 baskets for vessels up to nine meters, 4,725 kilograms or 210 baskets for those between nine and 16 meters, and 6,750 kilograms or 300 baskets for vessels over 16 meters.
On national holidays, the capture, on-board processing, unloading, and sale of sardines are prohibited.
The transfer of sardines to a location different from the unloading port is also forbidden, and no vessel may unload at more than one port per day.
Sardine fishing was previously closed on December 4.
