The document from the Secretary of State for Fisheries, published in the Diário da República, outlines that the commission should “draft a report to identify and quantify the main problems and challenges affecting the fishing of lamprey and shad, particularly their economic, ecological, and social significance.”
Additionally, it aims to “contribute to the development and implementation of a medium- and long-term management plan for lamprey and shad fishing, including the recommendation of proposals for defining the economic, ecological, and social management objectives for these fisheries and the exploitation rules of these resources.”
“Promoting projects that contribute to the objectives established in the management plan for lamprey and shad fishing” is another goal.
Under the ordinance, the commission will include two members appointed by the Directorate-General for Natural Resources, Safety and Maritime Services (DGRM), one of whom will coordinate the commission.
The commission will also include members appointed by the Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests (ICNF), the Portuguese Environment Agency, the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere, DOCAPESCA – Ports and Auctions, and the University of Évora, “a scientific entity that has consistently monitored this activity in recent years.”
A representative from municipalities where lamprey and shad fishing takes place will also be part of the commission.
The same applies to a representative appointed by the Maritime Authority Directorate General, representing the captains in areas where lamprey and shad fishing occurs, along with the PSP and GNR “with competencies for inspecting fishing and environmental activities in these areas.”
The commission will further include a representative of companies with competencies in managing hydroelectric systems and a delegate “representing licensed fishers for lamprey and shad fishing […] for each of the main fishing areas (Minho River, Lima River, Cávado River, Aveiro Lagoon, and Mondego River).”
“Representatives of other entities […] that have a legitimate interest in overseeing lamprey and shad fishing, as well as individuals of recognized merit in relevant scientific issues, may also participate in the commission’s work at the invitation of the coordinating entity,” it adds.
The coordinating entity of the commission is responsible for contacting the various entities mentioned within 30 days to ensure the appointment of their respective representatives.
If no representative is appointed, “the commission operates in their absence, and new representatives can be integrated at any time upon request from the entities.”
The document states that “the fishing of migratory species in Portuguese rivers is an ancient practice that benefits local populations, whether through fishing or as an alternative food source with high protein and gastronomic value, also representing an enrichment of Portuguese cultural and gastronomic heritage.”
“However, changes observed in river systems, such as the construction of barriers to the progression of these species, climate change, and the population dynamics, which sometimes are not well understood, have caused a reduction in their numbers, requiring evaluation and study to find the best solutions for managing this resource,” it notes.
