“This recognition is proof of the commitment of Portuguese fishermen to good environmental practices, responsible marine resource management, and respect for ecosystems,” states the ministry in a note sent to the Lusa agency.
The MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certification distinguishes fisheries with the best international practices for sustainable fishing, based on standards such as the sustainability of sardine stocks, reduction of fishing impact on ecosystems, and an effective management system based on scientific data.
In April, the then Secretary of State for Fisheries, Cláudia Monteiro de Aguiar, had already anticipated that between June and July, Portugal would receive the blue seal in sardine fishing.
Confirmed today, the Ministry emphasizes that “the MSC blue seal adds value to the fish and opens doors to new markets.”
The certification covers the Portuguese purse seine fleet, represented by ANOPCERCO – National Association of Purse Seine Fish Producers’ Organizations, and is valid until 2030.
