Lisbon, May 4, 2026 (Lusa) - Sardine fishing reopens on Monday after a closure of nearly five months, with a limit of just over 33,446 tonnes for the Portuguese fleet, the Ministry of Agriculture and Maritime Affairs confirmed to Lusa.

Sardine fishing closed on 3 December to protect the resource, with its quota being managed between Portugal and Spain.

An order published in the ‘Diário da República’ on 22 April defined the periods during which it was not possible to capture, land, or offer sardines for sale exceeding the established limits.

Vessels with an overall length of nine metres or fewer are limited to 2,250 kg or 100 baskets. For those between nine and 16 metres, the maximum is set at nearly 3,938 kg (175 baskets), while the largest vessels, over 16 metres, may land up to 6,750 kg (300 baskets).

From midnight on 1 June, these limits will increase: smaller vessels will be permitted 2,700 kg (120 baskets), while mid-sized boats will see their limit rise to just over 4,725 kg (210 baskets). The quota for vessels over 16 metres will remain unchanged at 6,750 kg (300 baskets).

The capture, maintenance on board, landing, and sale of sardines is prohibited on public holidays.

It is also forbidden to transfer sardines to a different fish auction from the one corresponding to the port of landing, and no vessel may land at more than one port each day.

PE/MYAL // ADB.

Lusa