Lisbon, April 21, 2025 (Lusa) - Sardine fishing reopens on Monday, about four months after it closed, and Portugal has a quota of 34,406 tonnes for this year.

According to an order published in the Diário da República, sardine fishing reopens today, but some limits remain in place.

Portugal and Spain manage sardine fishing in the Bay of Biscay (South) and Portuguese waters (East) using a multi-annual plan.

The limit for 2025 is 51,738 tonnes, and Portugal will keep 66.5% (34,406 tonnes).

Periods have also been set in which it is not possible to catch, unload or offer for sale sardines beyond the specified limits.

From 00:00 today, vessels with an overall length of nine metres or less are limited to 1,800 kilograms (kg) or 80 baskets.

For boats longer than nine metres and less than or equal to 16 metres, the maximum is 3,150 kg (140 baskets), while for boats longer than 16 metres it is 4,500 kilos (200 baskets).

Meanwhile, from 00:00 on 5 May, vessels with an overall length of nine metres or less are limited to 2,250 kg (100 baskets).

With a length of more than nine metres and less than 16 metres, the maximum is 3,938 kg (175 baskets) and for vessels with a length of more than 16 metres it is 5,625 kg (250 baskets).

From 00:00 on June 2, the limit is 2,700 kg (120 baskets) for vessels of nine metres or less, 4,725 kg (210 baskets) for vessels of more than nine metres and 16 metres or less and 6,750 kg (300 baskets) for vessels of more than 16 metres.

Catching, keeping on board, unloading and selling sardines is prohibited on national holidays.

It is also forbidden to transfer sardines to an auction other than the one corresponding to the port of unloading, as well as for the same vessel to unload in more than one port each day.

Sardine fishing closed on 4 December.

PE/ADB // ADB.

Lusa