Matosinhos, Portugal, July 15, 2025 (Lusa) - Portugal's minister of agriculture and fisheries, José Manuel Fernandes, said on Tuesday that the award of sustainability certification to Iberian sardines rewards the quality and good management of the species by fishermen, particularly Portuguese fishermen.
“It is a sign of sustainability, good management and quality, in recognition that is worth the effort. Sometimes fishermen make an effort towards sustainability, and they appreciate receiving this recognition,” the minister said in Matosinhos during the award ceremony by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).
This international organisation, which aims to promote sustainable fishing worldwide, awarded the blue certification label to Iberian sardines, reinstating the distinction that had been suspended in 2014 to improve stock management.
Seventeen Fisheries Producer Organisations (FPOs) from Spain and Portugal, along with three food industry associations from Portugal, developed the certification. Bureau Veritas, an independent body, ratified it through an audit, recognising that fishing complies with healthy populations, reduced environmental impact, and effective management.
Portugal and Spain shared the management plan, and together they have 339 purse seine vessels dedicated to sardine fishing, whose work the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries praised.
“It is a tribute to a product that is an excellent food, which is linked to our culture and is important from an economic but also a social point of view. It is recognition of the work of our fishermen, and we value them,” added José Manuel Fernandes.
According to the minister, the 2025 sardine campaign is progressing well, both in terms of catches and prices, contributing to a fairer income throughout the value chain, from fishermen to distribution.
“We have an increase of almost 5,000 tonnes this year. Portugal is entitled to 66.5% of the quota shared with Spain, which totals 51,000 tonnes. And the price also helps to ensure a fair income for our fishermen," he pointed out.
José Manuel Fernandes also highlighted the role of science in this process, praising the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) and the direct involvement of fishermen in the collection and validation of scientific data.
“A word here for the IPMA, which provided the scientific data. When we process this data with moderation and involve fishermen in the process, the result is positive,” he stressed.
The minister called for this certification to serve as a new starting point for the continued effective management of sardine stocks in Portugal and Spain.
“This involvement between science and those who have experience of the sea, the fishermen, and the effort they have made, has had a very positive result here. Now it is important to keep going, so that this success and recognition continue over the coming years,” added José Manuel Fernandes.
Alberto Martín, MSC director for Portugal and Spain, recalled that this recertification was the culmination of ten years of work, which should make everyone involved proud.
“Governments, associations and fishermen have shown great commitment and effort to apply sustainable processes to sardine fishing. With this, we are now celebrating this fantastic achievement,” said the director.
Alberto Martín points out that this certification will also give consumers greater confidence in consuming more Iberian sardines, with clear economic benefits for the entire chain.
“National and international audiences recognise that fishermen harvest sardines sustainably. Consumers in the Iberian Peninsula, Northern Europe, and the United States, who are very important, can have confidence in the product. This brings added value to the markets, especially because the blue label also implies continuous improvement of processes,” he concluded.
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