Breadcrumbs

 

To ensure the sustainability of sardine (Sardina pilchardus) fishing using purse seine nets, within the framework of the shared management process for this resource, fishing restrictions on the Portuguese mainland coast have already been implemented, as established by Ordinance No. 251/2010 of May 4, amended by Ordinace No. 294/2011 of November 14, by Ordinance No. 173-A/2015 of June 8, and by Ordinance No. 34-A/2016 of February 29.

Article 2 of Ordinance No. 294/2011, of November 14, establishes a ban on sardine fishing with purse seines for 48 hours each weekend, providing, in paragraph 4 of the same article, for the possibility of altering the ban period upon prior notification to ANOPCERCO.

 

The currently applicable periods are as follows, by jurisdiction of the Captaincies:

• From Caminha to Figueira da Foz: from 00:00 on Saturday until 00:00 on Monday
• From Nazaré to Lisbon: from 12:00 on Saturday until 12:00 on Monday
• Setúbal and Sines: from 20:00 on Friday until 20:00 on Sunday
• Lagos, Portimão and Sagres: from 18:00 on Friday until 18:00 on Sunday
• From Faro to Vila Real de Santo António: from 18:00 on Friday until 18:00 on Sunday.

 

Article 3 of Ordinance No. 251/2010, of May 4, as amended by Ordinance No. 34-A/2016, of February 29, determines the distribution of the annual landing limit for the Portuguese fleet among the groups of vessels that catch sardines using purse seine nets, as follows:

• 98.5%, for the group consisting of vessels whose owners or operators are members of recognized producer organizations (POs) for the sardine species;
• 1.5%, for the group consisting of vessels whose owners or operators are not members of recognized POs for the sardine species.

 

Order No. 5288/2026, dated April 22, was published, determining the reopening of sardine (sardina pilchardus) fishing at 00:00 on May 4 and establishing management measures for the 2026 season.