Portugal’s sardine quota fixed at 10 tons, but ‘should increase after July’

This is the promise of Minister for the Sea Ricardo Serrão Santos following the fixing of this year’s sardine fishing quota at 10 tons. The ‘sardine season’ starts in May – and the  quota will be in force until July, he said. “We believe that in June ICES (the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea) will come up with a favourable review”, allowing fishermen even more freedom to bring home Portugal’s favourite summertime fish. The issue of sardine fishing has been fraught in recent years, with experts not long ago suggesting a 15-year ban on sardine fishing altogether. Stocks however have been ‘replenished’ through various strategies, like temporary bans which caused the sector added economic hardship (click here). This year at least fishermen should less constricted.