An embargo on sardine fishing for 45 days has been issued in the Algarve.
The government ban, which began on March 15, is intended to protect the species after studies concluded sardine populations in the area are in decline.
However, fishermen say the embargo is affecting their livelihoods, “particularly as there won’t be subsidies from the government”, said Mário Galhardo, president of fish producers organisation Barlapescas.
Fishermen are still waiting to know the amount of sardines they will be allowed to catch as from May, but it will be considerably less than last year.
