"According to the data available, the discharges made and the quantities on board the vessels authorised to catch swordfish ('Xiphias gladius') in the Atlantic Ocean south of 5° North, as bycatch, it appears that the fishing quota allocated [...] is exhausted," reads a note issued by the DGRM.

Thus, swordfish fishing is prohibited until further notice.

On 29 April, the DGRM had already announced that the swordfish bycatch quota was at 80 percent, warning of the possible closure of the fishery for this species.

The DGRM is a central service of the direct administration of the state, with administrative autonomy, which aims to develop maritime safety and services, the implementation of fisheries policies and the preservation of resources.