The catch limit of 10,799 tonnes has been distributed between Portuguese and Spanish fleets following talks with the European Commission, of which Portuguese ships will be allowed to catch just over 7,000 tonnes.


At the start of this week the sardine fishermen finally returned to work, albeit with clear restrictions: 141 baskets per day, totalling 10,799 tonnes by the end of the summer, divided between Portugal and Spain.

Of these, 7,181 tonnes, or 66.5 percent of the maximum limit, is earmarked for Portugal.


Portugal’s fishermen expect to catch 5,000 tonnes by the end of July and theremaining 2,181 tonnes as of August, as the Secretary of State for Fisheries, Jose Apolinário, said in statements to Lusa News Agency.

The first fleets off the blocks came back to land laden with the small fish and boasting of their size and quality, however, the fishermen say their lot falls short of the desired.


Earlier this month Portuguese and Spanish fishermen voiced their “outrage” over the 10,799 tonne quota, and asked Brussels for a reassessment based on recent scientific finds, to no avail.