According to the diploma, signed by the Secretary of State for Fisheries, José Apolinário, the limit of sardines caught by the Portuguese fleet for the period beginning on 1 August is 6,405 tonnes, to be divided between the group of vessels whose owners are members of producer organisations (POs) recognised for sardines (6,308 tonnes) and the group of vessels whose owners are not members of POs recognised for sardines (97 tonnes).

Fishing for sardines had been banned since 12 October and reopened on 1 June.

According to the document, fishing is not allowed during the weekend and on national holidays and starting on 14 September, fishing for sardines on Wednesdays will not be allowed.

According to the order, when the limit of 6,405 tonnes of sardines caught is reached, a new order will be published, prohibiting the fishing of sardines in zone 9 defined by International Council for the Exploration of the Sea.