Portugal has joined Spain in proposing to Brussels that the sardine quota be raised significantly this year.
The joint plan for sustainable sardine fishing, which provides for a "substantial" increase for this year, was announced today in Brussels by Portugal Minister for the Sea, Ana Paula Vitorino who continues to battle for Portugal’s hard-pressed fleet owners.
"We came together with Spain to present a sustainability plan for sardine catches off Portugal and Spain. What we proposed was a substantial increase in the potential catch for this year," said Vitorino, stressing that the figures proposed still guarantee the sustainability of sardine shoals.
The Iberian proposal, she said, recommends that Portugal and Spain can catch a total of 17,000 tonnes of sardines - two-thirds for Portugal and one third for Spain – a similarly split as has happened in the past. This proposal will be formalised this week and the hope is that Brussels will look at it within a few days.
Vitorino commented that "the year started with bad news, with an opinion from the International Council for Exploitation of the Sea (ICES) saying that only 1,500 tonnes could be caught and landed."
Under political pressure, this weight was raised to 14,000 tons. The current proposal for 17,000 tonnes, which is "a substantial increase compared to the initial forecasts."
Ana Paula Vitorino said the Luso-Spanish plan takes into account scientific advice and ensures sustainable sardine fishing.
"If this increase is confirmed, we can extend the fishing season until October or November, or until the catch limit is reached," said the minister.
