Portugal receives blue seal for sardine fishing

The government highlights the opportunity to open up new markets with certification.

“This recognition is proof of the commitment of Portuguese fishermen to good environmental practices, responsible management of marine resources and respect for ecosystems”, the ministry highlights in a note sent to the Lusa news agency.

The MSC ( Marine Stewardship Council ) certification distinguishes fisheries with the best international practices in favor of sustainable fishing, based on standards such as the sustainability of sardine stocks , the reduction of the impact of fishing on ecosystems and an effective management system, based on scientific data.

In April, the then Secretary of State for Fisheries, Cláudia Monteiro de Aguiar, had already anticipated that, between June and July, Portugal should receive the blue seal for sardine fishing.

Confirmed today, the ministry emphasizes that “the MSC blue seal values ​​fish and opens doors to new markets”.

The certification covers the Portuguese purse seine fleet, represented by the National Association of Purse Seine Fishing Producers' Organizations (ANOPCERCO), and is valid until 2030.

Photo: Bruno Filipe Pires