Iberian sardines are an important marine resource for these two European countries.
The Portuguese sardine fishing fleet previously obtained sustainable certification but was suspended from the project by MSC in 2014 due to challenges in fish stock management.
The new certification marks an improvement in such fish stock issues, with improvement measures including a multi-year management plan developed by Portugal and Spain in 2021, valid until 2026, aimed at regulating annual catch volumes, fishing closures, juvenile fish catch limits, and other sustainability measures.
In addition to the joint fishery management plan between the two countries, Portugal established a Sardine Monitoring Committee as early as 2010, whose members include scientists, managers, fishing stakeholders, and non-governmental organizations, who collectively monitor and adjust management measures, focusing on long-term fishery recovery and conservation.
The Iberian sardine fishing season in Spain begins around March and continues until August, while Portugal's fishing season runs from April to November or December.
Portugal's sardine catch quota for this year is 34,406 tons, while Spain's quota is approximately half of Portugal's, at 17,332 tons.
According to MSC, this joint certification recognizes the two countries' commitment to sustainability and environmentally responsible procurement.
The MSC certification certificate includes 317 vessels, of which 132 are Portuguese vessels and 185 are Spanish vessels.
The certificate covers 15 fishery producer organizations from both countries and three major associations in the Portuguese food industry, including:
* Portuguese National Purse Seine Fishing Producers Organization Association (ANOPCERCO)
* Spanish Cantabrian OPPs, OPP Burela, and OPASTURIAS
* Portuguese Associação Nacional dos Industriais de Conservas de Peixe (ANICP), Associação Nacional da Indústria pelo Frio e Comércio de Produtos Alimentares (ALIF), and Associação Portuguesa de Empresas de Distribuição (APED)