Summary:
Portugal secures an increase of 561 tons in fishing quotas, worth €2.8 million.
Minister José Manuel Fernandes highlights the importance of negotiations with the European Commission.
New quotas include increases for grouper, monkfish, sole, and ray.
Reopening of cod fishing after 32 years in a specific NAFO area.
Commitment to sustainable fishing practices in line with Sustainable Development Goals.
Significant Gains in Fishing Quotas
After intensive negotiations, Portugal has successfully increased its national fishing quota by an additional 561 tons, translating to an impressive €2.8 million boost. The Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, José Manuel Fernandes, along with the Secretary of State for Fisheries, Cláudia Monteiro de Aguiar, represented Portugal in the recent AGRIFISH Council of Ministers meeting held from December 9 to 10.
Details of the Quota Increase
The government announced that the new quotas include significant increases in species such as grouper (goraz), monkfish (tamboril), sole (areeiro), and ray (raia). This positive outcome comes after the European Commission initially proposed drastic cuts to vital fish stocks, particularly affecting grouper, which is caught in mainland Portugal and the Azores.
Economic Impact
The increase includes 147 tons of cod, raising Portugal's quota to 6,318 tons, which equates to approximately €680,000. Additionally, for the first time in 32 years, the fishing of cod will be reopened in a specific area of the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO), with a quota set at 234 tons.
Regional Benefits
In the case of grouper from area 10, Portugal successfully negotiated to avoid a 35% cut proposed by the European Commission, ensuring a provisional total allowable catch (TAC) that will support the Azorean fleet in the first half of 2025. Furthermore, a commitment was made for a reassessment based on new scientific data from the Azores to establish a definitive TAC for 2025.
Commitment to Sustainable Fishing
The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries remains dedicated to promoting a sustainable, profitable, and enduring fishing activity, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals. Minister Fernandes emphasized the need to balance environmental concerns, biodiversity, and economic factors, especially for the Azores, ensuring that any significant impacts from quota adjustments in June will be addressed with FEAMPA funds.
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