Portugal ensures more than 800 tonnes in cod fishing

The Minister of Agriculture and Maritime Affairs José Manuel Fernandes and the Secretary of State for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs Salvador Malheiro represented Portugal in the European negotiations at the Agrifish meeting held on 11 and 12 December. The 27 Member States set their fishing quotas for 2026 at the meeting.

The negotiations were long and stringent and yielded positive outcomes. We note cod, with an 800-tonne increase in the Canadian Newfoundland banks and bluefin tuna, fundamental for the sector (particularly for the ultraperipheral fishing communities), with which Portugal will enjoy a 17% rise in quota, set at 747 tonnes.

Portugal guaranteed in this way the continuity of its fishing operations in a framework of operating stability and predictability for fishers.

As for the remaining species managed by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) - marlin, bigeye tuna, albacore, blue shark, and others, the totals available for catch remained unaltered from 2025, which brings confidence to the sector.

The negotiations were held over two days and enabled to reduce significantly the 28% cut proposed for sole to an effective 9% cut. This Victory represents a 307-tonne quota, which is greater than the 237 tonnes recorded in 2024. As for redspot seabream, since the rise in quotas for 2027 is 12%, the government will eliminate in 2026 the estimated 3% cut using the interannual flexibility mechanism.

Regarding the black swordfish stock, the cuts proposed by the European Commission were shortened, and the transfer of 150 tonnes of this species from France to Portugal was assured. There is also the possibility of new increases throughout the year.

Portugal achieves fish quota stocks for megrim (11%), west coast anchovy (92%) and south area anchovy (60%).