Following the hearing of industry partners, the Regional Secretariat for the Sea, Science and Technology has established a closed season for red seabream and introduced a minimum catch size for alfonsino and splendid alfonsino.

An ordinance published in the Official Journal establishes a closed season for red seabream between January 15 and February 29 and stipulates new minimum catch sizes for alfonsino and the splendid alfonsino, set at 250 grams, as well as for European conger, which is now defined at 1330 mm or five kilos.

As for red seabream, this ordinance maintains the minimum catch size at 300 mm or in 400 grams, but eliminates the tolerance margin of 15% that was allowed.

According to the Regional Secretary for the Sea, Science and Technology, this "measure will reduce the catch quota by a few tonnes."

Fausto Brito e Abreu said that the creation of a closed season for red seabream is "an important measure for the smart management of this fishery in a context of quota reduction." It was one of the topics discussed during the Regional Fisheries Council held on April 30.

The ordinance published today, according to Brito e Abreu, is the result of several measures the Government has implemented to promote Azorean fish. It "clearly evidences" the importance the Region attaches to the practice of sustainable fishing, thus "contributing to the preservation of species and, simultaneously, boosting the income of fishers."

This ordinance establishes the minimum size and closed seasons that are not defined in EU law. These measures are necessary, taking into consideration the state and the condition of the existing resources, in order to ensure their conservation and management.

According Brito e Abreu, this set of legislative measures meets the expectations of the fisheries sector and are in aligned with the "Better Fisheries More Income" Plan.
The legislation concerning the minimum catch sizes and closed seasons was scattered. Hence, the Regional Government decided to consolidate the regulations in a single document.