The Government suspended the closed period for octopus fishing in the Algarve this year, justifying the decision with the damage caused to the fishing fleet by adverse weather conditions, according to a decree published today in Diário da República.
The measure is contained in Ordinance No. 268/2026/1, which changes the regime defined by Ordinance No. 55/2025/1, of February 26th. This diploma provided for, in 2026, the interruption of octopus capture between September 15th and October 14th.
According to the diploma, the suspension of the closure of this marine mollusk arises from the difficulties faced by the sector due to the state of the sea in recent months, which prevented the normal activity of vessels and caused “significant economic losses”, especially in vessels dedicated to capturing octopus.
Suspension justified by exceptional circumstances
“In these terms, given exceptional circumstances of an economic and operational nature, the suspension, in the year 2026, of the planned closure period is considered justified”, reads the document.
According to the Ordinance, the “exceptional and temporary” measure is compatible with the principles of sustainability and shared management of the resource within the scope of the co-management model, “being applicable exclusively during the year 2026”.
The government also says that it issued an opinion in favor of the suspension, taking into account the economic situation of the fleet and the authorities’ intention not to establish a mandatory stop period at a national level during 2026.
Other fishing rules remain in force
Despite the suspension of the closed season, other octopus fishery management measures remain in force, in particular the catch limits and the obligation to return to the sea the buckets containing eggs, aiming to protect the reproduction of the species.
The Ordinance comes into force the day after its publication, that is, from Friday, reads the document signed by the Secretary of State for Pecas and the Sea, Salvador Malheiro.
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