Octopus fishing in the Algarve will continue without the scheduled stop for this year, after the government decided to suspend the closed season that was scheduled for September. The measure comes into force this Friday and comes as a response to the economic difficulties experienced by the fleet in recent months.
According to the news agency, the decision was published this Thursday, June 18, in the Official Gazette of the Union, through an ordinance that changes the regime approved in February and eliminates, exceptionally, the interruption of capture between September 15 and October 14.
Bad weather weighed on the decision
The Executive justifies the suspension with the adverse weather conditions that affected activity at sea and limited the operation of many vessels, especially those dedicated to capturing octopus. In the diploma, the government admits that these circumstances caused “significant economic losses”, creating a scenario considered exceptional for the sector.
The measure, writes the news agency, was considered necessary to alleviate the financial pressure on Algarve fishermen.
Rules remain
Despite the end of the closed season in 2026, other management measures remain in force, such as catch limits and the return of laying buckets to the sea, to protect the reproduction of the species. According to the same source, the Octopus Fishing Co-management Committee gave a favorable opinion to the suspension, considering the current situation of the fleet.
The Government emphasizes that this is a temporary measure and restricted to this year, maintaining its commitment to the sustainability of fishing.
Also read:
