The Regional Secretariat for the Sea and Fisheries, through Order no. 111-A/2024 of December 31, defined the minimum catch size for bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) and the fishing restrictions for this species in the Autonomous Region of the Azores for 2025.
Following the agreement reached between the Autonomous Regions of the Azores and Madeira for effective joint management of the Outermost Regions’ quota for bigeye tuna, after negotiations between the organisations representing the sector, it was decided that it would be necessary to define a series of rules and procedures.
This decision-making process, mediated by the respective regional directorates, aims to maximise the opportunities for consensus on the restrictive measures to be implemented in 2025 in both regions, given that they share joint management of 85% of the national quota.
With a view to prolonging fishing for bigeye tuna over time, ensuring a better distribution and boosting the sector’s income, while not forgetting all fleet segments, the Azorean Government, through the Regional Secretariat for the Sea and Fisheries, has published an ordinance with restrictive measures for this activity. The ordinance sets limits for catching, retaining on board, transhipping and landing specimens of this species, at one fishing trip every 48 hours, for all vessels registered in regional harbours, according to the length overall.
Monthly catch limits are also imposed for January (80 tonnes), February (120 tonnes) and March (140 tonnes).
GRA/RÁDIOILHÉU
