Regional Government increases minimum catch size of Splendid Alfonsino, Blackbelly Rosefish, Grouper and Parrot Fish
After consulting industry partners, the Regional Secretariat for the Sea, Science and Technology has reviewed the minimum sizes of various fish species, namely Splendid Alfonsino (Beryx splendens), Blackbelly Rosefish (Helicolenus dactylopterus dactylopterus), Grouper (Serranus spp.) and Parrot Fish (Cretan Sparisoma).
The ordinance published today in the Official Journal determines that the minimum catch size will be set at 35 centimetres for Splendid Alfonsino and 30 centimetres for Blackbelly Rosefish, Grouper and Parrot Fish.
Gui Menezes stated this decision "took into consideration biological and economic factors.” The change in the minimum sizes of the species concerned will “strengthen sustainability factors in their exploitation, contributing to a better use of the quotas allocated and, thus, to an increase in the income from these fisheries.”
The associations representing the sector have welcomed this decision.
The legal document also lays down rules on catches in official sporting competitions as well as in tourism fishing, particularly as regards certain species, quantities and sizes.
Considering the economic importance of these activities in the context of the regional economy, a system of exceptions has been introduced to allow the limited catch of a number of species considered as "fishing trophies" at the time when Total Allowable Catches are closed and quotas are allocated for these species in the context of commercial fishing.
The recently published ordinance comes into force Friday, September 13.