This article was featured in Eurofish Magazine 3 2025.
Portugal’s sardine fishery is on track to receive Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification by summer 2025, a significant step forward in the country’s commitment to sustainable fisheries and international market competitiveness. According to Cláudia Monteiro de Aguiar, Secretary of State for Fisheries, the MSC certification—expected between June and July—will affirm the fishery’s alignment with international sustainability standards. The certification is also expected to bring commercial benefits, including stronger positioning in European markets where eco-labels increasingly influence consumer choices. The announcement was made during the signing of sardine supply contracts between the purse seine fleet Propeixe and Portugal’s national canning industry, marking the second year of formal collaboration between the harvesting and processing sectors. The number of processing companies involved has increased to eight, reflecting growing industry confidence in the partnership. The fixed-price contracts offer increased price stability and revenue predictability for fishing operators, while also supporting secure supply for processors.
As part of the 2025 management plan, Portugal has secured 66.5% of the total Iberian sardine quota—an increase of approximately 5,000 tonnes, or 16% more than the previous year. This quota expansion is expected to extend fishing seasons and enhance economic stability for the fleet. The certification is also expected to enhance the competitiveness of Portuguese sardines in European and global markets. Currently, the only MSC-certified sardine fishery in Europe is located in the United Kingdom. Achieving certification would place Portugal in a stronger position in terms of traceability, consumer trust, and added value throughout the supply chain. With improvements in quota management, strengthened vertical integration between harvesting and processing, and an upcoming sustainability certification, Portugal’s sardine sector is positioning itself for long-term resilience and growth in a market increasingly shaped by environmental credentials.
