Portugal gets extra 18,000 tonnes of fish while others suffer

In the early hours of Wednesday, December 11, 2024, the European Union's Fisheries Ministers reached a significant agreement concerning fishing opportunities in the Atlantic and Mediterranean community waters for the year 2025. The negotiations resulted in an increase in the fish quota for Portugal by 561 tons compared to the previous year, allowing the country to fish a total of 18,419 tons. This increase translates to a monetary gain of approximately 2.8 million euros for the local fishing industry. Key species included in the quota enhancements are North Atlantic swordfish, monkfish, and skate, all popular among local fishermen. The improved quotas represent a strategic move to provide more fishing opportunities, benefitting local fishing fleets and contributing to the economy. The Secretary of State for Fisheries, Cláudia Monteiro de Aguiar, described the outcomes of the negotiations as “quite positive” for Portugal, highlighting the country's proactive stance in securing its fishing rights. A significant aspect of the agreement is the possibility for Portuguese fishermen to fish for cod in Canadian waters for the first time in over 30 years. This change opens new avenues for Portugal's fishing industry, particularly for cod, which is a high-demand species. The agreement allows Portuguese fishermen to catch just over 6,300 tons of cod, despite a reduction of 26% to fish off the Svalbard archipelago in Norway, where the quota has been set at 992 tons. These agreements reflect the ongoing dialogue and negotiations within the European Union concerning sustainable fishing practices and the management of marine resources. As nations work to balance economic needs with ecological responsibility, agreements like this showcase efforts to adapt and provide for local fishing communities while ensuring the protection of fish populations. The outcome establishes a vital precedent for future negotiations and supports Portugal's fishing industry's growth, making it a noteworthy development in the context of wider EU fisheries management.