Seafood Media Group - Worldnews - Iberian Sardine Purse Seine Fishery Receives Marine Stewardship Council Sustainable Fishing Certificate in Matosinhos Ceremony

Welcome

In a landmark event attended by numerous institutional representatives from Spain and Portugal, the Iberian sardine (Sardina pilchardus) purse seine fishery officially received its Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) sustainability certificate yesterday. This international seal recognizes good practices in sustainable fishing, marking a crucial step for the emblematic species.

Matosinhos –The Iberian sardine (Sardina pilchardus) purse seine fishery, which was officially certified under the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Fisheries Standard on July 4, yesterday received its sustainability certificate from the organization. This international seal, validating good practices in sustainable fishing, was presented at a ceremony held at the emblematic Leixões Cruise Terminal in Matosinhos, Portugal.

The event saw significant Portuguese institutional participation, including José Manuel Ferreira Fernández, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, and Salvador Malheiro, Secretary of State for Fisheries and the Sea. Representing the Spanish government were Isabel Artime García, Secretary General of Fisheries, and Ramón de la Figuera Morales, Director General of Sustainable Fisheries, both from the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The ceremony was moderated by Alberto Martín, MSC Program Director for Spain and Portugal.

The event was also attended by, among others, Alberto Castro, representative of ACERGA; Miren Garmendia, manager of OPEGUI, representing OPPs Cantábrico; Humberto Jorge, president of ANOPCERCO; Luís Silvério, vice-president of ALIF; José Freitas, president of ANICP; as well as Cándido Rial Rodríguez, Director General of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Innovation of the Xunta de Galicia; António Coelho Cândido, director of DGRM; José Guerreiro, president of the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA); and Sérgio Faias, president of DOCAPESCA's Board of Directors.

This certification acknowledges the joint effort of the National Association of Purse Seine Fishing Producers' Organizations (ANOPCERCO) and the Association of Cantabrian Fishing Producers' Organizations (OPPs CANTÁBRICO). These entities led a rigorous evaluation process, initiated in September 2024 and carried out by the certification body Bureau Veritas.

During the morning, participants witnessed sardine landings during a visit to the fishing port and the DOCAPESCA fish market in Matosinhos. They also took part in an interactive session with the skipper of an MSC-certified purse seine vessel, toured the Conservas Portugal Norte factory (part of ANICP), and finally attended the official certificate presentation ceremony, highlighting the joint commitment to sustainable fishing in Portugal and Spain. The ceremony, which brought together authorities, fishermen, scientists, and media, marks a turning point in the valorization of Iberian fishery products in international markets.

With this distinction, the Iberian sardine, an emblematic species in the gastronomic culture of both countries, once again proudly displays the MSC Blue Label, an international symbol of sustainable fishing. This comes after its suspension in 2014 due to stock status concerns. Since then, the fishery has implemented a multi-annual management plan, adopted in 2021 by the governments of Spain and Portugal, which includes measures such as closed seasons and catch limits, in line with ICES scientific recommendations.

The certified fishery encompasses 317 vessels—185 Spanish and 132 Portuguese—operating in ICES areas VIIIc and IXa of the Northeast Atlantic. The certification process involved 15 Producer Organizations and three Portuguese food industry associations (ANICP, ALIF, and APED), serving as a powerful example of cross-border cooperation and commitment to sustainability.

A Celebration of Collective Effort

During the event, representatives from ANOPCERCO and OPPs Cantábrico emphasized "the importance of this certification as international recognition of responsible fishing, committed to the future of the oceans and the well-being of coastal communities. The certificate is the result of years of work, dialogue, and shared responsibility among fishermen, scientists, and authorities from both countries," stated fishing organization representatives Humberto Jorge (ANOPCERCO) and Alberto Castro (OPPs CANTÁBRICO), visibly moved by the international recognition for a species emblematic in both Portuguese and Spanish cultures.

"This certification is the first joint one for both countries, an example of bilateral cooperation to guarantee the sustainability of a vital fishing resource, adapting to scientific recommendations and seeking a balance between species conservation and the sector's economic viability; joint management is the most effective way to enhance the sustainability of a resource like the sardine, which knows no borders," concluded Jorge and Castro.

Rupert Howes, CEO of Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), commented: "I want to congratulate everyone involved for their extraordinary leadership and commitment, which have allowed this emblematic and culturally significant fishery to regain MSC certification. Stocks have recovered, catch controls have been established, and an action plan has been agreed upon that will allow continued progress in the coming years.

This is a highly relevant achievement considering the situation of resources in 2014. This result would not have been possible without the high degree of collaboration and cooperation we have observed throughout the entire value chain, from the fishing sector, the canning and distribution industry, to the scientific community and management bodies in both countries.

I would like to highlight the fundamental role played by the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) and the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO), whose research and scientific evidence have been key to supporting this certification.

This strong collaboration demonstrates a collective commitment to the long-term sustainability of the Iberian sardine fishery, a resource of enormous importance for both Portugal and Spain, and an essential element of the Iberian-Atlantic ecosystem and the marine food web."

José Manuel Fernandes, Portugal's Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, remarked: "This is proof that organizations are capable and that, when they are clear about what they want, everything becomes easier. When organizations know what they want and are at the service of sustainability—which is essential—our work is also facilitated.

In 2024 we obtained very good results, and this Blue Label is proof of it: a symbol of maturity, competence, and persistence… Therefore, there is hope that the sardine label will be an inspiration for sustainability and for good articulation of the entire value chain across all species. We must make the most of our natural resources, but we have an obligation to ensure their continuity for future generations."

Isabel Artime, Secretary General of Fisheries, Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, stated: "The sardine is the emblematic resource of our coasts. Spain and Portugal share the sea, but above all, they share the responsibility of preserving it.

Compliance with the international sustainability standards established by MSC certification would not have been possible without the collective effort of the fishing sector, scientists, the Portuguese and Spanish administrations, and those of us who believed that it was possible to recover the Iberian sardine stock and fish responsibly.

Obtaining this certificate is not the end of the road, but an impetus to continue working together, so that the Iberian sardine continues to be an example of good management, international collaboration, and balance between environmental, social, and economic aspects."

Related News: