Regional Government has worked in collaboration with scientists to assess commercial fish stocks - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Mar e das Pescas

In recent days, the Regional Government has been following with concern the news reports regarding the reduction in the red seabream quota and the depletion of quotas for certain species, as well as the social and economic consequences experienced by fishers and shipowners.

Therefore, it is important to clarify the following aspects of the sector:

1) Quotas aim to ensure the sustainable exploitation of resources. Whenever cuts are made, it is because the best available indicators suggest the need to reduce fishing pressure to levels compatible with the recovery or stabilisation of stocks. This is a measure intended to protect the natural resources that sustain the activity in the medium and long term.

2) In the specific case of red seabream, it should be clarified that recent reductions are not due to a lack of data, but rather the result of investment in monitoring and science in the Autonomous Region of the Azores. The assessment of this species' stock has become more detailed and solid, incorporating not only abundance indices collected on scientific cruises but also biological information from the regional fishing fleet's activities. Today, there is a solid scientific basis, with independent indicators leading to the definition of more appropriate and transparent exploitation rules. As red seabream is a deep-sea species, slow-growing and late-maturing, it is to be expected that the effects of management measures will not be immediate and will take time to be reflected in abundance indices and, consequently, in quotas. Nevertheless, the results of these measures are beginning to be evident in scientific assessments, with the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) recommending quota increases in 2027.

3) It has been publicly stated that the information collected in the Region ‘does not reach’ the European Commission. This statement is incorrect. Data from the Azores have been reported to ICES working groups, which produce public scientific opinions. Based on these opinions, the Commission presents proposals for total allowable catches (TACs) and quotas, which are then discussed and decided upon by the European Council. As this is a transparent process, any citizen can consult the ICES reports on regional stocks (red seabream, Beryx spp., horse mackerel and others).

4) The depletion of deep-sea species quotas, such as splendid alfonsino, clearly illustrates the challenges of managing fishing resources for which scientific information is still limited. At this point, it is not a matter of pointing to immediate solutions, but rather recognising that the issue deserves reflection and debate to achieve better coordination in the fisheries sector. An ICES meeting dedicated to the development and validation of methodologies for assessing stocks with limited data is scheduled for early September in the Azores, where this issue will be addressed in detail. In addition, several Beryx fish species have been the subject of study in initiatives promoted by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation. The meeting will discuss assessment and management strategies alongside scientists from various countries, including Japanese experts, given their direct interest in fishing for this species in the Pacific Ocean. These challenges are not exclusive to the Autonomous Region of the Azores.

5) The quality and consistency of the scientific work carried out in the Region have been recognised internationally, with ICES meetings being held in the Azores. This enhances the Region's visibility in the European context and creates opportunities to efficiently align regional management needs with the best international methodologies. 

Nevertheless, the Regional Government of the Azores recognises the impact that quota reductions have on our fishing communities. For this reason, scientific consistency, predictability in management and collaboration between the fishing sector, science and the regional administration are essential, including in this process the participation of shipowners, fishers and associations representing the fishing sector.

The Regional Government makes it very clear: fishing is an asset that adds value to the Autonomous Region of the Azores, and we are committed to continuing to work with everyone to promote and use sustainable practices, ensuring that forthcoming generations will benefit from the wealth of resources available in the Azores sea.