And, sardines can now only make up to five percent of the total catch on ships.

Therefore dragnet fishing vessels have said they will be temporarily suspending the fishing of sardines for the foreseeable future, but hope the quota will be significantly increased from next year.

This year the Iberian sardine quota for Portuguese fishermen was of 11.500 tonnes, which the fishermen hope next year will be increased to closer to 20,000 tonnes.