Order no. 55/2025/1 “delimits” the period in which the closed season is in force and the area in which “the capture, keeping on board, landing and sale of octopus (Octopus Vulgaris) is prohibited”, which corresponds to the entire Algarve coast, from “the parallel that passes through the Seixe river (North) to the mouth of the Guadiana river (East)”.

The measure also includes “non-marine inland areas”, covers the entire area that goes “up to the limit of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)” and prevents fishing during the closed season month with “all commercial fishing gear”.

Any octopuses that are captured must “be immediately returned to the sea, between September 15 and October 14 of each year, in the area corresponding to the entire length of the Algarve coast”, the ordinance determines.

“Decree-Law No. 73/2020, of September 23, provides, through articles 13 to 18, for the creation of co-management committees through which, through the principle of maximum mutual collaboration, the shared management of living resources and the means necessary for their capture and economic use is promoted”, can be read in the Official Gazette.

“Considering the available scientific data, a proposal for a closed season for the octopus (Octopus vulgaris) in the Algarve was included in the Management Plan for Octopus Fishing in the Algarve, which aims to ensure the protection of the species in the area in question, during the defined period, from all fishing activities, including those carried out with commercial fishing gear not covered by the Octopus Co-Management Committee and within the scope of recreational fishing”.

The ban on catching octopus also covers recreational fishing throughout the geographical area defined in the ordinance, says the document, which also prohibits the sale of fresh octopus at Docapesca fish sales points in the Algarve.

The closed season period may be “brought forward or postponed” based on “adequate scientific justification” and “through a consensus decision by the General Assembly of the Algarve Octopus Fishing Co-Management Committee”, the ordinance also establishes.

The decision to bring forward or postpone “must be known at least two months in advance of the start date of the proposed closed season period”, he stressed.