According to an ordinance published today in the Official Gazette and issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Sea, during the closed season, vessels licensed for shelter traps, cage traps, or spearfishing that intend to suspend fishing activities must notify the Directorate-General for Natural Resources, Safety, and Maritime Services (DGRM).

Octopus fishing has three closed seasons throughout the year, the first beginning on July 17th and lasting until August 15th, for the area between the country's northern border and the parallel that passes through the southern limit of the jurisdiction of the Captaincy of Figueira da Foz.

For the area between the parallel that passes through the southern limit of the Captaincy of Figueira da Foz and the northern limit of the jurisdiction of the Captaincy of Sines, the closed season is from August 16th to September 14th.

South of the Captaincy of Sines, the closed season for octopus fishing is from September 15th to October 14th.

During this period, the capture, retention on board, and unloading for sale of common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) are prohibited, and any captured specimens must be immediately returned to the sea.

Vessels affected by this ban and wishing to cease fishing activities must now notify the DGRM via email at mail.df@dgrm.pt, and their fishing licenses will be suspended for the 30 days in question.

The ordinance states that vessels may sail in extraordinary circumstances related to travel to the shipyard, provided they notify the DGRM at least three days before the start of the trip.