This seizure occurred as part of a surveillance operation at the fishing port of Matosinhos, in the district of Porto, where a vessel was found to have captured the fish without having registered it in the electronic fishing logbook.

"This is one of the practices used to circumvent quotas which are designed to preserve stocks," said the GNR.

The 60-year-old captain of the vessel was identified, and an infraction notice drawn up against him, punishable with a maximum fine of €250,000.

The seized fish was sold through auction, and the amount raised placed under court order.

The GNR stressed that the practice of sustainable fishing, which respects nature and integrity of ecosystems, contributes to the conservation of fish stocks and, at the same time, to the creation of prosperity and employment in the fisheries sector.