Through coordinated efforts between the Regional Governments of Madeira and the Azores, an additional 500 tonnes of bigeye tuna quota for 2026 has been secured from the national government. This allocation permits the reopening of fishing for this species, an opportunity that has not been available for several years.
The decision is viewed as excellent news for the fishing sector, offering a significant increase in fishing opportunities and, consequently, in the income of fishermen from both regions. The cooperation between Madeira and the Azores in defending the fishing sector is highlighted as crucial for generating tangible benefits for fishing communities and boosting the blue economy.
Bigeye tuna fishing reopened today, with specific catch limits set for different vessel types and sizes. This measure underscores the commitment of the regions to protecting the interests of fishermen and shipowners, aiming to ensure better working conditions, greater stability, and higher earnings.