Iberian sardine fishery regains MSC certification through Spain‑Portugal cooperation

The Atlantic‑sourced Iberian sardine (Sardina pilchardus) has been re‑awarded the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) blue label after losing it in 2014 due to a depleted stock. A joint management plan, running to 2026, introduced catch limits, closed seasons and juvenile protection measures, supported by enhanced monitoring systems.

This restoration was achieved through an unprecedented collaboration between Spanish and Portuguese purse‑seine fleets and a multi‑sector partnership involving fishers, the processing industry, scientific bodies and public administrations. The sardine fishery is economically vital for Portugal, sustaining thousands of jobs and holding deep cultural significance, while also delivering health benefits as an omega‑3‑rich fish with a low environmental footprint. The Ocean Stewardship Fund helped fund research that underpinned the new ecosystem‑based approach.