Background context on the annual sardine fishery closure — most relevant to commercial purse-seine, but useful when reading local seafood and market rhythms.
Background infoWinterVariable winter and early-spring closurePortuguese coast (regional context)About 30-60 min awayBackground
What it is
The sardine fishery is closed each winter and reopened by ministerial despacho once stock assessments allow.
Reopening dates land each spring and are announced by DGRM — the 2026 reopening was set at 00:00 on 4 May 2026.
Useful as background for understanding why fresh sardine availability shifts at Ericeira's market and at coastal restaurants through the year.