Sardine fishing is prohibited until May 1st to safeguard the species.

The Portuguese Navy detected a Spanish vessel carrying out illegal fishing activity in Tavira in the early hours of Wednesday.

According to a Portuguese Navy statement, NRP Cassiopeia made the discovery “while conducting patrol and maritime surveillance south of Tavira.”

The vessel contained more than three tons of sardines, which “were illegally caught and which are banned from capture until May 1, 2024, to safeguard the species”.

The ship in question “was escorted to the port of Olhão”, and the fish was “confiscated”.

The Tavira Maritime Police took charge of the incident.