Government suspends Algarve octopus fishing ban after weather-related losses

The Portuguese government has suspended this year’s close season for octopus fishing in the Algarve, citing the economic impact of months of adverse weather on the region’s fishing fleet.

Under rules introduced last year, fishermen were due to stop catching octopus between September 15 and October 14 as part of efforts to manage stocks of one of the Algarve’s most valuable fisheries. However, a new ordinance published in the official gazette Diário da República on Thursday scrapped the 2026 closure.

According to the government, prolonged periods of rough seas in recent months prevented many vessels from operating normally, causing what it described as “significant economic losses”, particularly for boats that depend heavily on octopus fishing.

The measure, described as temporary and exceptional, was approved following a favourable opinion from the Octopus Fishing Co-management Committee.

Officials argued that the suspension is justified by the difficult economic circumstances facing the sector and is compatible with the long-term sustainability objectives that underpin the fishery’s management system.

Despite the decision, other conservation measures remain in force. Catch limits will continue to apply and fishermen must still return to the sea any clay pots, known as alcatruzes, found to contain octopus eggs in order to protect reproduction.

Octopus is one of the Algarve’s most commercially important seafood products and supports a significant number of coastal fishing communities across the region.

The ordinance comes into force on Friday and applies only during 2026.

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.