Fish unloaded in Olhão and VRSA rose more than 50% in the first quarter

The fish auctions in Olhão and Vila Real de Santo António had increases of more than 50% in fresh fish unloaded in the first quarter of this year, according to the Fisheries Statistical Report, by the General Directorate of Natural Resources and Safety and Maritime Services (DGRM) .

The Olhão auction was even the one that achieved the highest increase in the country with 58% compared to the same period of the previous year, with sales at auction from 1177 to 1861 tons.

«Also the auctions of Aveiro (+892 tonnes) and Vila Real de Santo António (+95 tonnes) recorded increases in 2021 of more than 50% compared to the same period of 2020», highlights the DGRM.

In the opposite direction, in Algarve, Tavira registered a 42% drop in fish unloaded in the same period. Also Sines (-43%) and Cascais (84%) had decreases.

In total, according to DGRM, Centro and Algarve are the regions with the highest amounts of fresh fish unloaded.

In terms of price, the Algarve is the region with the highest average prices for fish, sold at auction (4,83 euros/Kg).

At national level, with regard to the quantities landed by species, «the greatest variability is observed in cockles, with an increase of 269%, and in horse mackerel, with 190%», highlights the DGRM.

With regard to fishing modalities (drag, siege and multipurpose) by region, the Center and Algarve stand out with increases compared to 2020.

Multipurpose fishing has the greatest weight globally.

In 2021, 1.629 tonnes were captured by multipurpose vessels in the North, 2.940 tonnes in the Center and 2 tonnes in the Algarve.

DGRM considers that it is “important to remember that 2020 was a year hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, which influences the statistical results for that period analyzed”.

From a global perspective, there is an increase in the catch of fresh fish in 2021 compared to 2020, certainly contributing a lot to the progressive assimilation of measures to combat the pandemic, which allowed the sector to keep the fishing activity safe and transmit confidence to the markets.