Ministry of Fisheries announced new regulations for the sardine season (+Press Release)

Published at: 15/03/2026 11:37 AM

The Ministry of Popular Power of Fisheries and Aquaculture announced a new fisheries management protocol for the 2026 sardine season, with the objective of protecting fish stocks and dignifying the work of nearly 6,937 fishermen in the states of Sucre and Nueva Esparta.

To mitigate overexploitation and ensure the traceability of the resource, the new work scheme establishes the following mandatory guidelines:

• Fleet regulation: The incorporation of new ring machines is strictly prohibited.
• Work schedule: Each machine will operate only two weeks a month, with a frequency of two working days per week (Tuesday and Thursday), and an established quota of 1,600 boxes per week will be met.
• Biological certification: A sampling will be carried out prior to each puff to validate the minimum size of 19 cm to allow a tolerance margin of just 10% for smaller specimens.
• After the capture, a mandatory resampling will be carried out on the beachfront.
• Artisanal inclusion: The use of sardines is reserved exclusively for artisanal fishermen.

In addition, lamb boats will be integrated as logistical support during the peak of the season. This regulatory framework will consolidate the fair distribution model that avoids market saturation, and ensures that the price of the product on the beach allows fishermen to renew their fleets.

Below is the full statement:

Mazo News Team