Law No. 7/2008 on Inland Fishing.

This Law, consisting of 42 articles divided into eight Chapters, establishes the foundations for the sustainable planning and management of aquaculture resources in inland waters and defines the principles governing fisheries and aquaculture activities in these waters. It applies to fishing and aquaculture activities carried out in all surface, public or private inland waters. In addition, it is also applicable to fishing and aquaculture activities carried out in border water bodies, subject to the obligations assumed by the Portuguese State. The inland waters aquatic animals heritage is a natural resource whose protection, conservation and sustainable use, in compliance with the principles of nature conservation, of biodiversity and protection of the quality of water bodies, are under national, community and international interest. The sustainable management of aquatic resources is carried out in accordance with principles enshrined in the legislation on the management of water and national water resources, the preservation of natural habitats and wild fauna and flora and the introduction of non-indigenous species into nature.
Aquatic animal resources are regularly assessed in terms of the geographic distribution of different species, quantification of their numbers and population trends. The results achieved through the data obtained in the evaluation form the basis for the definition of management plans for aquaculture resources. In order to ensure the protection and conservation of aquatic species with a high status of threat or for scientific reasons, protection zones may be created, in which, in addition to fishing, they may be prohibited, in whole or in part any activities that affect the normal development of aquatic species and the integrity of their habitats.