Order No. 15-D/2018 establishing the management measures for the Undulate ray (Raja undulata) for the year 2018 and the conditions to be observed for the collection of information for the scientific evaluation of this stock in sub-area 9 of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea.

This Order establishes the management measures for the Undulate ray (Raja undulata) for the year 2018 and the conditions to be observed for the collection of information for the scientific evaluation of this stock in sub-area 9 of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea. Undulate ray catch may be carried out by vessels holding a specific fishing permit for this species duly recorded on the respective fishing license, which must be requested from the Directorate-General for Natural Resources, Safety and Maritime Services (DGRM). The criteria for obtaining this authorization are set by Ministerial Decision of the DGRM to advertise on the website of the DGRM, the fishing gear for which the vessel is licensed, landing of rays made before 2017 and compliance by shipowners with the obligations resulting from Order No. 27/2017 of 16 January. Applications for authorization must be submitted within 10 working days of the publication of the referred Decision. The authorized fishing vessel' owners are obliged to allow the embarkation of scientific observers, duly accredited by the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere, IP (IPMA, IP), as well as to ensure adequate conditions to carry out the work required to obtain information requested on the stock of Undulate rays, except in situations where the technical characteristics of the vessels do not allow it without affecting its normal activity. The catching, retention on board and the landing of Undulate ray is not permitted during from the months of May to July.
Undulate ray is permitted exclusively on an ancillary basis, and directed fishing is prohibited. The maintenance on board, landing and sale of these rays with a size of less than 780 mm and more than 970 mm shall be prohibited. Measures in accordance with the table annexed to Order No. 27/2001 of 15 January, as amended by Order No. 402/2002 of 18 April; No. 1266/2004 of 1 October; No. 82/2011 of 22 February and No. 170/2014 of 22 August. Daily landings shall be limited up to 30 kg of living fish for authorized vessels. Vessels which do not hold an authorization to catch a Undulate rays may only land, at any tide, up to a maximum of one fish.