The measure is contained in Decree No. 268/2026/1 and amends the regime established by Decree No. 55/2025/1, dated 26 February, which, in 2026, stipulated the interruption of octopus fishing between 15 September and 14 October.

According to the decree, the suspension of the closed season for this marine mollusc is due to difficulties in the sector caused by sea conditions recorded in recent months, which prevented the normal operation of vessels and led to "significant economic losses," particularly for those dedicated to octopus fishing.

The document states that because of these economic and operational challenges, suspending the closed season in 2026 is justified.

According to the Decree, the measure, of an “exceptional and temporary nature,” is compatible with the principles of sustainability and shared management of the resource within the co-management model and is applicable exclusively during the year 2026.

The Government also states that the Octopus Fishery Co-management Committee issued a favourable opinion on the suspension, taking into account the fleet's economic situation and the authorities' intention not to establish a mandatory national shutdown period in 2026.

Despite the suspension of the closed season, the remaining octopus fishery management measures remain in force, namely the catch limits and the obligation to return to the sea the traps containing eggs, aimed at protecting the species' reproduction.