According to Eurostat data for 2019, published in an interactive graphic on publico.pt (image below), each Portuguese consumes about 60 kg of fish per year, while, for example, a citizen of the Czech Republic or Hungary consumes only 6 kg.
More recent consumption statistics have not yet been released, but we daresay Portugal is unlikely to have changed its place on the list.
Already in 2021, the same resource will write an article about the fact that the Portuguese eat too much fish and it is bad for the planet and refers to the same figures.
The people of Portugal statistically have their favorite types of fish. One third of the total fish consumption in the country and 20% of the total fish catch in the world is cod. Other popular fish include tuna, hake, sea bass, sea bream, salmon, swordfish and sardines.
Other marine life popular on the Portuguese table include cuttlefish, squid and octopus.
Did you know that octopuses are extremely intelligent, feeling and memorizing physical and emotional pain. And these are the arguments people use to protect these animals from humans. More information can be found online, such as here.
It's a very short list, but there are over 200 species of fish and other aquatic life passing through Portuguese auctions. The first time in the fish department of a large supermarket or market in Portugal can be confusing, and then it can be a relief to look at more familiar species such as dorado or hake. Over time, it's worth expanding your range and trying something new each time. Diversification of one's flavor preferences is even recommended by the WWF, as consumption is supposed to be more evenly distributed across species and have a better effect on populations. Their separate Portuguese fish lending site has lots of interesting information and even recipes, which we understand are designed to encourage people to spread their demand across different types of fish and seafood.
To understand the Portuguese fish diversity, we can use DecoProTeste's fish, shellfish and crustacean consumption calendar, which takes into account factors such as:
- Seasonality. It seems that fish in the ocean are found all year round. The fact is that during certain periods, different species reproduce and are not allowed to be caught to ensure population recovery. If you encounter a species on the counter during the "off season" months, the fish is either frozen or caught illegally. Therefore, different species have optimal consumption periods.
- Catch location. Nowadays, it is already recommended to favor species that inhabit local waters for ecological reasons as well. For example, surprisingly, the Portuguese favorite cod is shipped from abroad. It is suggested to favor mackerel and mackerel, for example, instead of cod. The calendar contains only species that live and are caught directly off the coast of Portugal. Those species that are farmed (e.g. salmon) or imported from outside the country (cod) are not included in the calendar.
- Method of capture. There are fishing methods that cause significant damage to the ecosystem, in particular affecting the future recovery of fish populations.
The oceans are also natural sinks for carbon dioxide. Some methods (e.g. trawl fishing) also involve raising the bottom, which impacts the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. And excessive CO2 concentrations are now being combated globally. It also destroys coral colonies, leaving dead areas on the bottom.
The calendar also shows how endangered a given ocean dweller is (Lista Vermelha de Espécies Ameaçadas da IUCN/Red List of Threatened Species), so that people can choose species that are more common in their consumption.
All information about the period, place and method of catch must be provided by market vendors or store staff.
The quality marks of some of the organizations you decide to trust can help you save time. We will tell you about some of them later in this article.
Where to buy fish
- In large retail chains such as Continente, Pingo Doce, Minipreco, Aldi, Lidl. The first three currently have the option to order online with delivery;
- At the local market in the fish department. It is not always available at the market, so you should check locally. But if there is, there are often restaurants nearby where you can taste the freshest fish, but already cooked;
- Online. For example, you can order fish and seafood here: Mariskito, Casa do peixe.
- From wholesale suppliers like Macro, Recheio, Arcol. Prices in such stores can be more favorable, but to take advantage of them, you need to have a sole proprietorship (even if not related to catering) and issue a client card.
- Directly at the fishermen on the day of fishing. We talk about it at the end of this article.
- Catch on your own.
The quality of products in both the market and the supermarket is good. Therefore, we would recommend exploring the options available to you and comparing the appearance, variety and cost of the products. For example, buying at the market is far from always a budget saver, while local promotions in supermarkets can be very nice.
Fish can be bought fresh or frozen. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, but the quality of fish in both cases must be good. For example, you should not be afraid that when defrosting frozen fish, pieces of ice will fall off.
In large supermarkets, to buy fresh fish, you have to take a coupon and queue first to order and then to have the fish cleaned. Any market or supermarket vendor will offer to clean your fish at no extra charge. For some fish, you will be asked to specify the method of preparation, as this will determine how the fish will be cut for you. In larger Continente stores, a small extra selection of fresh fish may also lie in the refrigerators, which you have access to without having to wait in line. The price there may be slightly cheaper than in the main department, but only because the fish in this case is not cleaned and you will have to do it yourself.
Average cost of fish and seafood
Any immigrant planning a move tries to understand their potential cost of living in a new country. Therefore, below we show the average price level for fresh fish and seafood at the time of March 2024.
You will notice that for a number of items there is quite a big difference between the minimum and maximum price. This is because it depends, for example, on the size and minimum weight of the fish or shellfish.
We have not indicated the average cost of, for example, clams in shells or shrimp, as there are so many types of them. You can buy products from 2 euros/kg, simple shrimp and mussels, to the most expensive options for 80 euros/kg in the case of shrimp.
- Salmon fillet 20 - 25 euros/kg;
- Salmon steak 15 euros/kg 16;
- Tuna steak 12 - 23 euros/kg;
- Stavridae 5 - 7 euros/kg;
- Mackerel 4 - 6 euros/kg;
- Seabass 12 euros/kg;
- Dorada 7 - 12.5 euros/kg;
- Sea bream 7.5 - 25 euros/kg;
- Turbot 18 euros/kg;
- Monkfish 11 - 14 euros/kg;
- Hake 8 - 12 euros/kg;
- Cuttlefish 11 euros/kg;
- Octopus 7 - 19 euros/kg;
- Squid 6-13 euros/kg;
- Crab 20 euros/kg, but there are cooked as semifinished products from 13 euros/kg.
Frozen products are convenient because you will always have a supply of fish in your refrigerator. There are times when there may be no convenience stores with a fish department, and it is more convenient and profitable to buy once a week or two in a large supermarket. Also, the most valuable sirloin parts are often frozen if you don't need the rest. Many types of fish and seafood are not available frozen.
You can't say that frozen fish and seafood is cheaper. The quality is just as good, and yet companies spend on packaging and freezing. There are products from third party brands, and there are supermarket branded products. The latter is also quite good quality and more often cheaper. We would rather consider the option of freezing not from the point of view of economy, but from the convenience of consumption and the possibility of having a fish dish on the table at any time.
The following are approximate prices for some frozen products.
- Salmon loin 250g 7.5 euros/pack;
- Tuna steaks 400gm 9 euros/pack;
- Sea bream fillet 200gr 6 euros/pack;
- Fillet of monkfish 250g 6 euros/pack;
- Hake fillet 400gm 4.20 euros/pack;
- Pangasius fillet 600gm 5,5 euros/pack;
- Cuttlefish 500gr 7 euros/pack;
- Octopus 4 kg €13.60/kg (i.e. €54.4/pack);
- Squid 1kg 13 euros/pack;
- Mussels 250gm 1,70 euros/pack (if with garnish, it is usually enough for 2-3 people).
By the way, the stores sell crab sticks familiar to many, 450g for 2,70 euros/pack.
Certification and quality marks
We have highlighted the three main quality marks that can be found on fish and seafood in Portugal:
- MSC for caught fish and seafood;
- ASC for farm-raised fish and seafood;
- CCL certificate proving that the fish and seafood was purchased at a Portuguese auction.
MSC
The international non-profit organization MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) has developed the Blue Seal certification program. Only wild fish and seafood products that meet sustainable catch standards can receive this seal.
Packs with this seal are available in many stores:
ASC
If the seafood is agriculture or farm raised (which can often be salmon, mussels, shrimp), you can look for an ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) quality stamp. This international non-profit organization monitors the environmental and social aspects of the business. If the products meet the standards, they receive this label.
CCL
CCL stands for Comprovativo de Compra em Lota (Proof of lot purchase). As we mentioned at the beginning of this article, more than 200 species of fish and seafood are auctioned in Portugal. The auctions are organized by the state-owned company Docapesca. Restaurants, hotels, wholesalers and retailers make purchases at them. Buying at auction guarantees that the fish has passed a food safety system check; that the origin of the product is controlled; that the seafood is caught by vessels operating on the Portuguese coast, where traceability rules are respected, the seasonality of each species and the fishing quotas set, which preserve fish stocks.
If the fish is bought at auction, the seller can provide you with a CCL certificate or can display the mark on their product.
Docapesca has launched a website that allows the end consumer to identify where fresh fish from Portuguese auctions are sold in each region, including municipal markets, fishmongers, large supermarkets and retail outlets.
What other sources of fish in Portugal
It is still possible to buy fish directly from fishermen in Portugal. For example, quite regularly the fishermen on the Costa da Caparica gather crowds of curious and eager buyers, as well as flocks of seagulls hoping for an easy catch. This is where you can observe the traditional xávega trawl fishing method, which is practiced in some coastal areas. Xávega fishing has even been registered in the National Register of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Portugal.
You can also try your hand at fishing yourself. In Portugal, you can often see people with long fishing rods stuck in the coastal sand. Anyone can become a fisherman. You just need to follow the rules and buy a license.
People in Portugal also collect various molluscs on their own (including mussels and less familiar species). For example, sometimes at low tide on the same beach of Costa da Caparica you can see people meditatively picking the mud with their feet. Then they find something and put it in a bag. This strange at first glance leisure activity is related to the search for clams, which can then be quickly cooked for dinner with just a skillet, a little olive oil and spices. We found a video of a similar process.
