The renewal of Vila do Porto fish market, an investment of about of 300 thousand Euros, is fall under the priority goal to promote fish caught in the Azores with the aim of boosting the income of professionals in the fisheries sector and promoting exports," announced the President of the Government.

"The main goal that we continue pursuing in this area is not so much the creation of conditions to increase fishing, but to boost the marketing of fish caught in the Azores," said Vasco Cordeiro. The government official spoke during the presentation of the project that took place under the Government's statutory visit to the island of Santa Maria.

"There is still much work to do and many challenges are yet to be overcome," stated the President of the Government. Vasco Cordeiro expressed his belief that "it is possible to increase exports, particularly of processed fishing products; export a brand and a concept that can associate fishing activities in the Azores with sustainability, the use of traditional fishing gear and the privileged geographical location of our Region."

According to the President of the Government, the implementation of this strategy designed to increase the income of professionals in the fisheries sector is based on the "fundamental concern" about the sustainability of resource exploitation.

In his speech, Vasco Cordeiro mentioned that the redevelopment of Vila do Porto Fish Market, a work included in the Regional Public Works Charter, continues the investment made by the Regional Government in the Network of Fish Markets across the archipelago.

"The works for the renewal of fish markets and the acquisition of new equipment will allow Lotaçor to carry on and conclude certification process of the Food Safety system, which is already recognised in the majority of regional fish markets by the Portuguese Association for Certification - APCER," announced the President of the Government. According to him, these investments represent a "fundamental step to promote Azorean fish in its target markets."

In this context, the President of the Government revealed that the Government will launch a public call for tender for the Renewal and Expansion works of Madalena Fish Market on the island of Pico. These interventions aim to improve the condition for the unloading, handling and shipping of fish in accordance with legal requirements in force.

On the third day of the Government's statutory visit to Santa Maria, Vasco Cordeiro assured that the Fisheries sector will benefit from a second opportunity with the entry into force of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF). Following its recent approval by the European Parliament, which included several positions defended by the Azores, the programme should be soon adopted by the EU Council of Ministers.

"This fund comprises a component that is of great importance to the Azores since it allows the sector to harness the potential of young fishers, through the creation of support mechanisms to help them becoming business owners," stressed Vasco Cordeiro. The President of the Government stated that the Government is fulfilling its duty by providing the mechanisms to support a younger generation of fishers boosting the income from their professional occupation and tailoring their experiences to the new rules of good business management.