The fifth edition of "Açores Entre-Mares" (Azores Between Seas) will star today, European Maritime Day until June 8, World Ocean Day. An initiative promoted by the Government of the Azores, through the Regional Secretariat for Natural Resources, this year's edition will include 50 actions that will take will place across the archipelago with the aim of mobilising society for the knowledge, preservation and promotion of the Azores Sea.

In the next three weeks, several initiatives will be held under theme "Whales, Dolphins and Sharks." Organised in partnership between public and private entities, these activities will include whale watching, visits to protected areas, lectures, gatherings, exhibitions, underwater cleanup, cleaning of coastal areas, regattas, maritime tours and film sessions.

By choosing the iconic species of the Azores Sea, the initiative aims to raise awareness for the threats to marine life and the need to change harmful behaviours. Moreover, it also intends to acknowledge the importance of the opportunities they provide, such as whale watching, promotion of Whaling Heritage or shark diving.

All entities may organise events intended to promote the sustainable use of the Sea. This year's campaign already has thirty partners, including municipalities, maritime authorities, nautical clubs, science centres, schools and sports associations.

The official opening will be made by the Regional Director for Sea Affairs, Filipe Porteiro, with an activity addressed at children to take place at the Porto-Pim Aquarium on the island of Faial at 9:30 AM.

By early afternoon, a whale watching boat will leave the Madalena Port on the island of Pico. This activity will involve the participation of nature photographer Nuno Sá.

The programme, which is updated on a regular basis, may be consulted at the following electronic address: http://www.azores.gov.pt/GRA/SRRN-cigam/.

The community is invited to take part in this campaign by promoting initiatives or participating in its activities. Those who are interested may register at the Island Natural Parks, "Ecotecas" (Environmental Awareness Raising Centres) or at the Regional Directorate for Sea Affairs.

The European Maritime Day was established in 2008 by the European Council, European Parliament and the European Commission in the context of the Integrated Maritime Policy for the European Policy.

This is celebrated on May 20 with the aim of raising the awareness of European citizens for the crucial role played by the sea and oceans in their daily lives as well for the social and economic importance of marine and maritime sectors in the progress of Europe, the so-called "Blue Growth."

The World Oceans Day was first celebrated on June 8, 1992 during the Earth Summit that was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992.

This day also aims to pay an annual tribute to Oceans and their natural resources.