The Administration Board of FUNDOPESCA unanimously decided to stipulate amount of support awarded to fishers at 254.62 Euros; beneficiaries cannot have another occupation other than fishing. The activation of this fund was justified by rough sea conditions that have prevented fishing vessels from operating at sea for 15 interspersed days.

In accordance with the proposal submitted by the Government of the Azores, the members of the board have analysed the data on the unloading registered by regional fish markets since December. Following the analysis of data, they have determined, for the first time, the allocation of this salary compensation fund to other professionals in the fishing sector and it can granted in conjunction with the payment of other social benefits.

"FUNDOPESCA is not activated in a certain month. In fact, it is activated whenever the conditions provided in the recently approved legislation at the Legislative Assembly prevent fishers from working," said the Regional Secretary for Natural Resources.

Speaking on the sidelines of the meeting of Administration Board of FUNDOPESCA in Horta, Luís Neto Viveiros said "if FUNDOPESCA were never activated throughout the year, it would be a very good sign," meaning that fishers "were able to work the entire year without any constraint."

However, the Regional Secretary pointed out that this situation is highly unlikely. Therefore, we must have this tool to support fishers with a financial amount that is calculated based on the days of inactivity and the conditions determining the activation of this fund."