The Government of the Azores, through the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and the Sea, has prepared a major action to disseminate, inform and raise awareness for the Azorean Sea in an unprecedented programme designated as “Açores Entre Mares” (Azores Between Seas). Dozens of activities will be held across the archipelago starting on the European Maritime Day (May 20) until the World Oceans Day (June 8)

Taking into account the need to bring the marine issues closer to citizens, as it is embodied in the Integrated Maritime Policy for Europe, in the National Strategy for the Sea, in the Programme of the Government of the Azores and in the Inter-Departmental Commission for Maritime Affairs, this goal has been achieved with the organisation of an audacious programme. Many of these actions are organised by external entities which is considered an important manifestation of interest and capacity on the part of these entities. 

The activities include: sailing tours, races (canoeing, optimist), demonstration of nautical activities (surfing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking and rowing), cinema sessions, exhibition of documentaries, photography exhibitions, diving baptism, book presentations, gatherings, awareness and information sessions, workshops, lectures and pedestrians walks by interpretative trails. The programme also includes interaction moments between various professionals who are interested in maritime affairs, such as fishers, fishermen, scientists, athletes, promoters of maritime and tourism activities, port operators and educators.  The presentation of an audacious programme of port environmental monitoring will be highlight of these events.

In addition to several Natural Island Parks of the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and the Sea, various entities have contributed to these celebrations: APADIF Associations (Users of the Moviment'arte Project and the Youth Development and Inclusion Centre of Faial), Amigos do Calhau; Graciosa Cultural, Sports and Recreational Association, Juventude em Defesa do P.H.C.N. de São Jorge , São Miguel Diving Association, São Miguel Fire Brigade, Corvo Fire Brigade, “The Montanheiros,” Association of Producers of Demersal Species of the Azores (Faial), Fishers’ Association of Flores, São Miguel, Humanitarian Association of the Madalena Volunteer Fire Brigade and the São Roque do Pico Volunteer Fire Brigade; Dias de Melo Municipal Library (Pico), Madalena Municipal Library, São Roque Municipal Library, Ponta Delgada Public Library and Regional Archives; City Halls of Horta and Ribeira Grande, Town Hall of Lajes das Flores, Lajes do Pico, Madalena, Velas, Santa Cruz das Flores and Corvo; Casa do Povo da Ribeirinha (Ribeira Grande); Diving Centre of Hotel Ocidental (Flores), Ciência Viva Centre (Faial), Youth Development and Inclusion Centre – Escolha Certa; Ribeira Grande Healthcare Centre; NavalClubs of Horta, Graciosa, Madalena, Lajes das Flores, Velas, Rabo de Peixe, São Roque do Pico and Vila Franca do Campo; Culturepico; Department of Fisheries and Oceanography of the University of the Azores; São Jorge Ecomuseum; Graciosa Museum; São Jorge Vocational Training School, Vocational Training School of the Office and Commerce Union of S. Miguel and Santa Maria (EPROSEC); Padre José Cabral Lindo Kindergarten and Basic Education School (São Miguel), Gaspar Frutuoso Basic Education School; Tavares Canário Kindergarten and Basic Education School (São Miguel), Ribeira Grande Kindergarten Basic Education School, Maia Kindergarten and Basic Education School and Rabo de Peixe Kindergarten and Basic Education School;  Graciosa Basic Education and Secondary School, Santa Cruz das Flores Basic Education and Secondary School, Santa Maria Basic Education and Secondary School; António José de Ávila Basic Education School (Faial),  Mouzinho da Silveira Basic Education School (Corvo); Domingos Rebelo Secondary School (São Miguel), Manuel de Arriaga Secondary School (Faial) and Ribeira Grande Secondary School; Ribeirinha Scouts; Hortacetáceos (Faial); Social Work Institute, Santa Casa da Misericordia de Ponta Delgada – Rebirth Project; Oceanoscópio; Ocean Tecnology Foundation; JB Fernandes Trust; Village Councils of Porto Formoso (San Miguel), Rabo de Peixe (São Miguel), Rosais (São Jorge), Manadas (São Jorge), Velas (São Jorge); Lajes E / H School (Air Base 4 School); Lotaçor; Diver Azores (Faial), Espaço Talassa (Pico); Azores Oceanic (Pico); Futurismo (Pico); Nauticorvo; Norberto Diver (Faial); Oásis Nauti-Rent (Pico); Azores Sea Observatory; Administração dos Portos do Triàngulo e Grupo Central (APTO); Port Authorities of Horta, Ponta Delgada and Vila do Porto; Horta Maritime Police; Pulic Safety Police; Marine Education Network of the Azores (Faial); Caldeirão and Traineira Restaurants (Corvo) and the Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds.

The detailed programme will be announced soon.