The Regional Director for Fisheries revealed that the first regional aquaculture project is being implemented on Graciosa Island, adding that it is a spirulina production unit, a microalgae used in the food industry.
 
Luís Rodrigues also stressed that three aquaculture projects for the islands of Terceira, Faial and São Miguel are under assessment, adding that there are eight projects that have applied to the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF).
 
The Regional Director spoke Tuesday at the end of the workshop on" Responsible Research and Innovation - Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture." The initiative is organised by the Regional Science and Technology Fund, under the European project MARINA, and is funded by the H2020 programme. It is focused on topics related to the "blue growth."
 
As for the eight projects applying to Support Scheme on Innovation in Aquaculture, Luís Rodrigues stressed that they are "a good example" of the possibility of synergies between aquaculture and fisheries, to the extent that, in some cases, several partnerships were established with fishers' associations.
 
In his speech, the Regional Director reminded the investments made by the Government of the Azores in this area, including the mapping project of coastal and off shore areas with potential for aquaculture, the creation of aquaculture production areas on the islands of Faial, Terceira and San Miguel, and the creation of a package of tax benefits to attract investors.
 
Luís Rodrigues also pointed out that the Government has implemented several support measures for productive investments in aquaculture, being exclusively intended for aquaculture companies. Currently, there is one project under consideration.
 
The meeting held Tuesday in Ponta Delgada brought together researchers, technicians and professionals working in fishing and aquaculture sectors. It was intended to analyse the opportunities and synergies between the two areas, which will allow the interaction and sharing of information and experiences.