The fishing tourism activities, operating vessels of the regional fishing fleet, started today in São Mateus on the island of Terceira with the launch of the vessel “Flávio.”

The Regional Under Secretary of Fishing, who attended the opening of this new fishing based activity, told journalists that the legal framework of this business opportunity has been created, thus any vessel of the regional fishing fleet may apply to operate in this market.

Marcelo Pamplona stressed that safety is the major concern: “we want ensure all the necessary conditions so that tourists may board safely on all certified vessels.”

By creating the adequate legislation for this situation, the Government aims to ensure in Azorean fishing ports “a necessarily limited number of vessels engaged in this activity not only to enhance fishing activities, but also to attract more people to participate in traditional fishing activities” in the Region.

The initiative launched today is under the supervision of the Associação de Mulheres de Pescadores e Armadores dos Açores (Azores Fishermen’s wives and Shipowners Association) headquartered in the São Mateus port.

The tourism fishing tourism package includes a reception at the headquarters of the association, followed by a guided tour to the fishing port and the local museum during which a guide will provide information on the history of local fishing, types of vessels, fishing gear and the species caught.

In the fishing sight, the fishing gear to be used (fly fishing) will be demonstrated by fishers, after which tourists will engage in the fishing activities.

On returning from the fishing trip, each participant may choose to take two kilos fish or to take half a kilo of fish per person to one of three restaurants located in São Mateus where participants can ask the cooks to prepare it according to their preferences or they can even cook it themselves; however this option does not prevent them from savouring other specialities of the participating restaurants.