The Regional Secretary for the Sea, Science and Technology pointed out on Graciosa the aquaculture production of algae as "a very important step in the development" of this activity in the Azores.
 
Gui Menezes spoke during a visit to the first regional aquaculture project implemented on Graciosa, which aims to produce spirulina on shore, a microalga used in the food industry.
 
The Regional Secretary for the Sea welcomed the fact that the person in charge of this production unit was able to "use the support from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund" (EMFF), which was implemented by the Regional Government last August for investments in aquaculture activities. He also recalled "the creation of the EMFF support scheme for aquaculture innovation; the 12 projects submitted are currently under evaluation."
 
"Overall, the Region has provided support for aquaculture amounting to 4.8 million Euros," Gui Menezes said, reiterating that the Azorean Government will continue focusing on the development of this activity in the archipelago.
 
In addition to these supports, Gui Menezes also reminded that the application period for the new support schemes on the marketing and processing of fish and aquaculture products have been open since February. These measures are also co-financed by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund in the amount of 12.3 million Euros.
 
The Regional Secretary visited today the unit of algae culture in tanks inside a greenhouse. It aims to produce a daily average of dry spirulina in the order of seven grams per square metre, that is, the goal is to achieve a production capacity of 1,200 kilograms in a season between April and September.
 
"Although this is a small-scale project that has already created two jobs, I believe it can grow and contribute to the revitalisation of the island's economy," said Gui Menezes.
 
The Regional Secretary also pointed out some of the Regional Government's investments in this area, namely the mapping of coastal and offshore areas with potential for aquaculture, the creation of aquaculture production areas on the islands of Faial, Terceira and São Miguel as well as the creation of a tax benefits package to attract investors.