The Installing Commission for the Atlantic Observatory will meet for the first time on 16 March in Lisbon, where the Azores will be represented by Frederico Cardigos.
 
The meeting will discuss, among other topics, the scheduling of the work plan and the alignment with complementary initiatives to the Atlantic Observatory.
 
This commission will define the necessary measures for the creation and operation of the Atlantic Observatory as well as for the presentation of the estimated costs necessary for the installation and operation of this infrastructure in the city of Horta.
 
The Regional Secretary for the Sea, Science and Technology highlighted the "benefits" of the Atlantic Observatory for the Azores in research, monitoring, protection and sustainable exploitation of the Atlantic Ocean and deep-sea resources.
 
According to Gui Menezes, this infrastructure may be "a very important lever" for the development of maritime economy and marine research in the Azores.
 
The Atlantic Observatory may represent "an opportunity for a new impetus in marine research with international impact," Gui Menezes said, adding that it will count on "the involvement of regional, national and international research centres."
 
The resolution for the creation of the Installing Commission of the Atlantic Observatory was published in the Official Gazette on November 24, 2017, while the order appointing the representative of the Azores was published in the Official Journal on January 24, 2018.