The Regional Secretary for the Sea, Science and Technology restated today the National Government's need to "streamline the implementation" of the Sea 2020 Programme (EMFF) as well as the Compensation Plan for Additional Costs of Fish Products in the Azores (POSEI-Fisheries).

Fausto Brito e Abreu spoke at the end of a meeting with the Minister of the Sea, Ana Paula Vitorino, where, in addition to EMFF and POSEI-Fisheries, other matters were under analysis, such as fishing quotas, namely of red seabream, and the creation of a working on the management of maritime space.

The installation of weather radars in the Azores, the future Ocean Observation Centre and the participation of the Region in mission in the national territory and abroad on maritime affairs and the preparation of the Councils of the Ministers of Fisheries of the European Union were other topics discussed during the meeting.

With regard to red seabream quota for the Azores, Brito e Abreu recalled that the Region has adopted "management measures" for this fishery, namely the restriction of the use of bottom-set longlines within three miles and six miles near the coast, the strict enforcement of the minimum size and the establishment of fishing ban zones.

"These measures will contribute to the protection of small fishing fleets, which is dependent on the coastal resources of the islands, as well as the populations of juvenile red seabream," the government official said, stressing, among other measures, the closed season, in force until February 29, "which coincides the peak period of reproduction of these species."

At this meeting, also attended by the Secretary of State for Fisheries, José Apolinário, the Regional Government defended that "Portugal should oppose to new proposals for limitations on fishing opportunities, which result in quota cuts imposed on the Azores by the European Commission," said Brito e Abreu.

The Regional Secretary also defended at the meeting the importance of creating a working group between the Ministry of the Sea and the Regional Secretariat of the Sea, Science and Technology for "the presentation of a concrete proposal to better define the concept of shared management," allowing the creation of "effective procedures for the contracting and licensing of economic activities in the Azores Sea in compliance with the powers of the Autonomous Region defined by law."

Fausto Brito e Abreu also emphasised the need to install weather radars in the archipelago, taking into account "the vulnerability of the Region to extreme weather risks." According to him, this measure was "welcomed" by the Minister of the Sea.

"It is essential that the National Government, through the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere, ensures the installation of at least two devices in the Azores, including one in the Eastern Group and another in the Western Group, complementing the American radar already installed on the island of Terceira," said the government official.
 
The Regional Secretary for the Sea expressed his "optimism about the new political context, which promotes a significant improvement of cooperation in matters concerning maritime policy," noting the "remarkable symbiosis of ideas between the Regional and National Governments in this field."