The Regional Secretary for the Sea, Science and Technology stated in Horta that "fishers play a key role in the economy" of the Azores, defending that their income should correspond to what they get from the sea.

"This is a very tough and one of the most risky occupations," said Fausto Brito e Abreu. The government official spoke Sunday at the Santa Cruz quay during the celebrations of the Fishers' National Day, adding that the event is a "fair tribute" to all fishers that also serves to recall the memory of all those who died at sea.

Brito e Abreu pointed out the promotion of fish and the investment in port infrastructure as important measures to boost the income of fishers, who considered it "a top priority" for the Government.

"We believe that fishers should be paid a fair amount for the products they get from the sea," the government official said, defending that the "Azores fish is one of the best in the world."

Hence, the Regional Secretary defended the need to acknowledge the value of Azores fish in the Region, "which continues to import large quantities of fish," as well as to promote fish products at a national and international level. The government official also stressed the importance of searching for new markets and ensuring a "fairer distribution across the seafood value chain."

In this regard, the Regional Government will promote awareness campaigns to increase fish consumption with less commercial value.

Brito e Abreu also emphasised that one of the Regional Government's concern is "to ensure that fishers have the best working conditions," recalling the important investments that have been made in several regional ports.

"The Regional Government has been able to channel EU funds for investments in the fisheries sector, which represents 20 percent of our exports," said the government official.

Fausto Brito e Abreu considered that celebrating the Fishers' National Day in "the most maritime region of Portugal makes sense," emphasising that the "dignity of fishing occupations should be increasingly recognised," particularly with the investment in the training of fishers.

The celebrations of the Fishers' National Day took place in Horta. The event was organised by the Regional Secretariat for the Sea, Science and Technology, through the Regional Directorate for Fisheries, in partnership with Horta City Hall and the Association of Producers of Demersal Species of the Azores (APEDA).

During the celebrations, participants had the opportunity to taste a fish broth and the public was invited to visit some fishing boats.