The Regional Government has signed a protocol with the Gaspar Frutuoso Foundation and the University of the Azores in the amount of 58 thousand Euros for the mapping of areas with potential for the installation of Aquaculture units in the archipelago.

"Aquaculture represents an important strategic interest to the Azores as an economic activity with growth potential that can become a new source of revenue" for the regional fisheries sector," said the Regional Secretary for the Sea, Science and Technology.

In this context, Fausto Brito e Abreu defended the need to consider the possibility of breeding endemic species of the Azores in aquaculture systems, "taking into account the relevance of the scientific research potential in this area and the economic gains."

The mapping of areas suitable for Aquaculture will provide the Regional Government with a vital tool to support decision in the licensing of activities as well as in maritime spatial planning.
 
The Government has supported a total of ten projects developed in the area of aquaculture since 2007, covering species such as barnacles, limpets and sea urchins. These projects were mostly implemented on the islands of Faial and São Jorge, and involved a global investment over 310 thousand Euros.