The Regional Secretary for the Sea, Science and Technology said in Angra do Heroísmo that women's associations "play a fundamental role in the social development of fishing communities," also stressing their role in the "promotion of gender equality."

Speaking at the end of a meeting with the Terceira Fishers' and Shipowners' Wives Association (AMPA), Fausto Brito e Abreu stressed that this institution "promotes activities involving fishers' wives and daughters."

At this meeting, the AMPA presented various activities that have been developed, namely the sales of craft products, the creation of a clothing donation bank for fishers' families, the organisation of sewing and embroidery courses and a workshop on cooking with seaweeds, and Fishing Tourism project.

The Regional Secretary for the Sea recognised the work carried out by this association, defending that AMPA "should continue investing in innovative areas, such as the promotion of foods prepared with seaweeds and Fishing Tourism."

"Fishingtur" is a fishing tourism project developed by AMPA in partnership with local fishers. It aims to provide tourists with the opportunity to go on a commercial fishing vessel for a day and bring some fish with them, which may be prepared at a local restaurant.

For Fausto Brito e Abreu, this tourist product "can be developed in various fishing communities throughout the Azores. This will enhance the Region's tourism offer and provide an additional source of income for fishers."

Established in 2007, the AMPA has over one hundred members. Its main goal is to support the activities involving the wives of fishers and shipowners of Terceira.