The Regional Secretary for the Sea, Science and Technology announced on Santa Maria that, "with the restoration works of Vila do Porto fish market, all fish markets in the archipelago are now provided with an electronic sales system."
 
"We are closing a cycle in the computerisation of our fish markets, which will speed up the sales of fish and render them more efficient. This could be a crucial step to the promotion of fishing products as well as to the increase of income among the fishing community," said Fausto Brito e Abreu.
 
The Regional Secretary for the Sea spoke during the opening of the rehabilitation and expansion works of Vila do Porto Fish Market, a work with a budget of 380 thousand Euros that "will better serve fishers and fish buyers on the island of Santa Maria."
 
"The fundamental goal of this investment on Santa Maria is not just to show accomplished works," the government official said, stressing that the aim is "to provide better conditions to all Santa Maria islanders who live from the sea."
 
Following the rehabilitation works, "the fish market features a renovated area for the first sale of fish, an area suitable for the shipment of fish, an area for buyers as well as various areas for the storage and cleaning of fish crates. 
 
The intervention also included the expansion of the storage capacity of fish awaiting sale as well as of the production and storage capacity of ice inside the market. Moreover, it created new areas, including a new administrative archive, an office area next to the buyers' bench, public sanitary facilities and an outdoor porch for the selection of fish.
 
In regard to equipment, a new ice storage silo was installed as well the respective cooling system with a storage capacity for eight tonnes. The works also included the installation of a refrigerator for the conservation of fish, also with capacity for eight tonnes.
 
During his speech, Brito e Abreu mentioned the investment in the regional network of refrigerator equipment as "part of the Regional Government's strategy to improve the working conditions of fishers and fish buyers as well as to boost their productivity and income."
 
In this regard, the government official mentioned that the construction works of the new Cold Storage Unit in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, are already concluded. This year, the Government will also launch the tender for intervention works in the Cold Storage Unit in Madalena, Pico, and carry out the renewal works of the Cold Storage Unit in Horta, Faial.
 
The government official said this "effort to provide infrastructures" is in line with a "policy based on the dialogue between industry partners," adding that the Azorean Government has pursued "an active and coherent policy to defend our interests in the European Union so that Azorean fisheries can remain an activity with future."
 
Brito e Abreu also emphasised the importance of the "smart application" of the new funds granted under the Community Support Framework and the creation of local community-based development projects by Local Action Groups. Moreover, the government official highlighted "the best use of the opportunities in the tourism sector and the exploitation of new activities such as aquaculture" as ways to develop the regional fisheries sector.