The Regional Secretary for the Sea, Science and Technology met in Horta with recreational fishers and the leaders of nautical clubs, following the proposal to amend the regulations on recreational fishing that is being discussed this month.

The Government of the Azores promoted a public consultation process on the reduction of the daily catch limits in recreational fishing, proposed by the Azores Fisheries Federation at the meeting of the Regional Fisheries Council of April 30. These amendments to the regulations in force concern types of licenses, the reporting of catches made and safety standards in underwater fishing.

At the end of the meeting, Fausto Brito e Abreu stated that these proposals "will be the subject of a broad discussion" in order to "set priorities and safeguard marine resources that are important to economic activities and create jobs."

According to the Regional Secretary for the Sea, "this matter is under public discussion." The Government is receiving opinion reports from its partners; some of which draw attention to "aspects that point out that the proposed amendments are not the best way to achieve the proposed goals.

"The Government of the Azores will wait for the end of the public consultation period. Meanwhile, it is currently hearing the proposals made by its partners and acknowledging the merit of some of the observations made, said Brito e Abreu.

The document under consultation is available on the Regional Government Portal until June 30 at the address:
http://www.azores.gov.pt/Portal/pt/entidades/srmct/docDiscussao/Alteracao_Pesca_L%C3%BAdica.htm.

Citizens or organisations may send their contributions directly through the form available at the Portal of the Government or submit their comments to the email address: [email protected].