The Regional Secretary for the Sea, Science and Technology stated today that "all the conditions should be met in coming days to render the four fishing vessels on Flores Island operational."
 
“This operation will be carried out at the Fisheries Centre of Lajes das Flores Fishing Centre so that fishers may resume their activity," said Gui Menezes.
 
According to the government official, the solution found by the Regional Secretariat for the Sea has already been presented to Flores fishers' association and to fishers, who have welcomed it.
 
The Regional Secretary noted that a technician was sent to Flores and Pico, the "most affected" islands in terms of fisheries support infrastructures, with the aim of "identifying the damage caused by Hurricane Lorenzo and producing a report that has already been completed."
 
Specialised divers are currently conducting surveys on various port infrastructures on Pico Island, namely in Monte Calhau port as well as in the fishing ports located in Santa Cruz das Ribeiras, Calheta do Nesquim, São Mateus, São Caetano and São João.
 
"The goal is to analyse the safety conditions and stability of those ports," stated the government official.
 
With regard to support infrastructures, efforts are being undertaken to repair the crane of Monte Calhau port and the damage in the fishing collection points of São Mateus and São João ports has already been repaired.
 
As for the ship repair workshop of São João port, the intervention includes the replacement of missing tiles, followed by the installation of roof in collaboration with the Regional Secretariat for Transport and Public Works.
 
Ventilation malfunctions at the São Roque and Santo Amaro fish collection points were also solved as well as the hydraulic damage to the Manhenha port crane. Additionally, the cleaning and repair works of lighting systems have already taken place in all buildings and fishing support infrastructures.
 
On the islands of Flores, Faial and Graciosa, the budgeting and planning of services for replacement and repair of materials, mainly doors, are being carried out. In turn, cleaning interventions and minor repairs to electrical systems have already been completed.
 
On the island of Faial, the shutters of the fish collection point of Varadouro Port have already been installed and the damaged equipment has been repaired; all fishing activity has been resumed at this port.