The Regional Secretariat for Natural Resources, through the Regional Directorate for Sea Affairs (DRAM), has released the list of Bathing Areas in the Azores for 2013 for public consultation until January 31, providing citizens with the possibility of expressing their opinion on this matter.

The proposal now presented, which registers no changes compared to the final version of 2012, is the result of the consultation that was carried out to regional managing entities.

The document proposes 58 bathing areas: one on Corvo; two on Flores; three on São Jorge; four on Pico; four on Graciosa, four on Santa Maria; five on Faial; fifteen on Terceira and twenty on São Miguel.

"We now expect the critical participation of citizens, who will stress the areas with potential that have not been identified as well as eventual problems in the identified beach areas," stated the Regional Director for Sea Affairs.

Frederico Cardigos pointed out that "this is an open process that will be enhanced with the participation of all those who wish to take part on it.”

The fact that an area has not been identified as a beach area does not mean that the water quality is not sufficient for bathing. Sometimes, the managing entities have failed to carry out the necessary procedures provided in the regional legislation that transposes the European Directive establishing the legal scheme on the identification, monitoring and classification of bathing water quality and the release of information to the public.

The list of identified bathing waters is an assurance of quality and, for that reason; the inclusion of new bathing waters in the list should be guided by a strong commitment and consistent maintenance of quality conditions throughout the years, particularly in terms of infrastructures and assistance to beach users.

The proposal for 2013 may be consulted on the Portal of the Government (http://www.azores.gov.pt) in the public consultations area or in the highlights section of the portal of the Regional Directorate for Sea Affairs (http://mar.sram.azores.gov.pt).

Those who wish to submit any comment on the public consultation may do so, preferably by emailing [email protected] or writing to the address: Rua Cônsul Dabney, Colónia Alemã, Apartado 140 - 9000-014 Horta.