According to the contracts published today in the Official Journal, the Government of the Azores has granted support amounting to 132 thousand Euros for the preservation and recovery of whaling boats.
 
The support also covers the purchase of rescue equipment and training in the art of sailing and rowing whaling boats. It also includes a documentary on the recovery of two whaling boats.
 
This measure covers a total of 43 whaling boats owned by the following entities: clube naval of Santa Maria, Graciosa, S. Roque do Pico, Horta and Lajes das Flores; village councils of Mateus da Calheta, Piedade, Ribeiras, S. João, S. Mateus do Pico, Angústias, Capelo, Castelo Branco, Feteira and Salão; Aliança Calhetense, Lajes do Pico and Santa Cruz das Ribeiras nautical clubs.
 
Moreover, the Government will also support the conservation and recovery projects presented by the Vila do Topo Heritage Protection Association - O Cachalote, José Manuel da Costa Silveira, Lira Fraternal Calhetense Philharmonic Society and Cachalote à Vista - Atividade Marítimo-Turística, Lda.
 
The Government of the Azores has been supporting the inventorying, recovery, preservation and use of the whale-hunting heritage for about a decade, taking into consideration the relevance of this activity for Azorean cultural identity.