The Regional Secretary for the Sea, Science and Technology stated that the budget for next year takes into account "the importance that the Regional Government attaches to the rehabilitation and protection of coastal areas within the Region's strategy for the adaptation to climate change." In this regard, he stressed that the investment plan for 2016 provides an allocation of 7.5 million Euros for this area.

Fausto Brito e Abreu spoke at the end of a hearing at the Committee on Parliamentary Affairs, Environment and Labour of the Legislative Assembly on the Plan and Budget proposals for 2016, summarising the lines of action for maritime affairs and coastal planning.

"We are planning to invest 7.5 million Euros in the rehabilitation of coastal areas, representing an increase of 149% compared to this year," the government official said, adding that "this figure will be directed to intervention in coastal areas of all islands, including the prevention and fight against the effects of climate change."

These interventions include several interventions: the coastal rehabilitation of the north coast of São Miguel, namely in Maia and in Rabo de Peixe; the protection and stabilisation of the Coastal Area of Barra, Graciosa; the stabilisation of slopes on the coastline of Maia, Santa Maria; the coastal protection and reinforcement of Baía de Canas and the redevelopment of the area surrounding Pocinho, Pico; the coastal protection and rehabilitation of Porto Pim, Faial, which is already ongoing.

The Regional Secretary for the Sea mentioned that the Government of the Azores has also provided the allocation of 130 thousand Euros in order to respond to situations caused by bad weather or other phenomena.

With regard to the monitoring, promotion and supervision of marine environmental actions, the estimated budget stands at 2.6 million Euros, which represents "an increase of 20% compared to 2015," added the government official.

Fausto Brito e Abreu also mentioned the development of various environmental quality monitoring projects within the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, including the hiring of services from the University of the Azores.

The planned monitoring covers various environmental aspects such as the biodiversity of species and habitats, the introduction and spread of invasive species, the stability of trophic chains, coastal oceanography as well as the levels and impact of contaminants, noise and marine waste.

The government official also emphasised the launch of the construction works of the Azores Maritime School in 2016. With a budget of 3.45 million Euros, this work consists in the adaptation of the buildings of the former Radio Naval Station in Horta.