Secretaria Regional do Mar e das Pescas
Arrojamentos de aves marinhas acompanhado de perto pela Secretaria Regional do Mar e das Pescas
Arrojamentos de aves marinhas acompanhado de perto pela Secretaria Regional do Mar e das Pescas
Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas
Maritime operations restricted due to absence of navigation and safety conditions for docking
Maritime operations restricted due to absence of navigation and safety conditions for docking
Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas
Regional Government welcomes scheduling of Draft Law on Social Mobility Aid at Regional Assembly
Regional Government welcomes scheduling of Draft Law on Social Mobility Aid at Regional Assembly
Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação
Regional Government to open applications for conversion of dairy farms to beef farms in São Miguel, Terceira, and Graciosa
Regional Government to open applications for conversion of dairy farms to beef farms in São Miguel, Terceira, and Graciosa
Nota de Imprensa
February 5, 2026 Arrojamentos de aves marinhas acompanhado de perto pela Secretaria Regional do Mar e das Pescas A ocorrência de aves marinhas arrojadas que se tem verificado em várias ilhas dos Açores, devido às condições meteorológicas adversas, está a ser acompanhada de perto pela Secretaria Regional do Mar e das Pescas, através da Direção Regional de Políticas Marítimas (DRPM), autoridade ambiental para o meio marinho na Região. Até à presente data, foram registados mais de 80 arrojamentos de tordas-anãs (Alle alle), uma espécie que, apesar de invernar em águas açorianas, em condições normais raramente é observada em terra. Estes episódios associam-se geralmente a períodos de mau tempo, estando igualmente documentado noutras regiões do Atlântico Norte. O registo destas ocorrências tem sido possível graças ao trabalho articulado dos vigilantes da natureza dos Serviços de Ambiente e Ação Climática, observadores de aves, organizações não governamentais e delegados de ilha da Secretaria Regional do Mar e das Pescas, que têm desempenhado um papel fundamental na deteção, comunicação e acompanhamento das situações. Até ao momento, foram contabilizados sete exemplares na ilha das Flores, nove na ilha Graciosa, 55 no Faial, 16 no Pico e duas na ilha Terceira. A maioria das aves encontrava-se já morta ou em estado moribundo, apresentando, nesse caso, sinais de exaustão extrema e desorientação, sem capacidade para regressar ao mar. Das ocorrências registadas, cinco aves foram avaliadas e alvo de cuidados veterinários, com intervenção do CERAS (Centro de Recuperação de Aves Selvagens) do Pico e do médico veterinário da Câmara Municipal de Lajes das Flores e do Serviço de Desenvolvimento Agrário da mesma ilha, tendo sido possível a recuperação e libertação de um exemplar na ilha das Flores. A DRPM apela à colaboração da população, solicitando que, sempre que seja detetada uma ave marinha arrojada: • A mesma não seja tocada ou recolhida; • Em caso de se encontrar viva, seja evitada a manipulação e o correspondente stress adicional; • A ocorrência seja prontamente comunicada às autoridades ambientais ou aos serviços competentes da respetiva ilha, através da linha SOS Ambiente (+351 800 292 800). O acompanhamento e a monitorização sistemática de episódios como este, por parte das autoridades, é fundamental para a avaliação do impacto de eventos meteorológicos extremos na biodiversidade marinha, contribuindo assim para a melhor gestão e conservação dos ecossistemas dos Açores.
February 5, 2026 Arrojamentos de aves marinhas acompanhado de perto pela Secretaria Regional do Mar e das Pescas A ocorrência de aves marinhas arrojadas que se tem verificado em várias ilhas dos Açores, devido às condições meteorológicas adversas, está a ser acompanhada de perto pela Secretaria Regional do Mar e das Pescas, através da Direção Regional de Políticas Marítimas (DRPM), autoridade ambiental para o meio marinho na Região. Até à presente data, foram registados mais de 80 arrojamentos de tordas-anãs (Alle alle), uma espécie que, apesar de invernar em águas açorianas, em condições normais raramente é observada em terra. Estes episódios associam-se geralmente a períodos de mau tempo, estando igualmente documentado noutras regiões do Atlântico Norte. O registo destas ocorrências tem sido possível graças ao trabalho articulado dos vigilantes da natureza dos Serviços de Ambiente e Ação Climática, observadores de aves, organizações não governamentais e delegados de ilha da Secretaria Regional do Mar e das Pescas, que têm desempenhado um papel fundamental na deteção, comunicação e acompanhamento das situações. Até ao momento, foram contabilizados sete exemplares na ilha das Flores, nove na ilha Graciosa, 55 no Faial, 16 no Pico e duas na ilha Terceira. A maioria das aves encontrava-se já morta ou em estado moribundo, apresentando, nesse caso, sinais de exaustão extrema e desorientação, sem capacidade para regressar ao mar. Das ocorrências registadas, cinco aves foram avaliadas e alvo de cuidados veterinários, com intervenção do CERAS (Centro de Recuperação de Aves Selvagens) do Pico e do médico veterinário da Câmara Municipal de Lajes das Flores e do Serviço de Desenvolvimento Agrário da mesma ilha, tendo sido possível a recuperação e libertação de um exemplar na ilha das Flores. A DRPM apela à colaboração da população, solicitando que, sempre que seja detetada uma ave marinha arrojada: • A mesma não seja tocada ou recolhida; • Em caso de se encontrar viva, seja evitada a manipulação e o correspondente stress adicional; • A ocorrência seja prontamente comunicada às autoridades ambientais ou aos serviços competentes da respetiva ilha, através da linha SOS Ambiente (+351 800 292 800). O acompanhamento e a monitorização sistemática de episódios como este, por parte das autoridades, é fundamental para a avaliação do impacto de eventos meteorológicos extremos na biodiversidade marinha, contribuindo assim para a melhor gestão e conservação dos ecossistemas dos Açores.
Nota de Imprensa
February 5, 2026 Maritime operations restricted due to absence of navigation and safety conditions for docking Maritime operations in the Autonomous Region of the Azores have been restricted for more than two weeks due to the absence of minimum safety conditions for navigation and docking of vessels in several ports across the archipelago. This situation arises from successive periods of weather instability, as widely reported, which have affected not only Mainland Portugal but also the Azores islands. The Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures informs that the Regional Government is constantly monitoring developments and maintaining continuous contact with shipowners, intending to restore regular maritime freight transport between the various islands as soon as possible. However, full resumption of maritime operations can only take place when effective safety conditions are in place, which is not currently the case due to the passage of the Leonardo depression, causing a sharp increase in wind intensity and rough sea conditions affecting the entire country. Several ports are closed to navigation in Mainland Portugal and in the two autonomous regions. Nonetheless, the situation is particularly critical in the Azores, given the territorial fragmentation and the distances between islands — in some cases exceeding several hours or even days of travel — which make it impossible to ensure regular maritime transport in the current adverse sea conditions. The extreme weather events that have affected the entire country, including the Azores, show a growing trend each year. According to the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, this situation requires everyone – the Government, businesses and the general population – to adjust their behaviour and implement new measures in terms of public supply and provision. The Regional Government will continue to monitor the situation closely, reiterating that regular freight transport will only be resumed once safe navigation conditions are in place.
February 5, 2026 Maritime operations restricted due to absence of navigation and safety conditions for docking Maritime operations in the Autonomous Region of the Azores have been restricted for more than two weeks due to the absence of minimum safety conditions for navigation and docking of vessels in several ports across the archipelago. This situation arises from successive periods of weather instability, as widely reported, which have affected not only Mainland Portugal but also the Azores islands. The Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures informs that the Regional Government is constantly monitoring developments and maintaining continuous contact with shipowners, intending to restore regular maritime freight transport between the various islands as soon as possible. However, full resumption of maritime operations can only take place when effective safety conditions are in place, which is not currently the case due to the passage of the Leonardo depression, causing a sharp increase in wind intensity and rough sea conditions affecting the entire country. Several ports are closed to navigation in Mainland Portugal and in the two autonomous regions. Nonetheless, the situation is particularly critical in the Azores, given the territorial fragmentation and the distances between islands — in some cases exceeding several hours or even days of travel — which make it impossible to ensure regular maritime transport in the current adverse sea conditions. The extreme weather events that have affected the entire country, including the Azores, show a growing trend each year. According to the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, this situation requires everyone – the Government, businesses and the general population – to adjust their behaviour and implement new measures in terms of public supply and provision. The Regional Government will continue to monitor the situation closely, reiterating that regular freight transport will only be resumed once safe navigation conditions are in place.
Nota de Imprensa
February 5, 2026 Regional Government welcomes scheduling of Draft Law on Social Mobility Aid at Regional Assembly The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, welcomed the general discussion ofDraft Law No. 51/XVII/1st, presented by the Azorean Government and voted unanimously in the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, at the plenary session of the National Assembly, scheduled for February 18. The initiative aims to eliminate the requirement to prove the absence of debts to the Tax Authorities and Social Security by amending Decree-Law no. 37 A/2025 of March 24, which establishes the new model for the Social Mobility Aid for air travel between Mainland Portugal and the Autonomous Regions of the Azores and Madeira. According to the government official, the main goal of the proposal presented by the Azorean Government is to "adjust the mechanisms supporting air mobility" and ensure that the scheme fulfils its essential purpose without negatively discriminating against the Azoreans. Berta Cabral stressed that the Social Mobility Aid "is not an ancillary benefit, but rather a structural instrument for territorial continuity, equal opportunities and full citizenship in the Autonomous Regions." The Regional Secretary criticised the rule that conditions the payment of benefits on the absence of debts to the Tax Authority and Social Security, noting that such a criterion transforms a right into a privilege: "In making the payment of a social subsidy conditional on the absence of debts, the State has started to regard mobility as a privilege when it is a structural right for those who have no other alternative but to leave their island to travel to Mainland Portugal. This does not respect the principle of equality among Portuguese citizens or proportionality as it limits freedom of movement, a fundamental right of all citizens,’ she defended. The Regional Government's Draft Law, currently under discussion, is "clear, simple and legally sound," Berta Cabral stated, reiterating that the aid "should be paid to all beneficiaries, regardless of their contribution status." "No regulatory standard can contradict the principle of proportionality. We are talking about a mechanism that exists precisely to ensure freedom of movement and mitigate inequalities, not to aggravate them," she added. Berta Cabral acknowledged improvements in the process, such as the anticipation of reimbursement before travelling and the reduction from €134 to €119 in the maximum price to be paid by each citizen residing in the Azores. However, this "does not prevent the Regional Government from seeking to guarantee fair treatment for Azoreans." On January 23, the National Assembly refused to urgently consider the document submitted by the Azorean Parliament - and approved by all parties - concerning the new model for the Social Mobility Aid, which is now following the planned schedule.
February 5, 2026 Regional Government welcomes scheduling of Draft Law on Social Mobility Aid at Regional Assembly The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, welcomed the general discussion ofDraft Law No. 51/XVII/1st, presented by the Azorean Government and voted unanimously in the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, at the plenary session of the National Assembly, scheduled for February 18. The initiative aims to eliminate the requirement to prove the absence of debts to the Tax Authorities and Social Security by amending Decree-Law no. 37 A/2025 of March 24, which establishes the new model for the Social Mobility Aid for air travel between Mainland Portugal and the Autonomous Regions of the Azores and Madeira. According to the government official, the main goal of the proposal presented by the Azorean Government is to "adjust the mechanisms supporting air mobility" and ensure that the scheme fulfils its essential purpose without negatively discriminating against the Azoreans. Berta Cabral stressed that the Social Mobility Aid "is not an ancillary benefit, but rather a structural instrument for territorial continuity, equal opportunities and full citizenship in the Autonomous Regions." The Regional Secretary criticised the rule that conditions the payment of benefits on the absence of debts to the Tax Authority and Social Security, noting that such a criterion transforms a right into a privilege: "In making the payment of a social subsidy conditional on the absence of debts, the State has started to regard mobility as a privilege when it is a structural right for those who have no other alternative but to leave their island to travel to Mainland Portugal. This does not respect the principle of equality among Portuguese citizens or proportionality as it limits freedom of movement, a fundamental right of all citizens,’ she defended. The Regional Government's Draft Law, currently under discussion, is "clear, simple and legally sound," Berta Cabral stated, reiterating that the aid "should be paid to all beneficiaries, regardless of their contribution status." "No regulatory standard can contradict the principle of proportionality. We are talking about a mechanism that exists precisely to ensure freedom of movement and mitigate inequalities, not to aggravate them," she added. Berta Cabral acknowledged improvements in the process, such as the anticipation of reimbursement before travelling and the reduction from €134 to €119 in the maximum price to be paid by each citizen residing in the Azores. However, this "does not prevent the Regional Government from seeking to guarantee fair treatment for Azoreans." On January 23, the National Assembly refused to urgently consider the document submitted by the Azorean Parliament - and approved by all parties - concerning the new model for the Social Mobility Aid, which is now following the planned schedule.
Nota de Imprensa
February 5, 2026 Regional Government to open applications for conversion of dairy farms to beef farms in São Miguel, Terceira, and Graciosa The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, defended that cattle milk production in the Region should follow a path of recognition based on its environmental, economic, social and food excellence. He added that, in response to a proposal from the Azores Agricultural Federation, the Regional Government will open applications for the conversion of milk farms to beef farms in São Miguel, Terceira and Graciosa. "We will open an application period for the conversion of dairy farms to beef cattle farms," announced the Secretary for Agriculture. This measure will be applied to the islands of São Miguel, Terceira, and Graciosa, with a view to rebalancing the sector and offering farmers alternative sources of income. António Ventura emphasised that this is a necessary step to ensure that the Azorean milk sector remains sustainable and that producers' interests are safeguarded in the face of current economic challenges. The government official emphasised that the 2025 data show that the nutritional content has improved compared to the previous year, with higher protein and fat levels, which are essential parameters for human consumption and industrial processing. "We believe that our milk and dairy products are valuable to humanity," announced António Ventura. He continued: "This is a nutritional, intergenerational and sustainability value stemming from our pastures, which play a crucial role in carbon retention." Despite the increase in quality, António Ventura regretted that this qualitative effort made by producers is not being properly acknowledged by the dairy industry. The government official considered the recent drop in the price paid to producers as unjustified, noting that it cannot be explained solely by market forces. The Regional Secretary pointed out excessive powdered milk production as one of the factors contributing to the devaluation of regional raw materials. In 2024, with a production of 627,000 tonnes, the Azores produced 20,300 tonnes of powdered milk. This figure is proportionally much higher than that recorded in Mainland Portugal, which, with twice the total production (1.2 million tonnes), produced only 12,900 tonnes of powdered milk.
February 5, 2026 Regional Government to open applications for conversion of dairy farms to beef farms in São Miguel, Terceira, and Graciosa The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, defended that cattle milk production in the Region should follow a path of recognition based on its environmental, economic, social and food excellence. He added that, in response to a proposal from the Azores Agricultural Federation, the Regional Government will open applications for the conversion of milk farms to beef farms in São Miguel, Terceira and Graciosa. "We will open an application period for the conversion of dairy farms to beef cattle farms," announced the Secretary for Agriculture. This measure will be applied to the islands of São Miguel, Terceira, and Graciosa, with a view to rebalancing the sector and offering farmers alternative sources of income. António Ventura emphasised that this is a necessary step to ensure that the Azorean milk sector remains sustainable and that producers' interests are safeguarded in the face of current economic challenges. The government official emphasised that the 2025 data show that the nutritional content has improved compared to the previous year, with higher protein and fat levels, which are essential parameters for human consumption and industrial processing. "We believe that our milk and dairy products are valuable to humanity," announced António Ventura. He continued: "This is a nutritional, intergenerational and sustainability value stemming from our pastures, which play a crucial role in carbon retention." Despite the increase in quality, António Ventura regretted that this qualitative effort made by producers is not being properly acknowledged by the dairy industry. The government official considered the recent drop in the price paid to producers as unjustified, noting that it cannot be explained solely by market forces. The Regional Secretary pointed out excessive powdered milk production as one of the factors contributing to the devaluation of regional raw materials. In 2024, with a production of 627,000 tonnes, the Azores produced 20,300 tonnes of powdered milk. This figure is proportionally much higher than that recorded in Mainland Portugal, which, with twice the total production (1.2 million tonnes), produced only 12,900 tonnes of powdered milk.
Nota de Imprensa
February 5, 2026 Artur Lima demands application of Article 349 TFEU in next EU budget The Vice-President of the Regional Government, Artur Lima, defended the full application of Article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union in the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034 (MFF) at a political meeting of the Interministerial Committee on European Affairs held in Lisbon. "We view the proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework with great concern," stressed the Vice-President of the Government. "It is essential that Article 349 be complied with and that there be a specific budget for the Outermost Regions," he defended. Artur Lima considered the governance of the MFF through national and regional partnership plans a "bad principle" as it focuses the process on Member States. "We disagree with the lack of specific funding for the Outermost Regions, but we are also concerned about the management of European funds by the National Government," he stressed. "The Outermost Regions add value to Mainland Portugal and Europe. Neglecting the Azores and the Outermost Regions is a strategic mistake," he said. The Vice-President of the Government highlighted that the Azores are essential "for European security policy," mentioning the maritime, communications, submarine cables and space sectors. "All of this represents a strategic value that the Portuguese Government must recognise," he stated. Artur Lima also pointed out the crucial importance of ensuring the continuation of POSEI Agriculture, an essential programme for the development and sustainability of the sector in the Azores. The Vice-President of the Government also pointed out the lack of specific support for maritime and air transport in the Autonomous Regions, urging the need to find support within the European Union for accessible transport. "As I had the opportunity to convey in Brussels, our railways are the air and the sea," he said. Acknowledging the complexity of the negotiations for the next MFF, Artur Lima stressed that the Azores and Madeira "are valuable in all their dimensions, being an asset to Mainland Portugal in the maritime, air and space domains." Therefore, it is essential "to make these assets known to the European Union," concluded the Vice-President.
February 5, 2026 Artur Lima demands application of Article 349 TFEU in next EU budget The Vice-President of the Regional Government, Artur Lima, defended the full application of Article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union in the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034 (MFF) at a political meeting of the Interministerial Committee on European Affairs held in Lisbon. "We view the proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework with great concern," stressed the Vice-President of the Government. "It is essential that Article 349 be complied with and that there be a specific budget for the Outermost Regions," he defended. Artur Lima considered the governance of the MFF through national and regional partnership plans a "bad principle" as it focuses the process on Member States. "We disagree with the lack of specific funding for the Outermost Regions, but we are also concerned about the management of European funds by the National Government," he stressed. "The Outermost Regions add value to Mainland Portugal and Europe. Neglecting the Azores and the Outermost Regions is a strategic mistake," he said. The Vice-President of the Government highlighted that the Azores are essential "for European security policy," mentioning the maritime, communications, submarine cables and space sectors. "All of this represents a strategic value that the Portuguese Government must recognise," he stated. Artur Lima also pointed out the crucial importance of ensuring the continuation of POSEI Agriculture, an essential programme for the development and sustainability of the sector in the Azores. The Vice-President of the Government also pointed out the lack of specific support for maritime and air transport in the Autonomous Regions, urging the need to find support within the European Union for accessible transport. "As I had the opportunity to convey in Brussels, our railways are the air and the sea," he said. Acknowledging the complexity of the negotiations for the next MFF, Artur Lima stressed that the Azores and Madeira "are valuable in all their dimensions, being an asset to Mainland Portugal in the maritime, air and space domains." Therefore, it is essential "to make these assets known to the European Union," concluded the Vice-President.
