Mário Rui Pinho highlights “very important macro-policy steps” for promoting the sea and fisheries - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Mar e das Pescas

The Regional Secretary for the Sea and Fisheries, Mário Rui Pinho, praised today the "macro-policy steps" that have been taken "to establish the sea and fisheries sector as aligned with the principles of sustainability."

As an example, the minister listed the implementation of the National Maritime Spatial Planning Plan for the Azores subdivision, the ongoing implementation of the Regional Network of Marine Protected Areas, and the option to use EU funds, including for defence, with very specific proposals for the future multiannual financial framework.

Mário Rui Pinho spoke at the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, in Horta, on the second day of debate on the proposals for next year's Plan and Budget.

He pointed out that 2026 "requires the Azoreans and the Regional Government to undertake an increased budget effort to ensure the final implementation of the RRP and compliance with the n+3 rule of the Azores 2030 and MAR2030 programmes."

"This historic circumstance imposes an enormous responsibility on the budget implementation," the government official acknowledged, adding that, from the 36.7 million Euros allocated to his department, 30 million Euros concern the implementation of the RRP.

This includes, for example, 25 million Euros for the Development of the Azores Sea Cluster. "The latter is proving to be absolutely fundamental for the Region and even for the country, and includes the construction and fitting of the new research vessel and the construction of the experimental research and development centre linked to the sea (MARTEC Technopole)." Moreover, there will be an allocation of 5 million Euros for the Fisheries Sector Incentive System, "which aims to promote energy transition, digital transition, and reduction of environmental impact in the fisheries and aquaculture sector." This will "provide regional fishing ports with more modern and efficient equipment from an operational and energy standpoint," he added. 

Regarding the fisheries support infrastructure, the minister highlighted the contract-programme with Lotaçor, a "strategic partner company" on "all islands." It has been "doing a thorough and important work in restoring and maintaining a range of equipment that is essential to ensure the sustainability of the sector."

He added: "As for the fleet and human resources, there are several support measures for the sector amounting to five million Euros, including FUNDOPESCA and the fishing sector incentive system funded under the RRP, already mentioned. Also, in terms of fleet support, although not included in this proposal, it is important to emphasise the compensation to be awarded to fishing industry professionals for potential income losses arising from the implementation of RAMPA, with funds from the Environmental Fund amounting to 10 million Euros."

The Regional Government, he recalled, has been in constant contact with fishing communities, "consulting them and including them in the decision-making process."

“The action regarding the investment support within the scope of MAR 2030 projects represents almost €600,000, integrating the support schemes provided for in the programme, which runs from 2021 to 2027 and has an overall budget of €75 million. On September 30, 2025, a total of 2,270 projects had been approved, corresponding to an eligible investment of about €21 million," he said.

Support will also continue for the Azores Maritime School, a commitment to "excellence in training." This entity will promote "an expansion of available training," with "mechanisms to attract more students and projects."

As for coastal management and redevelopment, Mário Rui Pinho emphasised that there are various projects under the management of the Regional Secretariat for Mobility, Tourism and Infrastructure. They clearly demonstrate the Government's concern "with the increasing erosion of the coastline due to climate change."

He concluded: "Therefore, as regards the sea, the XIV Regional Government of the Azores intends to invest in these areas, while being aware of the many other situations that we will have to address, namely in terms of improving port infrastructures in the fishing sector and protecting the coastline. However, we must take into account the priority of implementing the RRP, budget constraints and the market's own response, which is currently struggling to respond due to labour shortages."

Related press release: Speech by the Regional Secretary for the Sea and Fisheries