Mário Rui Pinho highlights political commitment to safeguard Azores Marine Park - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Mar e das Pescas

Regarding the approval of the second amendment to the law establishing the new Azores Marine Park, the Regional Secretary for the Sea and Fisheries, Mário Rui Pinho, stressed on Thursday that the political agreement reached between the President of the Government and the leader of PS/Açores contributes to the stability and durability of the legislative framework applicable to the Azores Marine Park. It also strengthens the institutional confidence and political consensus on marine conservation.

Despite considering the original legislation establishing the new Azores Marine Park adequate for the management and conservation goals defined for the Azores Marine Protected Areas Network (RAMPA), the government official praised the political rapprochement efforts demonstrated by the Socialist Party. In the current context, this agreement contributes to safeguarding the international reputation of the Azores as a leading region in ocean protection and to reconciling environmental conservation, economic sustainability and social cohesion, ensuring stability for the implementation of RAMPA and the restructuring of fisheries.

The government official stated that the outcome of this political agreement will also contribute to maintaining an appropriate balance between marine conservation and economic activities, preserving 85% of the Exclusive Economic Zone available for fishing.

This fulfils the principles of sustainability and cohesion, "two fundamental principles discussed in terms of participation," stated Mário Rui Pinho during the plenary session, noting that there will be "no changes to the ecological role of RAMPA."

According to the Regional Secretary, many of the matters now enshrined are already provided for in the current legislation or are being implemented as part of public policy, demonstrating consistency and continuity in government action.

Mário Rui Pinho recalled that the Azorean Government has been implementing a series of measures in this area, highlighting the promotion of fisheries co-management models, the creation of measures to support technological innovation, the marketing and added value of fish, as well as the maintenance and reinforcement of programmes such as the Azores Fisheries Observation Programme (POPA).

It should be noted that EGRAMPA (RAMPA Management Strategy) has been published. The respective Management Authority has been created in accordance with the legal provisions and within the deadlines established therein. Furthermore, a financial support mechanism is in the final stages of regulation, arising from restrictions imposed on the development of uses and activities, aimed at professionals in the fisheries sector who may be affected by the ban on fishing in the new Marine Protected Areas.