Ordinances published on fishing port infrastructure management and Lotaçor service fees - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Mar e das Pescas

The ordinance establishing the fee scheme for services provided by Lotaçor was published today, marking a significant milestone in the modernisation of this public company and a paradigm shift in its operation.

The Regional Secretariat for the Sea and Fisheries also published in the Official Journal the ordinance approving the regulations governing the management of fishing ports and centres in the Autonomous Region of the Azores. It sets out the definition of the managing body, which will be responsible for overseeing port activities and services for the operation of fishing ports and centres; managing infrastructure and equipment used for port activities; operating fishing ports; applying tariffs; and authorising and monitoring activities in fishing ports.

This outcome is the result of several months of work, dialogue and negotiations involving the Regional Secretariat for the Sea and Fisheries, Lotaçor and representatives of the sector, namely the Azores Fisheries Federation, the Association of Tuna and Similar Producers of the Azores, Pão do Mar –  Association of Canned Fish Manufacturers of the Azores and the Association of Fish Traders of the Azores. 

During this process, several demands and contributions put forward by the representative associations were taken into consideration, resulting in a more balanced and fair solution, one better suited to the reality of the fishing industry in the Azores.

These regulations are based on the "user-pays" principle, ensuring greater fairness in the provision of services. From now on, each user will only pay for the services they actually use. Consequently, those who do not use a particular service will not bear any costs associated with it. This is a more transparent and fairer system for all stakeholders in the sector.

Nevertheless, the Regional Government and Lotaçor recognise that this shift represents a significant change in the company's operations and interactions with users. For this reason, the new fee scheme will be introduced progressively, thereby providing a period of adjustment for all stakeholders in the sector.

This new approach will bolster Lotaçor’s financial sustainability, ensuring the necessary resources to continuously improve the quality of the services rendered, modernise infrastructure and respond more efficiently to the needs of all those who make their living from fishing.

With the entry into force of these ordinances, a new phase begins for Lotaçor, based on the principles of fairness, transparency, accountability and sustainability, contributing to a stronger fisheries sector better prepared for future challenges.