- Management Instruments
- RRP - Recovery and Resilience Plan
Maritime spatial planning is fundamental to maritime policy, emphasises Mário Rui Pinho
Mário Rui Pinho praises documentary portraying Azorean women's connection with the sea
Azores see approval of new marine litter bioindicator with Cory's shearwaters playing key role
The Azores sea represents a significant part of the country's vast area under maritime jurisdiction. For the Azores, the sea has always played a very important role, namely in its development, influencing the economy and shaping its own identity.
Given the relevance of the Azores sea, the Regional Secretariat for the Sea and Fisheries (SRMP), a department of the XIII Regional Government, was created with the aim of providing a more adequate response to the pursuit of the Region's interests in the sectors of the sea, fisheries and fisheries inspection.
The SRMP is responsible for the definition and implementation of regional policies in the areas of oceanography, fisheries and aquaculture, enhancement and preservation of the marine environment, as well as other matters related to the sea. They include the planning and management of the coastline and marine protected areas, and maritime spatial planning.
Based on a global vision of promoting a healthy ocean, through a sustainable blue economy, the regional strategy for the Azores Sea is of particular importance, as well as the Azores Maritime Spatial Planning Plan, as structural elements to develop and leverage the economy of the sea.
It is also important to mention that the regional policies for the governance of the ocean will be based on co-management work to promote an integrated and sustainable management, aligning the interests of various political and economic agents and stakeholders. They will always rely on the contribution of researchers, fishers and associations of the sector.
Aware that the economic viability and competitiveness of the fisheries sector entail the definition of strategies that take into account the state of resources, the SRMP will focus on the scientific assessment of the target resources of different fishing activities. This may eventually lead to the adaptation of the fleet to existing resources, always safeguarding the social and economic component of the sector.
Considering that the sea represents a fundamental pillar for the future viability of the Azores, the Regional Secretariat for the Sea and Fisheries is committed to strengthening fundamental instruments for the implementation of Community policies and the respective national and regional support policies for the sea sector.
The Regional Secretary for the Sea and Fisheries
Manuel Humberto Lopes São João
July 10, 2025
Maritime spatial planning is fundamental to maritime policy, emphasises Mário Rui Pinho
The Regional Secretary for the Sea and Fisheries, Mário Rui Pinho, stated today that maritime spatial planning in the Region is "fundamental" as a "tool for maritime policies." “The governing bodies of the Autonomous Region of the Azores must continue to insist on the recognition of their qualified competence in the management of their adjacent maritime space, according to Article 8 of the Political-Administrative Statute of the Autonomous Region of the Azores. The latter embodies the principles of joint management and shared management, both within the framework of the so-called law of the sea and within the framework of a future revision of the Constitution of the Portuguese Republic," he stressed. Mário Rui Pinho spoke at the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, during the presentation and discussion of the final report of the Ad Hoc Committee for Monitoring Maritime Space Policies. On that occasion, the government official emphasised the “firm determination of the XIV Regional Government of the Azores to open a new model of autonomy for the 21st century.” He specified: "Autonomous cooperation, in which all entities help each other in pursuing common goals and management is truly shared between the National Government and the governments of autonomous regions, is embodied in the union of the wills of both levels of public power to achieve a fair final solution." "This will correspond, albeit with different forms of intervention, to a joint decision on intervention in the planning and management of the Azores and Madeira regional maritime areas," stated the Regional Secretary.
July 8, 2025
Mário Rui Pinho praises documentary portraying Azorean women's connection with the sea
On Monday, the Regional Secretary for the Sea and Fisheries, Mário Rui Pinho, on behalf of the President of the Regional Government, presided over the presentation of the documentary "Women from the Sea - Azores." On the occasion, he highlighted the "particularly vibrant" project that encompasses various occupations and included interviews with about 70 Azorean women. "We have to thank these Azorean women who, in the most diverse areas, from fishing, science, nautical sports, tourism, transport and energy, make the sea their way of life, confirming the close cultural and emotional connection we all have with the sea," stated the government official, who spoke at the Teatro Faialense. True "ambassadors of the sea" are the women portrayed in the documentary, Mário Rui Pinho stated, adding that they are also "a source of inspiration" when it comes to matters of equality and social inclusion. The documentary "Women of the Sea - Azores," directed by Raquel Martins for Help Images and sponsored by the Regional Government, portrays the social, professional, cultural and, above all, emotional connection between the Azoreans and the sea It provides a unique perspective through the eyes of Azorean women and/or women who, although not born in the Region, chose to live here. As such, this work achieves a double purpose set by the Regional Government: promoting gender equality and promoting the Azores sea, which represents almost 60% of the national Exclusive Economic Zone (57%) and approximately 30% of the European. Its importance is fundamental for promoting the sustainable development of the Region, the country and the European Union, and for harnessing the potential of the blue economy. Among the 17 Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations General Assembly, the documentary addresses two in particular: promoting gender equality, with the empowerment of all women, and protecting marine life. Regarding the former, although all Azoreans have a deep, visceral and unavoidable connection with the sea that stretches to the horizon, it is a source of livelihood for many families. It is also the last frontier that challenges scientists and academics - historically, it has long been associated with the male world, from the whalers of yesteryear to the fishermen of today, to the first scientists and sportsmen who dived into its depths and challenged its waves, but much has changed in the meantime. This documentary proves that change is still possible, encouraging girls and young women to recognise themselves in what is a literal sea of opportunities, which is also their legacy and may well be their future, whether as fishers, surfers, scientists, whale watching tourism promoters or as entrepreneurs in the maritime transport or energy sectors, in an endless sea of opportunities that unfolds before our eyes. As for the protection of marine life, the Azoreans have always shown great respect for the sea and its fauna and flora. Even though traditional whaling did not threaten cetaceans with extinction, unlike other massive industrial whaling practices around the world, the locals still managed to reinvent themselves and transformed whaling into whale watching, factories into cultural facilities, and boats into sports and recreational vessels.