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Secretaria Regional do Mar e das Pescas
Ordinances published on fishing port infrastructure management and Lotaçor service fees
Ordinances published on fishing port infrastructure management and Lotaçor service fees
Secretaria Regional do Mar e das Pescas
Regional Government took part in 11th “Our Ocean” conference in Kenya
Regional Government took part in 11th “Our Ocean” conference in Kenya
Secretaria Regional do Mar e das Pescas
Regional Government brings together scientists and fisheries sector to present ICES scientific advice
Regional Government brings together scientists and fisheries sector to present ICES scientific advice
June 30, 2026
Ordinances published on fishing port infrastructure management and Lotaçor service fees
June 22, 2026
Regional Government took part in 11th “Our Ocean” conference in Kenya
June 18, 2026
Regional Government brings together scientists and fisheries sector to present ICES scientific advice
News
Nota de Imprensa
June 30, 2026
Ordinances published on fishing port infrastructure management and Lotaçor service fees
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.
June 30, 2026
Ordinances published on fishing port infrastructure management and Lotaçor service fees
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.
Nota de Imprensa
June 22, 2026
Regional Government took part in 11th “Our Ocean” conference in Kenya
The Regional Government attended the 11th “Our Ocean” conference, held between June 16 and 18 June in Mombasa, Kenya. The Regional Director for Maritime Policies, Rui Martins, and the Coordinator of the Blue Azores Programme, Bernardo Brito e Abreu, were part of the national delegation. Their presence reflects the importance and leading role of the Autonomous Region of the Azores in the efforts undertaken within the Azores Marine Protected Areas Network (RAMPA) to promote the protection and governance of oceans. At the conference’s first plenary session, the Secretary of State for Fisheries and the Sea, Salvador Malheiro, who led the national delegation, stated: “Earlier this year, Portugal achieved 19% coverage of marine protected areas due to the outstanding work carried out by the Autonomous Region of the Azores, which is responsible for classifying the largest marine park in the North Atlantic. This is not an announcement; it has already been done.” “The creation of our network of marine protected areas, with its size and protection levels, positions the Azores as leaders in the protection and sustainable use of the ocean. What is being done in the Region, based on science, community participation and the co-creation of solutions, demonstrates that it is possible to reconcile conservation and sustainable development. It is an example for other regions of the world,” stated Rui Martins, who also heads the new Azores Marine Park. During a plenary session, the Azores announced the completion of the RAMPA initiative, as declared in 2024 by the President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, at the 9th edition of this conference held in Athens. The Region also reiterated its commitment to fully implementing and effectively managing its network of marine protected areas by 2028. The international conference focused on six areas of action: Marine Protected Areas, Sustainable Fisheries, Marine Pollution, the Blue Economy, Climate Action and Maritime Safety. Under the theme “Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future,” the conference brought together governments, intergovernmental organisations, universities, the private sector and non-governmental organisations that share a common vision to protect the oceans and are committed to making this a reality. In addition to Regional Government members, the national delegation included representatives from the Oceano Azul Foundation and partners of the Blue Azores programme, which aims to protect, promote and enhance the natural capital of the Azores’ sea. The event provided an opportunity for leaders and stakeholders to discuss and identify the challenges facing the oceans. Furthermore, it demonstrated leadership in conservation by undertaking political, scientific, financial, partnership and collaborative commitments that will set us on the path towards a sustainable future.
June 22, 2026
Regional Government took part in 11th “Our Ocean” conference in Kenya
The Regional Government attended the 11th “Our Ocean” conference, held between June 16 and 18 June in Mombasa, Kenya. The Regional Director for Maritime Policies, Rui Martins, and the Coordinator of the Blue Azores Programme, Bernardo Brito e Abreu, were part of the national delegation. Their presence reflects the importance and leading role of the Autonomous Region of the Azores in the efforts undertaken within the Azores Marine Protected Areas Network (RAMPA) to promote the protection and governance of oceans. At the conference’s first plenary session, the Secretary of State for Fisheries and the Sea, Salvador Malheiro, who led the national delegation, stated: “Earlier this year, Portugal achieved 19% coverage of marine protected areas due to the outstanding work carried out by the Autonomous Region of the Azores, which is responsible for classifying the largest marine park in the North Atlantic. This is not an announcement; it has already been done.” “The creation of our network of marine protected areas, with its size and protection levels, positions the Azores as leaders in the protection and sustainable use of the ocean. What is being done in the Region, based on science, community participation and the co-creation of solutions, demonstrates that it is possible to reconcile conservation and sustainable development. It is an example for other regions of the world,” stated Rui Martins, who also heads the new Azores Marine Park. During a plenary session, the Azores announced the completion of the RAMPA initiative, as declared in 2024 by the President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, at the 9th edition of this conference held in Athens. The Region also reiterated its commitment to fully implementing and effectively managing its network of marine protected areas by 2028. The international conference focused on six areas of action: Marine Protected Areas, Sustainable Fisheries, Marine Pollution, the Blue Economy, Climate Action and Maritime Safety. Under the theme “Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future,” the conference brought together governments, intergovernmental organisations, universities, the private sector and non-governmental organisations that share a common vision to protect the oceans and are committed to making this a reality. In addition to Regional Government members, the national delegation included representatives from the Oceano Azul Foundation and partners of the Blue Azores programme, which aims to protect, promote and enhance the natural capital of the Azores’ sea. The event provided an opportunity for leaders and stakeholders to discuss and identify the challenges facing the oceans. Furthermore, it demonstrated leadership in conservation by undertaking political, scientific, financial, partnership and collaborative commitments that will set us on the path towards a sustainable future.
