Regional Secretariat for the Sea and Fisheries
Mário Rui Rilhó de Pinho
Mário Rui Rilhó de Pinho Regional Secretary for the Sea and Fisheries
Biography
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Governo dos Açores convoca Conselho Administrativo do FUNDOPESCA
Secretaria Regional do Mar e das Pescas
Governo dos Açores convoca Conselho Administrativo do FUNDOPESCA
Mário Rui Pinho highlights political commitment to safeguard Azores Marine Park
Secretaria Regional do Mar e das Pescas
Mário Rui Pinho highlights political commitment to safeguard Azores Marine Park
Regional Government monitors sporadic fish mortality in Carapacho Thermal Spa natural pools
Secretaria Regional do Mar e das Pescas
Regional Government monitors sporadic fish mortality in Carapacho Thermal Spa natural pools
February 4, 2026 Governo dos Açores convoca Conselho Administrativo do FUNDOPESCA
January 16, 2026 Mário Rui Pinho highlights political commitment to safeguard Azores Marine Park
January 15, 2026 Regional Government monitors sporadic fish mortality in Carapacho Thermal Spa natural pools
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Welcome Note

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. 

"Welcome to the website of the Regional Secretariat for the Sea and Fisheries (SRMP)"

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

Regional Directorate for Fisheries more
Regional Directorate for Maritime Policies more
FUNDOPESCA more
Regional Inspectorate of Fisheries and Maritime Uses more
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Governo dos Açores convoca Conselho Administrativo do FUNDOPESCA
Nota de Imprensa
February 4, 2026
Governo dos Açores convoca Conselho Administrativo do FUNDOPESCA
Na sequência do mau tempo que tem assolado o arquipélago durante as últimas semanas, e tendo em conta as previsões da manutenção do agravamento do estado do tempo nos próximos dias, o Governo dos Açores decidiu convocar nos termos do Decreto Legislativo Regional n.º 19/2013/A, de 17 de outubro, na sua redação atual, o Conselho Administrativo do Fundo de Compensação Salarial dos Profissionais da Pesca dos Açores (FUNDOPESCA), para a próxima segunda-feira, dia 9 de fevereiro, pelas 14h30. Esta reunião servirá para analisar a evolução das descargas de pescado nas lotas da Região Autónoma dos Açores, bem como os fundamentos e a abrangência da aplicabilidade, em caso de decisão de acionamento do FUNDOPESCA, com vista ao pagamento da compensação salarial aos profissionais da pesca abrangidos por este fundo. A Secretaria Regional do Mar e das Pescas, através da Direção Regional das Pescas, desde novembro de 2025, tem vindo a monitorizar as descargas de pescado realizado na Região Autónoma dos Açores e, paralelamente, tem vindo a verificar os fundamentos para eventual acionamento do FUNDOPESCA, conforme o disposto no número 1 do artigo 5.º do Decreto Legislativo Regional n.º 38/2023/A, de 24 de outubro, que procedeu à segunda alteração do Decreto Legislativo Regional n.º 19/2013/A, de 17 de outubro. O FUNDOPESCA, além de um Conselho Administrativo, do qual fazem parte diversas organizações do setor das pescas, tem um conjunto de regras definidas para a sua ativação e não depende de vontade própria ou de pedidos de políticos. Assim, tendo presente os critérios definidos e a monitorização contínua, sempre que se considere necessário, os conselheiros serão convocados a deliberar. A proteção e a segurança dos profissionais do setor das pescas é primordial para o Governo dos Açores, sendo nossa missão estar ao lado dos armadores e pescadores quando as condições meteorológicas não permitem o exercício de tão nobre profissão.
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Mário Rui Pinho highlights political commitment to safeguard Azores Marine Park
Nota de Imprensa
January 16, 2026
Mário Rui Pinho highlights political commitment to safeguard Azores Marine Park
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.
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