Email:
Phone:
Fax:
Secretaria Regional do Mar e das Pescas
Regional Government and University present multidisciplinary study to combat invasive algae
Regional Government and University present multidisciplinary study to combat invasive algae
Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights “European recognition” of Azores’ “strategic vision” for blue economy
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights “European recognition” of Azores’ “strategic vision” for blue economy
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
July 22, 2026
Regional Government and University present multidisciplinary study to combat invasive algae
July 20, 2026
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights “European recognition” of Azores’ “strategic vision” for blue economy
June 30, 2026
Ordinances published on fishing port infrastructure management and Lotaçor service fees
News
Nota de Imprensa
July 22, 2026
Regional Government and University present multidisciplinary study to combat invasive algae
The Government of the Azores, through the Regional Directorate for Maritime Policies (DRPM), in partnership with the University of the Azores (UAc), will deliver a public presentation on the “Multidisciplinary study on the invasive algae Rugulopteryx okamurae in the Autonomous Region of the Azores” this Thursday, July 23. The event will take place at the Auditorium of the João José da Graça Public Library and Regional Archive in the city of Horta, starting at 9:45 a.m. The opening session will feature speeches via video link by the Regional Secretary for the Sea and Fisheries, Mário Rui Pinho, and the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel. This pioneering project represents an urgent and coordinated scientific response to what is now widely recognised as the most aggressive marine bioinvasion on the islands since records began, having been first detected in the Region in 2019. The rapid spread of Rugulopteryx okamurae severely impacts coastal ecosystems and beach cleanliness, directly affecting vital sectors of the Azorean economy, such as tourism, leisure and local fisheries. With a view to curbing and managing this complex phenomenon, the Azorean academic community has developed an integrated research programme based on three main pillars, which will be presented and discussed throughout the morning by various experts. Following the introductory remarks by the Regional Director for Maritime Policies, Rui Martins, on the Portuguese Environment Agency’s perspective regarding the National Strategy, and an overview of the project presented by Filipe M. Porteiro, the proceedings will focus on the biology, ecology and dispersal of the species, with contributions from researchers at CIBIO, the OKEANOS Institute and the Air Centre. The second main theme of the presentation will address the potentially valuable uses of the algae, seeking to transform an environmental issue into an economic opportunity through research into biotechnological applications for the health sciences, as well as its use in ruminant feed and agricultural composting. These topics will be led by experts from OKEANOS and IITAA. The research component dedicated to mitigation will bring the series of presentations to a close, focusing on identifying techniques for removing and managing massive algae wash-ups on the Azorean coastline, as well as defining action protocols and awareness-raising campaigns. The event will culminate in an open discussion session aimed at engaging civil society, maritime authorities, local authorities and public administration officials, creating a broader forum for debate on the challenges, operational options and future steps to mitigate this serious threat to the islands’ ecosystems.
July 22, 2026
Regional Government and University present multidisciplinary study to combat invasive algae
The Government of the Azores, through the Regional Directorate for Maritime Policies (DRPM), in partnership with the University of the Azores (UAc), will deliver a public presentation on the “Multidisciplinary study on the invasive algae Rugulopteryx okamurae in the Autonomous Region of the Azores” this Thursday, July 23. The event will take place at the Auditorium of the João José da Graça Public Library and Regional Archive in the city of Horta, starting at 9:45 a.m. The opening session will feature speeches via video link by the Regional Secretary for the Sea and Fisheries, Mário Rui Pinho, and the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel. This pioneering project represents an urgent and coordinated scientific response to what is now widely recognised as the most aggressive marine bioinvasion on the islands since records began, having been first detected in the Region in 2019. The rapid spread of Rugulopteryx okamurae severely impacts coastal ecosystems and beach cleanliness, directly affecting vital sectors of the Azorean economy, such as tourism, leisure and local fisheries. With a view to curbing and managing this complex phenomenon, the Azorean academic community has developed an integrated research programme based on three main pillars, which will be presented and discussed throughout the morning by various experts. Following the introductory remarks by the Regional Director for Maritime Policies, Rui Martins, on the Portuguese Environment Agency’s perspective regarding the National Strategy, and an overview of the project presented by Filipe M. Porteiro, the proceedings will focus on the biology, ecology and dispersal of the species, with contributions from researchers at CIBIO, the OKEANOS Institute and the Air Centre. The second main theme of the presentation will address the potentially valuable uses of the algae, seeking to transform an environmental issue into an economic opportunity through research into biotechnological applications for the health sciences, as well as its use in ruminant feed and agricultural composting. These topics will be led by experts from OKEANOS and IITAA. The research component dedicated to mitigation will bring the series of presentations to a close, focusing on identifying techniques for removing and managing massive algae wash-ups on the Azorean coastline, as well as defining action protocols and awareness-raising campaigns. The event will culminate in an open discussion session aimed at engaging civil society, maritime authorities, local authorities and public administration officials, creating a broader forum for debate on the challenges, operational options and future steps to mitigate this serious threat to the islands’ ecosystems.
Nota de Imprensa
July 20, 2026
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights “European recognition” of Azores’ “strategic vision” for blue economy
The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, marked the end of an official two-day visit to the archipelago by the European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis. He emphasised that the visit demonstrated the Azores’ on-the-ground capability to lead the sustainable development of the blue economy and strengthen its strategic role in the Atlantic. Following an itinerary that included meetings with the fisheries sector and visits to scientific, technological and marine innovation infrastructures across the islands of São Miguel and Faial, José Manuel Bolieiro noted that the visit showcased how the Azores transforms vision into practice. “The Azores are the westernmost frontier of Portugal and the European Union. We have more sea than land, and we have a clear vision for turning this reality into an opportunity for development,” he said. The head of the Azorean Government emphasised that the Region has consistently highlighted the importance of the Atlantic to European institutions, but that it was essential to demonstrate, on the ground, the investments and capabilities already in place to boost the blue economy. According to José Manuel Bolieiro, the projects visited highlight the Region’s commitment to science, innovation, sustainability and marine resource management—an effort backed by EU support and a coordinated strategy between the Azores and the National Government. “We wanted to show the European Commissioner that we have moved from words to deeds. Today, we have the installed capacity, knowledge and tangible projects that reinforce our credibility and position the Azores as a benchmark hub for the ocean economy,” he added. José Manuel Bolieiro stated that the visit bolstered European institutions' trust in the region's work, consolidating the Azores as a reliable partner in shaping future European maritime policies. Reiterating that the development of the blue economy presents a strategic opportunity for the Azores, Portugal and the EU as a whole, he defended that the archipelago must continue to be acknowledged for its contribution to "Europe’s projection in the Atlantic." Rather than simply making demands, it is about demonstrating the capacity to deliver. It is this credibility that the Azores demonstrate today and that we wish to place at the service of Portugal and the European Union,” stressed the President of the Government. Throughout the visit, European Commissioner Costas Kadis engaged directly with several research, innovation, training and development projects, confirming the Azores' expanding role as a platform for marine knowledge and sustainability. The Commissioner was accompanied by the Regional Secretary for the Sea and Fisheries, Mário Rui Pinho; the Portuguese Minister of Agriculture and the Sea, José Manuel Fernandes; and the Secretary of State for Fisheries and the Sea, Salvador Malheiro. The visit strengthened the tripartite dialogue among the Azores, the National Government and European institutions on the future of fisheries, ocean governance and Atlantic development.
July 20, 2026
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights “European recognition” of Azores’ “strategic vision” for blue economy
The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, marked the end of an official two-day visit to the archipelago by the European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis. He emphasised that the visit demonstrated the Azores’ on-the-ground capability to lead the sustainable development of the blue economy and strengthen its strategic role in the Atlantic. Following an itinerary that included meetings with the fisheries sector and visits to scientific, technological and marine innovation infrastructures across the islands of São Miguel and Faial, José Manuel Bolieiro noted that the visit showcased how the Azores transforms vision into practice. “The Azores are the westernmost frontier of Portugal and the European Union. We have more sea than land, and we have a clear vision for turning this reality into an opportunity for development,” he said. The head of the Azorean Government emphasised that the Region has consistently highlighted the importance of the Atlantic to European institutions, but that it was essential to demonstrate, on the ground, the investments and capabilities already in place to boost the blue economy. According to José Manuel Bolieiro, the projects visited highlight the Region’s commitment to science, innovation, sustainability and marine resource management—an effort backed by EU support and a coordinated strategy between the Azores and the National Government. “We wanted to show the European Commissioner that we have moved from words to deeds. Today, we have the installed capacity, knowledge and tangible projects that reinforce our credibility and position the Azores as a benchmark hub for the ocean economy,” he added. José Manuel Bolieiro stated that the visit bolstered European institutions' trust in the region's work, consolidating the Azores as a reliable partner in shaping future European maritime policies. Reiterating that the development of the blue economy presents a strategic opportunity for the Azores, Portugal and the EU as a whole, he defended that the archipelago must continue to be acknowledged for its contribution to "Europe’s projection in the Atlantic." Rather than simply making demands, it is about demonstrating the capacity to deliver. It is this credibility that the Azores demonstrate today and that we wish to place at the service of Portugal and the European Union,” stressed the President of the Government. Throughout the visit, European Commissioner Costas Kadis engaged directly with several research, innovation, training and development projects, confirming the Azores' expanding role as a platform for marine knowledge and sustainability. The Commissioner was accompanied by the Regional Secretary for the Sea and Fisheries, Mário Rui Pinho; the Portuguese Minister of Agriculture and the Sea, José Manuel Fernandes; and the Secretary of State for Fisheries and the Sea, Salvador Malheiro. The visit strengthened the tripartite dialogue among the Azores, the National Government and European institutions on the future of fisheries, ocean governance and Atlantic development.