Revision of FUNDOPESCA will be fairer and more equitable, says Manuel São João - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Mar e das Pescas

According to the Regional Secretary for the Sea and Fisheries, the proposal presented by the Regional Government under the revision of the Azores Fishers' Salary Compensation Fund (FUNDOPESCA) represents a "fairer and more equitable" response.

"Without neglecting the efforts undertaken in various areas to improve the living conditions of our fishers, I want to give you here today the guidelines for the revision that we intend to implement with regard to FUNDOPESCA. It was a lengthy process that involved representatives from the entire sector and represents another commitment fulfilled by this Government," stressed Manuel São João, who spoke at a meeting with fishers held on the island of Terceira, marking the Fisherman's Day.

According to the government official, "the aim is to reduce the relevant period of fishing cessation to seven consecutive days and 13 interspersed days, over a period of 30 days, as well as to increase the number of situations eligible for support under this fund," said the government official. In this regard, he noted that "not only will the time the vessels are laid up be reduced, in the event of natural disasters or adverse sea conditions, but also the daily amount of salary compensation will be increased by five percent compared to the current rate. The proposed measures will grant the beneficiaries of this scheme an increase of more than 140 Euros for each 15-day period of lay-up." 

Manuel São João also added that "FUNDOPESCA will ensure the payment of amounts equivalent to the social security contributions of each fisher regarding the salary compensation granted, so as to reinforce the social component of this support measure." The government official noted that "the compensation granted by the Fund is not currently subject to social security contributions, thus creating a gap in the social security contributions record of beneficiaries. With this proposal, there will no longer be any gap in their social security contributions record."

The Regional Secretary for the Sea and Fisheries highlighted the celebration of Fisherman's Day, "a day that is especially important for those who make the sea and fishing their lives and livelihoods."

"We have always said so since taking office. We want to contribute to the better and greater sustainability of the fisheries sector in the Azores in partnership with the various stakeholders. Together we will always be stronger, with both advantages and concessions, but this is the only way we can move forward."