Proposed amendment to FUNDOPESCA increases compensation to fishers - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Mar e das Pescas

The Regional Secretary for the Sea and Fisheries, Manuel São João, presented today at the Regional Fisheries Council, which is taking place in Vila do Porto, Santa Maria Island, a series of amendments that the Regional Government intends to introduce to the regulations of the Azores Fishers' Salary Compensation Fund (FUNDOPESCA).

The main measures presented to the members of the Fisheries Council for consideration provide for an increase of about one hundred Euros for the beneficiaries of FUNDOPESCA for each 15-day period of cessation of fishing activities, amounting to 462.65 Euros. They include the reduction of the time during which vessels cease their operations. In the event of a natural and unforeseeable disaster or rough sea conditions, this period will be reduced from eight consecutive or fifteen interspersed days to seven consecutive or thirteen interspersed days, in both cases within a 30-day period.

The daily amount of the salary compensation will be increased by 25% over the current rate, with payment remaining limited to a maximum of 60 days per year, on each island, and to the budget available under FUNDOPESCA.

The salary compensation will continue to be granted to households in conjunction with other financial support. Each time the Fund is activated, it will be adjusted so that the sum of this compensation with the other benefits does not exceed a maximum amount equal to 1.75 times the value of the monthly minimum wage in force in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, as opposed to the 1.5 times currently in force. 

The proposal presented by Manuel São João also introduces an addendum to the legislation in force.

Regarding the salary compensation amount granted to each fisher, it is proposed that the respective Social Security contributions be calculated in accordance with the contribution rate applicable to these professionals under the General Social Security System. Accordingly, FUNDOPESCA shall be responsible for the respective payment.

Another amendment presented by the Regional Secretariat for the Sea and Fisheries concerns the term of office of the members of the administration board, which is currently set at three years on a renewable basis. It is proposed that the term of office should correspond to the term of the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, ending when the new members take office.

FUNDOPESCA is responsible for providing financial support to professional fishermen when they are temporarily unable to carry out their activity and experience a reduction in income.