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Secretaria Regional do Mar e das Pescas
Regional Government has worked in collaboration with scientists to assess commercial fish stocks
Regional Government has worked in collaboration with scientists to assess commercial fish stocks
Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro presented geostrategic value of Azores Sea Cluster to President of the Republic
José Manuel Bolieiro presented geostrategic value of Azores Sea Cluster to President of the Republic
Secretaria Regional do Mar e das Pescas
Maritime spatial planning is fundamental to maritime policy, emphasises Mário Rui Pinho
Maritime spatial planning is fundamental to maritime policy, emphasises Mário Rui Pinho
August 25, 2025
Regional Government has worked in collaboration with scientists to assess commercial fish stocks
August 2, 2025
José Manuel Bolieiro presented geostrategic value of Azores Sea Cluster to President of the Republic
July 10, 2025
Maritime spatial planning is fundamental to maritime policy, emphasises Mário Rui Pinho
News
Nota de Imprensa
August 25, 2025
Regional Government has worked in collaboration with scientists to assess commercial fish stocks
In recent days, the Regional Government has been following with concern the news reports regarding the reduction in the red seabream quota and the depletion of quotas for certain species, as well as the social and economic consequences experienced by fishers and shipowners. Therefore, it is important to clarify the following aspects of the sector: 1) Quotas aim to ensure the sustainable exploitation of resources. Whenever cuts are made, it is because the best available indicators suggest the need to reduce fishing pressure to levels compatible with the recovery or stabilisation of stocks. This is a measure intended to protect the natural resources that sustain the activity in the medium and long term. 2) In the specific case of red seabream, it should be clarified that recent reductions are not due to a lack of data, but rather the result of investment in monitoring and science in the Autonomous Region of the Azores. The assessment of this species' stock has become more detailed and solid, incorporating not only abundance indices collected on scientific cruises but also biological information from the regional fishing fleet's activities. Today, there is a solid scientific basis, with independent indicators leading to the definition of more appropriate and transparent exploitation rules. As red seabream is a deep-sea species, slow-growing and late-maturing, it is to be expected that the effects of management measures will not be immediate and will take time to be reflected in abundance indices and, consequently, in quotas. Nevertheless, the results of these measures are beginning to be evident in scientific assessments, with the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) recommending quota increases in 2027. 3) It has been publicly stated that the information collected in the Region ‘does not reach’ the European Commission. This statement is incorrect. Data from the Azores have been reported to ICES working groups, which produce public scientific opinions. Based on these opinions, the Commission presents proposals for total allowable catches (TACs) and quotas, which are then discussed and decided upon by the European Council. As this is a transparent process, any citizen can consult the ICES reports on regional stocks (red seabream, Beryx spp., horse mackerel and others). 4) The depletion of deep-sea species quotas, such as splendid alfonsino, clearly illustrates the challenges of managing fishing resources for which scientific information is still limited. At this point, it is not a matter of pointing to immediate solutions, but rather recognising that the issue deserves reflection and debate to achieve better coordination in the fisheries sector. An ICES meeting dedicated to the development and validation of methodologies for assessing stocks with limited data is scheduled for early September in the Azores, where this issue will be addressed in detail. In addition, several Beryx fish species have been the subject of study in initiatives promoted by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation. The meeting will discuss assessment and management strategies alongside scientists from various countries, including Japanese experts, given their direct interest in fishing for this species in the Pacific Ocean. These challenges are not exclusive to the Autonomous Region of the Azores. 5) The quality and consistency of the scientific work carried out in the Region have been recognised internationally, with ICES meetings being held in the Azores. This enhances the Region's visibility in the European context and creates opportunities to efficiently align regional management needs with the best international methodologies. Nevertheless, the Regional Government of the Azores recognises the impact that quota reductions have on our fishing communities. For this reason, scientific consistency, predictability in management and collaboration between the fishing sector, science and the regional administration are essential, including in this process the participation of shipowners, fishers and associations representing the fishing sector. The Regional Government makes it very clear: fishing is an asset that adds value to the Autonomous Region of the Azores, and we are committed to continuing to work with everyone to promote and use sustainable practices, ensuring that forthcoming generations will benefit from the wealth of resources available in the Azores sea.
August 25, 2025
Regional Government has worked in collaboration with scientists to assess commercial fish stocks
In recent days, the Regional Government has been following with concern the news reports regarding the reduction in the red seabream quota and the depletion of quotas for certain species, as well as the social and economic consequences experienced by fishers and shipowners. Therefore, it is important to clarify the following aspects of the sector: 1) Quotas aim to ensure the sustainable exploitation of resources. Whenever cuts are made, it is because the best available indicators suggest the need to reduce fishing pressure to levels compatible with the recovery or stabilisation of stocks. This is a measure intended to protect the natural resources that sustain the activity in the medium and long term. 2) In the specific case of red seabream, it should be clarified that recent reductions are not due to a lack of data, but rather the result of investment in monitoring and science in the Autonomous Region of the Azores. The assessment of this species' stock has become more detailed and solid, incorporating not only abundance indices collected on scientific cruises but also biological information from the regional fishing fleet's activities. Today, there is a solid scientific basis, with independent indicators leading to the definition of more appropriate and transparent exploitation rules. As red seabream is a deep-sea species, slow-growing and late-maturing, it is to be expected that the effects of management measures will not be immediate and will take time to be reflected in abundance indices and, consequently, in quotas. Nevertheless, the results of these measures are beginning to be evident in scientific assessments, with the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) recommending quota increases in 2027. 3) It has been publicly stated that the information collected in the Region ‘does not reach’ the European Commission. This statement is incorrect. Data from the Azores have been reported to ICES working groups, which produce public scientific opinions. Based on these opinions, the Commission presents proposals for total allowable catches (TACs) and quotas, which are then discussed and decided upon by the European Council. As this is a transparent process, any citizen can consult the ICES reports on regional stocks (red seabream, Beryx spp., horse mackerel and others). 4) The depletion of deep-sea species quotas, such as splendid alfonsino, clearly illustrates the challenges of managing fishing resources for which scientific information is still limited. At this point, it is not a matter of pointing to immediate solutions, but rather recognising that the issue deserves reflection and debate to achieve better coordination in the fisheries sector. An ICES meeting dedicated to the development and validation of methodologies for assessing stocks with limited data is scheduled for early September in the Azores, where this issue will be addressed in detail. In addition, several Beryx fish species have been the subject of study in initiatives promoted by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation. The meeting will discuss assessment and management strategies alongside scientists from various countries, including Japanese experts, given their direct interest in fishing for this species in the Pacific Ocean. These challenges are not exclusive to the Autonomous Region of the Azores. 5) The quality and consistency of the scientific work carried out in the Region have been recognised internationally, with ICES meetings being held in the Azores. This enhances the Region's visibility in the European context and creates opportunities to efficiently align regional management needs with the best international methodologies. Nevertheless, the Regional Government of the Azores recognises the impact that quota reductions have on our fishing communities. For this reason, scientific consistency, predictability in management and collaboration between the fishing sector, science and the regional administration are essential, including in this process the participation of shipowners, fishers and associations representing the fishing sector. The Regional Government makes it very clear: fishing is an asset that adds value to the Autonomous Region of the Azores, and we are committed to continuing to work with everyone to promote and use sustainable practices, ensuring that forthcoming generations will benefit from the wealth of resources available in the Azores sea.
Nota de Imprensa
August 2, 2025
José Manuel Bolieiro presented geostrategic value of Azores Sea Cluster to President of the Republic
The President of the Regional Government of the Azores, José Manuel Bolieiro, accompanied by the Regional Secretary for the Sea and Fisheries, Mário Rui Pinho, demonstrated this Friday the relevance and geostrategic value of the Azores Sea Cluster, at the Maritime School, on the island of Faial. The initiative, which was part of the official visit of the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, to the Autonomous Region of the Azores, followed visits to the islands of Terceira and Pico. It was a moment to establish the role of the sea in the regional development strategy. During the session, which also included a lecture by Admiral António Silva Ribeiro, former Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, on the "Geostrategic Value of the Azores," José Manuel Bolieiro highlighted the crucial role that the ocean plays in climate balance, oxygen production, and the regulation of life on the planet. However, he warned of the growing threats posed by pollution, climate change and the overexploitation of marine resources. "These challenges not only affect biodiversity but also jeopardise the well-being of communities and global food security," he cautioned. Highlighting the Atlantic identity of the Azores, the President of the Government noted that the Region's blue natural capital, representing almost one million square kilometres of Exclusive Economic Zone, places the Azores in a prominent position on the international stage, both in terms of resources and scientific research, and in terms of security, defence and situational awareness of the Atlantic. The head of the Azorean Government reiterated the Regional Government's commitment to establishing the Azores Sea Cluster as a strategic axis for development, linked to Portugal's Blue Hubs Network. He noted that structures such as the Azores Maritime School, which already has a consolidated role in maritime training and safety, will be reinforced with new investments. These include the MARTEC Technopole, a research and business incubation centre for the blue economy to be built in the city of Horta, and the new scientific research vessel "Azores Ocean." The latter, scheduled for delivery in December 2025, will represent a multidisciplinary research platform capable of operating at depths of up to 5,000 metres, corresponding to an investment exceeding €23 million via the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP). It will attract researchers from around the world and train new generations of marine-related technicians and scientists. Regarding the MARTEC Technopole, scheduled for completion in June 2026, José Manuel Bolieiro stated that it is a flagship project with an investment of over 23.5 million Euros. It will include a blue incubator, an aquaculture centre, and the future Azores Marine Park, positioning the Region as an international benchmark in marine innovation. During the presentation, the creation of the Azores Marine Protected Areas Network (RAMPA) was also highlighted. Approved last October, it established more than 287 thousand square kilometres of areas with full or high protection. "The best science requires the protection of at least 30% of the marine environment, and the Azores have taken on this leadership role with courage and responsibility," he said. The approved law sets out a strict timeframe until 2030 for the implementation of effective management of this network, with planning measures, management strategies and an adaptive model that integrates the evolution of scientific evidence, ensuring that the new marine park is not limited to formal existence, but effectively fulfils its goals. The session consolidated the image of the Azores as a territory with a unique maritime calling, capable of reconciling environmental protection with economic development and scientific innovation, and reaffirmed the Regional Government's commitment to investing in the Region's blue future. “We are leading by example and building a legacy of sustainability, knowledge and prosperity for future generations,” concluded José Manuel Bolieiro.
August 2, 2025
José Manuel Bolieiro presented geostrategic value of Azores Sea Cluster to President of the Republic
The President of the Regional Government of the Azores, José Manuel Bolieiro, accompanied by the Regional Secretary for the Sea and Fisheries, Mário Rui Pinho, demonstrated this Friday the relevance and geostrategic value of the Azores Sea Cluster, at the Maritime School, on the island of Faial. The initiative, which was part of the official visit of the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, to the Autonomous Region of the Azores, followed visits to the islands of Terceira and Pico. It was a moment to establish the role of the sea in the regional development strategy. During the session, which also included a lecture by Admiral António Silva Ribeiro, former Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, on the "Geostrategic Value of the Azores," José Manuel Bolieiro highlighted the crucial role that the ocean plays in climate balance, oxygen production, and the regulation of life on the planet. However, he warned of the growing threats posed by pollution, climate change and the overexploitation of marine resources. "These challenges not only affect biodiversity but also jeopardise the well-being of communities and global food security," he cautioned. Highlighting the Atlantic identity of the Azores, the President of the Government noted that the Region's blue natural capital, representing almost one million square kilometres of Exclusive Economic Zone, places the Azores in a prominent position on the international stage, both in terms of resources and scientific research, and in terms of security, defence and situational awareness of the Atlantic. The head of the Azorean Government reiterated the Regional Government's commitment to establishing the Azores Sea Cluster as a strategic axis for development, linked to Portugal's Blue Hubs Network. He noted that structures such as the Azores Maritime School, which already has a consolidated role in maritime training and safety, will be reinforced with new investments. These include the MARTEC Technopole, a research and business incubation centre for the blue economy to be built in the city of Horta, and the new scientific research vessel "Azores Ocean." The latter, scheduled for delivery in December 2025, will represent a multidisciplinary research platform capable of operating at depths of up to 5,000 metres, corresponding to an investment exceeding €23 million via the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP). It will attract researchers from around the world and train new generations of marine-related technicians and scientists. Regarding the MARTEC Technopole, scheduled for completion in June 2026, José Manuel Bolieiro stated that it is a flagship project with an investment of over 23.5 million Euros. It will include a blue incubator, an aquaculture centre, and the future Azores Marine Park, positioning the Region as an international benchmark in marine innovation. During the presentation, the creation of the Azores Marine Protected Areas Network (RAMPA) was also highlighted. Approved last October, it established more than 287 thousand square kilometres of areas with full or high protection. "The best science requires the protection of at least 30% of the marine environment, and the Azores have taken on this leadership role with courage and responsibility," he said. The approved law sets out a strict timeframe until 2030 for the implementation of effective management of this network, with planning measures, management strategies and an adaptive model that integrates the evolution of scientific evidence, ensuring that the new marine park is not limited to formal existence, but effectively fulfils its goals. The session consolidated the image of the Azores as a territory with a unique maritime calling, capable of reconciling environmental protection with economic development and scientific innovation, and reaffirmed the Regional Government's commitment to investing in the Region's blue future. “We are leading by example and building a legacy of sustainability, knowledge and prosperity for future generations,” concluded José Manuel Bolieiro.
