Azorean government supports fisheries and aquaculture with EUR 3 million

O Government of the Azores (PSD/CDS-PP/PPM) has opened applications for extraordinary support of EUR 3 million (ME) to compensate professionals and fisheries and aquaculture companies for the increase in fuel costs, has today been released.

According to a statement from the Azorean executive, support, financed through the MAR 2030 programme “represents a concrete response to the challenges that have affected the activity of hundreds of Azorean operators, from fishermen to fish farmers, through fish processing and marketing companies”, due to the instability of international energy markets.

In addition, according to the note, the support is intended to compensate for the additional costs of production incurred by fisheries, aquaculture and the processing of fishery and aquaculture products between 28 February and 31 December 2026, “allowing to minimise the impacts of the volatility of energy markets and to strengthen the resilience of the sector”.

In addition to supporting economic operators, this measure contributes to the stability of food supply and to the containment of the effects that increased production costs could have on consumers.

The regional executive recalls that the successive international events, particularly the situation in the Middle East, had direct repercussions on the costs of fuel, energy and transport, “affecting the profitability of companies and increasing pressure on a sector that is fundamental to the blue economy of the region.”.

With this measure, the Government of the Azores intends to “be on the side of men and [of] women living on the sea”, helping to ensure the continuity of their activity, the protection of jobs and the maintenance of the income of families that depend directly or indirectly on fishing.

“ In an archipelago where the sea is a source of livelihood, identity and opportunities, it is essential to protect those who daily face the challenges of maritime activity and ensure food, wealth and development for our islands ", vinca.

With the initiative, the coalition executive ensures that it “reveals its commitment” to the fisheries and aquaculture sector, ensuring that the region “uses all available instruments to defend one of its most strategic sectors”.

Applications run until 18:00 locals (one more hour in Lisbon) on 30 November, and must be submitted through the Fund Office, as provided for in the Notice MAR2030-2026-31.

Interested parties may consult all information available on the MAR 2030 Programme portal or contact the Regional Fisheries Directorate.