THE AZORES: CONTRIBUTION OF AN ATLANTIC INSULAR REGION TO THE EUROPEAN MARITIME POLICY Livorno, 2006.11.06.

THE AZORES:THE AZORES:CONTRIBUTION OF AN CONTRIBUTION OF AN

ATLANTIC INSULAR REGION ATLANTIC INSULAR REGION TO THE EUROPEAN TO THE EUROPEAN MARITIME POLICYMARITIME POLICY

Livorno, 2006.11.06 Livorno, 2006.11.06

History History

Since the beginning of the XV century…

…nine desert islands…

…violent storms and natural disasters…

GeographyGeography

2350 Km2

1500 Kms from Lisbon

3900 Kms from North America

Area of São Miguel island = 750 Km2

Area of Corvo island = 17 Km2

Distance between Santa Maria and Corvo = 600 Kms

Exclusive Economic ZoneAzores EEZ = 984.300 Km 2

Azores coast line = 844 Kms

Commercial ports

Fishing ports

Whale-watching

Swimming with dolphins

http://www.atlantic-sportfisheries.com/galeria

Big Game fishing

http://www.pico-owc.net/

Energy derived

from waves

Cruises type of tourism

How can these nine European islands - with a vast EEZ and wide costal area, distant from the mainland and from each others and, consequently, with an indispensable relation with the sea – contribute and act on their own maritime matters ?

Regional Legislative Assembly

Azores: Azores:

the Autonomous Regionthe Autonomous Region

What has been done by Regional Government authorities in the Azores regarding sea maters?

www.horta.uac.pt

Sea bottoms

Traditional Fishing MethodsTraditional Fishing Methods

Recurrent practice of artisan fishing Recurrent practice of artisan fishing

Adequate fleets to the existent resourcesAdequate fleets to the existent resources

Selective fishing activitySelective fishing activity

Fajãs of São Jorge island

Fishing Protected Areas

Beach of São Lourenço, in Santa Maria IslandBeach of São Lourenço, in Santa Maria Island

Formigas isletsFormigas islets

Islet of Vila Franca, in São MiguelIslet of Vila Franca, in São Miguel

Plans to order coastal edges

Reformulation of regional port’s system

What role for regions in European maritime affairs?

THE GREEN PAPER

ON

EUROPEAN MARITIME POLICY

EnvironmentEnvironment

Fisheries

Foto Luís

Quinta

Fishing Banks

Coastal edgesCoastal edges

InvestigationInvestigation

www.horta.uac.pt

Azores = a natural lab

Maritime transports

*Pico Island: Wave Power Plant

EnergyEnergy

THANK YOU FOR YOUR

ATTENTION!

GOVERNO DOS AÇORES

Gabinete do Secretário Regional da Presidência

Direcção Regional dos Assuntos Europeus e Cooperação Externa

[email protected]