The Regional Directorate for Sea Affairs was established within the new structure of the X Regional Government of the Azores, established by the Regional Implementing Decree no.17/2010/A of September 21.

Our most important mission is to enhance the Azores sea by increasing its usefulness, maintaining its splendour and ensuring its environmental quality.

We draw special attention to the activities related to the protection of the marine environment, including the implementation or reinforcement of marine protected areas, and their biodiversity.

This new service aims to provide a response to challenges such as the implementation of the Azores Marine Park, the conclusion of the Maritime Spatial Plan in the Azores, always taking into account the contribution to the maintenance or recovery of the environmental quality of the Azores sea.

In order to stimulate the balance between the different pillars of sustainable development, we will contribute to the development of new activities based on the use of marine resources, such as the production of renewable energies as an alternative to fossil fuels. As a result of the misuse of thermal energy worldwide, this service will be charge of coordinating the investment deemed necessary to adapt the Azorean coastal areas to global climate change.

All of these activities may be always followed by active citizens committed in informed participation within the limits set by law.