The Regional Director for Fisheries stated on the island of Terceira that the fisher courses promoted by the Azorean Government on all islands of the archipelago are intended "to optimise human resources in the fisheries sector."

Luís Costa spoke Wednesday at the beginning of fisher courses and the courses for admission to the Local Fishing Vessel Skipper category. This initiative will provide nearly forty fishers with the possibility to become registered fishers or to access the Local Fishing Vessel Skipper category.

The training activities in the fisheries sector have mainly focused on areas related to safety, handling, stowage and fresh fish conservation, which, according to the Regional Director, ensure "constant renovation and knowledge update."

"For the Government of the Azores, the training component is of particular importance in the context of the policies to develop the fisheries sector," said Luís Costa. The government official stressed "the decentralised training model," based on a team of teachers travelling around the islands to teach these courses in fishing communities.

"The model allows fishers to continue pursuing their professional activity during the training period, taking into account courses take place after working hours," said the Regional Director.

This year, the Fisher and Local Fishing Vessel Skipper courses will be held on islands of Graciosa, São Jorge, Faial and Pico, covering about one hundred professionals.