The Regional Secretariat for the Sea, Science and Technology, after hearing industry partners, has decided to implement the direct sale of fish to consumers by fishers in the Azores.
An ordinance published today in the Official Journal sets out the rules on the authorisation of fresh fish sales in five selected locations: the collection points of Ribeira Quente, Mosteiros and Porto Formoso (São Miguel), Biscoitos (Terceira) and Caldeira de Santo Cristo (São Jorge).
The Regional Secretary for the Sea, Science and Technology pointed out that this measure allows "the involvement of more fishers in the marketing chain and the generation of more revenue in the first sale."
"This measure requires adaption works in the existing collection points in order to provide these spaces with adequate health conditions," said Brito e Abreu.
The direct sale is limited to a maximum of 30 kilos per day and a maximum of 150 kilos per week. It may be carried out by shipowners holding a valid fishing licence for the exercise of this activity with the aid of the vessel or licensed catchers. The fish sold in the direct sale system can only be bought by the end consumer.
The Regional Directorate for Fisheries is in charge of issuing the authorisation for direct sale, which will be valid for the calendar year it is granted.
The ordinance published today establishes that the minimum price for fish in the direct sale system cannot be lower than the average price stipulated for fish sold in auction, according to the respective species and the respective island, in the two previous weeks. The information will be posted on a weekly basis in the sale location by the managing entities.
The income of direct sale, when sold by shipowners, is always distributed in the form of remuneration in kind among fishers, after deducting the value of auction rate, social security contributions and VAT.
This ordinance follows the publication of the Regional Legislative Decree on 22 July to regulate the first sale of fresh fish in the Azores.