The Regional Secretary for the Sea, Science and Technology stated in Ribeira Grande that the Government will soon launch a new support measure for investment on board vessels in terms of limiting the impact of fishing, increase added value and quality of fish, energy efficiency, and health and safety.
This new support scheme will be co-financed by MAR 2020 and falls within Priority 1 of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF).
Gui Menezes spoke on the sidelines of a visit to the Azorean fishing processing and marketing designated as "Fat Tuna." The government official recognised the work developed by this company in promoting Azores fish through the "implementation of innovative techniques." In this context, he also praised the incentive to the use of selective fishing gear, contributing to the sustainability of fisheries resources.
The company "Fat Tuna" is dedicated to the marketing of fresh and frozen fish. It uses Japanese techniques and innovative technologies in order to enhance fish products, including the bleeding and destruction of the central nervous system of the fish specimens and storage in sea water and ice.
The Regional Secretary stressed he was "impressed" with the working methods of this company and pointed it as "one of the successful examples" with regard to "innovative ways" of handling fish. He added that it is "in line with the strategy that the Regional Government has set for the industry some time ago," that is, "fish less and boost income from fish products."
Gui Menezes highlighted the fact that this company only works with fishers using "the most sustainable traditional fishing techniques," such as hand line, pole and line and electrical gear, and have on-board conditions for storing ice the fish caught.
The company has been on the market since the end of 2016 and had the Regional Government's support for the construction of its plant through the PROPESCAS programme.
The Regional Secretariat for the Sea, Science and Technology has included modules related to good practices in handling and preserving fish on board in training course for fishers with the aim of enhancing Azorean fish.