Fishing Tourism can boost the income of Rabo de Peixe fishers, says Brito e Abreu
The Regional Secretary for the Sea, Science and Technology stated that the new Rabo de Peixe Port "has created the conditions for fishers to develop fishing tourism activities on the north coast of S. Miguel, which can also boost their income."
In addition to fishing tourism, an activity in which tourists take part in the fishing activities carried out on board a commercial fishing vessel, Fausto Brito e Abreu stressed that recreational boating, diving and whale watching are other maritime activities that "can become a tourist attraction in Rabo de Peixe that will generate more income and jobs, not only to fishing professionals but also to the entire community."
The Regional Secretary spoke in Ponta Delgada at the end of a meeting with Rabo de Peixe Fisheries Association (APRAP); the latter comprises thirty shipowners , who represent about 60 percent of the unloading recorded in this port.
The meeting was held with the purpose of analysing various matters, such as the reduction in the red seabream quota, the need for increased monitoring of fishing activities, the production of algae in aquaculture, the support to the cleaning and security of the port by APRAP and the creation of a training centre of the Azores Maritime School in Rabo de Peixe.
The Regional Secretary stated that the Government is studying some measures to mitigate the impact of the reduction in the red seabream quota. The government official stressed that "even though we cannot change the value of the quota assigned to the Azores, we can fish in a smarter way to enhance the commercial value of red sebream so that fishers may receive the same amount in Euros, despite fishing less tonnes."
Fausto Brito e Abreu also highlighted the "interest of Rabo de Peixe fishers to promote local development projects associated with the fishing port," whereas "it will also boost their income."
The "Caldo de Peixe" Festival, to be held in July 2015, and the promotion of local cuisine were other themes under analysis during the meeting with APRAP. The Regional Secretary considered that "this event in Rabo de Peixe has met the conditions to gain visibility at a national level, thus contributing to the promotion and development of fishery products."