The Regional Secretariat for Natural Resources, through the Regional Directorate for Fisheries, is granting financial support to Azorean 1,200 fishers under FUNDOPESCA.

The Salary Compensation Fund was activated in December for a seven-month period between March 1 and September 30, 2012. The Administrative Board of FUNDOPESCA has unanimously decided to stipulate amount of support awarded to fishers at 254.62 Euros; beneficiaries cannot have another occupation other than fishing.

Following the activation of FUNDOPESCA in the amount equivalent to 50% of the regional minimum wage, 1633 applications from fishers have been submitted.

After the extension of the deadline to January 15, 348 applications concerning 391 vessels have been analysed in accordance with the eligibility criteria established for this period.

According to the criteria stipulated, fishers are required to have no occupation other than fishing and to pay Social Security taxes. The requirements also establish a minimum of 20 unloads or a minimum amount of 3,750 Euros in unloads at fish markets by local fishing vessels and divers. In the case of coastal fishing vessels, the requirements stipulate a minimum of 15 unloads or a minimum amount of 12,500 Euros in unloads at fish markets.
FUNDOPESCA was created in 2002 with the purpose of providing a financial compensation to fishers when they are prevented from working in certain situations.

Bad weather, resource conservation, fishing ban for public health reasons, environmental protection or the impracticability of fishing activities due to the migratory features of some species are some of the constraints provided in the legislation.

After ten years from its creation, the Regional Secretariat for Natural Resources will present a proposal for a comprehensive revision of the legislation regulating FUNDOPESCA which, as announced, will be completed by the end of February.