The Regional Secretary for the Sea, Science and Technology welcomed the positive outcome of the negotiations to strengthen the quota for albacore tuna, as intended by the Regional Government.
Fausto Brito e Abreu emphasised that the reinforcement of the quota, formally announced, "was already requested by the Region in June. The Regional Secretary reminded that this subject was under discussion at the latest Regional Fisheries Council as well as at the meetings he held in Lisbon with members of the National Government and with the Directorate-General of Natural Resources, Safety and Maritime Services (DGRM).
Given that 2014 is being an exceptional year for the capture of this tuna species, the Government of the Azores has requested the DGRM to take the necessary steps to reinforce the quota assigned to Portugal.
"These negotiations culminated in the transfer of about 550 tonnes to Portugal, which will enable local tuna boat owners to catch more albacore tuna specimens in the course of this season," said the Regional Secretary.