The Regional Secretariat for the Sea, Science and Technology visited today the Fajã of Caldeira do Santo Cristo on São Jorge, where he announced the end of the ban on the catch of clams in the lake that had been in force since September 2013.

The ban was ordered due to the presence of microalgae that accumulate in bivalve organisms, such as the case of clams, and can pose health risks.

"There is no longer any danger to health and we can safely consume clams caught Fajã," Fausto Brito e Abreu said, adding that the "last tests showed that the concentration of the toxin is below the limit established by law."

From now on, the catch of clams and seaweed as well as fishing activities are now authorised in the Lake of Caldeira do Santo Cristo, according to an ordinance published today in the Official Journal.

During the visit to Fajã de Santo Cristo, the Regional Secretary met with representatives of the Association of Clam Pickers (APAS) and the Association of Friends of Caldeira do Santo Cristo. He also visited the Fajã Interpretation Centre, an institution to which he delivered the certificate and flag of the Quality Coast programme.