THE AZORES: CONTRIBUTION OF AN ATLANTIC INSULAR REGION TO THE EUROPEAN MARITIME POLICY Livorno,

History Since the beginning of the XV century…

…nine desert islands… …violent storms and natural disasters…

Geography 2350 Km Kms from Lisbon 3900 Kms from North America

Area of São Miguel island = 750 Km2 Area of Corvo island = 17 Km2 Distance between Santa Maria and Corvo = 600 Kms

Exclusive Economic Zone Azores EEZ = Km 2

Azores coast line = 844 Kms

Commercial ports

Fishing ports

Whale-watching

Swimming with dolphins

Big Game fishing

Energy derived from waves

Cruises type of tourism

H ow can these nine European islands - with a vast EEZ and wide costal area, distant from the mainland and from each others and, consequently, with an indispensable relation with the sea – contribute and act on their own maritime matters ?

Regional Legislative Assembly

Azores: the Autonomous Region

W hat has been done by Regional Government authorities in the Azores regarding sea maters?

Sea bottoms

Traditional Fishing Methods

Recurrent practice of artisan fishing

Adequate fleets to the existent resources

Selective fishing activity

Fajãs of São Jorge island Fishing Protected Areas

Beach of São Lourenço, in Santa Maria Island

Formigas islets

Islet of Vila Franca, in São Miguel

Plans to order coastal edges

Reformulation of regional port’s system

What role for regions in European maritime affairs?

THE GREEN PAPER ON EUROPEAN MARITIME POLICY

Environment

Fisheries Foto Luís Quinta

Fishing Banks

Coastal edges

Investigation

Azores = a natural lab

Maritime transports

*Pico Island: Wave Power Plant Energy

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION! GOVERNO DOS AÇORES Gabinete do Secretário Regional da Presidência Direcção Regional dos Assuntos Europeus e Cooperação Externa