2.1.2.2. Diversification: Aquaculture, a sector with potential
Marine aquaculture is a sector which is expanding rapidly in Europe and has
high potential for growth in the context of food production.
However, the islands of the Azores find it difficult to attract private investors to
invest in this area because the commercially successful species produced in the
European Union do not exist in the Azores (such as sea bass, sea bream and
turbot). This is further compounded by the fact that weather conditions in the
Azores hinder the installation of offshore establishments.
Despite these constraints, it is hoped that technological progress in the sector
will make it possible, in the near future, to introduce this business area, more
specifically in the segment of algae and crustaceans.
In this regard, the Department of Oceanography and Fishing of the University of
the Azores has developed pilot research projects aimed at perfecting
reproduction techniques, genetic improvement, nutrition and the growth of
species such as barnacles and abalones.
In the 2014-2020 time frame, aquaculture will thus be an important area for the
diversification of activities linked to the sea, in a quest for new business areas
which do not conflict with efforts to preserve fish stocks. It is essential to ensure
a high level of environmental protection, health and wellbeing of the stock as
well as public safety and health.
Moreover, likewise from the perspective of diversifying the sub-sectors linked to
fishing, it will be necessary to promote support for marketing and processing
companies, with a view to encouraging added value for products and reinforcing
the structure of the production chain.
It is important to note that the industries manufacturing fishing products
generate sub-products which represent between 30% and 50% of the total fish
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processed, and it is essential to study and develop techniques to make use of
these sub-products.
The development of new biotechnology processes to process caught but
unused biomass and marine sub-products could make it possible to produce
new products with high added value, such as protein hydrolysates and
concentrated ‘Omega 3’ fatty acids, with potential in the area of human and
animal health and nutrition.
2.1.3. Tourism, an emerging sector affected by the external crisis
Tourism is one of the sectors of the regional economy which has the greatest
potential for growth, with an impact on income generation and employment, in
the tourism sector itself as well as in a broad range of associated activities and
services. Tourism has a positive effect on the trade balance since it is an
‘export’ activity.
The development of tourism in the Autonomous Region of the Azores is
especially worthy of note due to its connection and harmony with diverse other
sectors and aspects, ranging from maritime activities and agriculture to
environmental and demographic issues.
Being a sector which has become an important priority only relatively recently in
the archipelago’s economy, tourism plays a growing role in the Region’s
strategy for economic development.
This growth has been based on the sustainability of the Azores as a destination
and the guarantee of a suitable balance between tourism activities, associated
infrastructure and the protection of the landscape, eco-systems and biodiversity,
as unique hallmarks of the Region in Europe and in the world.
This strategy has been recognised not just by those who visit the Region, but
also at an international and European level. For example, National Geographic
Traveller ranked the Azores in second place among the leading destinations
worldwide for sustainable tourism and, in 2013, the archipelago was once again
ranked as the best ‘Green’ destination in Europe (Quality Coast GOLD), an
accolade awarded by the 'European Coastal & Marine Union' (EUCC).
Furthermore, tourism can also be an additional factor serving to enhance
agriculture, which contributes decisively towards maintaining the Azores
landscape, promoting diversification and being a market for channelling
traditional products, encouraging their quality and added value.