The Regional Government of the Azores has acknowledged that 593,547.58 euros remain to be transferred to the Institute of the Sea (IMAR), relating to contracted programs and services. The admission follows a request submitted by the Parliamentary Representation of the Left Bloc concerning alleged funding delays in 2024 and 2025 and uncertainty surrounding 2026.

The request warns of the consequences of potential delays or a lack of funding for observation and monitoring programs managed by IMAR, emphasizing that these initiatives underpin the sustainable management of the ocean and the fulfillment of regional and national obligations to European institutions. Among the impacts identified, the Left Bloc highlights the risk to maintaining certifications such as Dolphin Safe for tuna caught in the Azores, as well as the possibility of sanctions, including infringement proceedings, financial penalties, restrictions on access to European funds, and even reductions in fishing quotas.

In its response to the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, dated December 11, 2025, the Regional Government includes a table detailing the outstanding amounts by year, totaling 593,547.58 euros. For 2024, the amounts identified include the Annual Demersal Monitoring Campaigns (183,110.50 euros), the Azores Coastal Resources and Environments Monitoring Program (MONICO) (221,496.00 euros), and the COSTA Project – Consolidating Sea Turtle Research in the Azores (78,704.40 euros).

For 2025, the outstanding amounts also include the management and maintenance of the vessels Arquipélago and Águas Vivas (additional) (60,236.68 euros), as well as technical consultancy for the acquisition of a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), valued at 50,000.00 euros.

When questioned about the timing of the transfers, the Executive stated only that the funds will be transferred as soon as possible, noting that it is not possible to provide a specific date. Regarding 2026, the Government says that the necessary funds are included in the Regional Plan Proposal for 2026, under action 8.1.4, Sustainable Management of Fisheries and Aquaculture. However, it adds that before the approval and entry into force of the Annual Regional Plan, it is not possible to indicate deadlines for the transfers.

In the same response, the Government also presents a list of projected amounts by project, highlighting the management and maintenance of the vessels Arquipélago and Águas Vivas, with a combined allocation of 555,000.00 euros, and the Annual Demersal Monitoring Campaigns, at 284,660.00 euros. Other budget lines include the Azores Fisheries Observer Program (POPA), with 192,737.38 euros, and the AQUALAB Project, with 88,566.00 euros.

In Diário dos Açores, Paulo Viveiros, director.

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