BLUE VOICES

The sea lies at the heart of Azorean identity. It has shaped the islands’ history, culture, economy and way of life, and remains deeply present in everyday life and in the relationship Azoreans have with their territory. Blue Voices gives a face and a voice to this deep connection between Azoreans and the sea.

INSPIRE AND RAISE AWARENESS
ABOUT OCEAN CONSERVATION

Since 2021, this series has shared stories from members of civil society whose experiences reveal the many different ways of living with, understanding and valuing the Azores Sea. Fishers, artists, teachers, maritime tourism operators, researchers, athletes, divers and members of local organisations share different perspectives on the value and future of the ocean. Through their stories, Blue Voices seeks to inspire and raise awareness about ocean conservation, showing that we all have a connection to the sea and that everyone can contribute to protecting it. Each story is an invitation to reflect and take action — a reminder that everyone can have an active voice in the conservation of the Azores Sea.

BLUE VOICES

Since its creation, Blue Voices has brought together around 80 stories from people with different connections to the Azores Sea, reflecting the diversity of experiences and perspectives on the ocean.

“O mar é a nossa casa. E sempre assim pensei.”

Victor Rui Dores, professor, escritor, ator, poeta e crítico literário.

“The sea is our home. And I have always thought of it that way.”

Victor Rui Dores, teacher, writer, actor, poet and literary critic

"Sinto que é necessário proteger o oceano pois é uma fonte de rendimento muito importante”

Fátima Bettencourt da Rosa, pescadora da Ilha Graciosa

“I feel that it is necessary to protect the ocean because it is a very important source of income.”

Fátima Bettencourt da Rosa, fisherwoman from Graciosa Island

“Continuamos a achar que o mar é uma fonte inesgotável. Se não protegermos áreas extensas dos nossos oceanos, em breve nada mais haverá para ver ou pescar.”

Bruno Sérgio & Suzi Oliveira, instrutores de mergulho

“We continue to think of the sea as an inexhaustible resource. If we do not protect extensive areas of our oceans, soon there will be nothing left to see or fish.”

Bruno Sérgio & Suzi Oliveira, diving instructors

“É o que nos une e não o que nos separa. Com ele aprendi a ser humilde e a respeitar a natureza.”

André Avelar, presidente da Azores Sea Alliance

“It is what unites us, not what separates us. It has taught me to be humble and to respect nature.”

André Avelar, President of Azores Sea Alliance

“Temos feito muitos disparates no que respeita ao oceano e à nossa relação com ele. Mas sinto que ainda vamos a tempo. É preciso é vontade de mudar!”

João Quaresma, skipper de whale watching e fotógrafo

“We have made many mistakes when it comes to the ocean and our relationship with it. But I feel there is still time. What we need is the will to change!”

João Quaresma, whale-watching skipper and photographer

“Sou otimista por natureza e tenho uma grande esperança nas gerações mais novas. É preciso ensinar, treinar e empoderar as novas gerações!”

Helena Calado, professora e investigadora na Universidade dos Açores

“I am an optimist by nature and have great hope in the younger generations. We need to educate, train and empower the next generations!”

Helena Calado, professor and researcher at the University of the Azores

“Os meus tios lembram que, aos 3 anos, no Faial, ao olhar para o canal, soltei num sotaque micaelense e em tom de suspiro demasiado contemplativo para a idade: "belo oceano..."

Sara Cruz, cantora e compositora

“My uncles remember that, when I was three years old in Faial, I looked out at the channel and, with a São Miguel accent and a sigh far too contemplative for my age, said: ‘beautiful ocean...’”

Sara Cruz, singer-songwriter