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OCEAN USE SURVEY
DO YOU KNOW THE SEA OF THE AZORES?
WE NEED YOU!
PARTICIPATE IN THE OCEAN USE SURVEY THAT WILL BE COMING TO YOUR ISLAND.
YOUR KNOWLEDGE IS IMPORTANT TO HELP CONSTRUCT THE FUTURE OF OUR SEA.
WHAT IS THE OCEAN USE SURVEY?
This initiative is carried out under the Blue Azores program, a program focused on the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources and which aims to protect 30% of the Azores Sea through Protected Marine Areas. This survey aims to better understand the ways in which Azoreans use and value our Sea and is an opportunity for Azoreans to express their views on the future of its conservation.
The information obtained in this survey will complement and deepen the existing scientific data, helping to complement the information regarding the activities that take place in the coastal areas of the archipelago.
The results of this process will then be used to define the Marine Protected Areas of the Azores.
From September 19th to October 28th the Ocean Use Survey will take place on the islands of São Jorge, Terceira and São Miguel. These will be the last islands to take part in the process, which has already covered the rest of the Azorean archipelago.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE OCEAN USE SURVEY?
In order to understand the needs for the uses of the Ocean and better plan its protection, we need to understand how the Azoreans use their Sea.
In this way, local knowledge will be integrated and valued in the decision-making process for the implementation of the network of the Marine Protected Areas of the Azores.
By participating in this survey, your answers will contribute to the decisions of the process of the creation and management of Azorean Marine Protected Areas.
HOW WILL THE OCEAN USE SURVEY WORK?
A team of facilitators, contracted through a company called QSP, will conduct the surveys that will serve as a basis for the definition of Marine Protected Areas under the Blue Azores program.
Participants will be invited to indicate and classify, by degree of importance, the areas of the Ocean that they use and value the most, such as areas for fishing or recreational activities.
The information collected by the survey will be worked on and transferred to maps, island by island, which will indicate the most important areas for fishing, but also the areas considered important for tourism or recreational activities.
The results obtained will be presented confidentially, with no personal information or specific locations made public.
The team of facilitators will contact you to schedule your survey.
THERE ARE TWO WAYS TO PARTICIPATE:
1. Filling out the survey online here:
2. Getting in contact with the facilitators in your island
The team of facilitators will schedule meetings, according to the availability of the survey participants, and will provide any technical support necessary for completing the survey, which takes between half an hour and an hour.
For more information or clarification of doubts contact: info@blueazores.org.
FAQ
Why is the Ocean Use Survey important?
The Ocean Use Survey will contribute to better understanding how Azoreans use their Sea, through activities like fishing, diving, navigation, tourism, surfing and aquaculture.
The information will be collected through surveys carried out on each island and will support the process of implementing Marine Protected Areas and contribute to the Marine Spatial Plan of the Azores.
Who should take this survey?
Anyone who uses the ocean should take the survey. Your knowledge is important, whether you are a commercial fisher, or someone who likes to swim for exercise, we want to hear from you.
Our survey identifies 5 main sectors:
1. Commercial and recreational fishing
2. Cultural and recreational use
3. Accommodation Establishments - local tourism and resorts
4. Sea sports
5. Transportation
How will the survey results be used? Will they be published?
The data obtained from the surveys will then be used to define Marine Protected Areas in the Azores.
The information will be presented confidentially, so no personal information or specific locations will be made public.
