BLUE AZORES TEAM
LUIS BERNARDO BRITO E ABREU
Luis Bernardo is an Advisor to the President of the Government of the Azores in the areas of Sea Affairs and Fisheries. In this context, he is the Government Representative and Coordinator of the Blue Azores Program. He has a degree in Naval Military Sciences from the Portuguese Naval Academy and a Master in Architecture from the University of Lisbon.
Born in Ponta Delgada, he served for 21 years as a naval officer in various leadership positions, including navigation, oceanography, fisheries inspection, search and rescue, and naval communications.
Since July 2022, he has coordinated the activities of Blue Azores between the Regional Government, partners and stakeholders, being a member of the high-level management of the program.
NATACHA FUDEM
OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT
With over 25 years of experience, Natacha has built a career in operations management, international partnerships, economic development, tourism, and ocean-focused programs. Her experience includes senior roles in economic development and ocean innovation, including advancing the development of an ocean research and innovation hub in Newfoundland, Canada.
Originally from Montreal, Canada, she lived and worked in different regions around the world before settling in São Miguel in 2020. With a strong personal connection to the ocean, shaped by years of scuba diving around the world, Natacha joined the Blue Azores Program in 2026 as Operations Manager, bringing experience in operational planning, partnerships, and implementation.
MARIA JOÃO CRUZ
CONSERVATION AND FISHERIES
Maria João holds a degree in Biology and a Ph.D. in Marine Sciences, with a specialization in Marine Ecology. She worked as a researcher at the University of the Azores, focusing on the interactions between cetaceans and fisheries.
She joined the Blue Azores Program in 2019. Originally from Alcochete, she has lived in the Azores for over 15 years, bringing to the program her scientific expertise and a close relationship with the fishing community.
ADRIANO QUINTELA
MARITIME SPATIAL PLANNING
Adriano has a degree in Marine Biology and a Ph.D. in Geography specializing in integrated coastal zone management from the University of the Azores. With experience in coastal and watershed planning projects, he has worked as an environmental consultant and researcher at the University of Aveiro in maritime spatial planning and environmental impact assessment.
He joined the Blue Azores Program in 2021. A native of Aveiro, Adriano brings his scientific knowledge and experience in stakeholder participatory processes to the program.
MARIANA ANDRADE
MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
Mariana holds a master’s degree in Landscape Architecture and a Ph.D. in Marine Science, Technology, and Management, specializing in Integrated Marine Management. Her doctoral thesis investigated the efficient monitoring of Marine Protected Areas.
She joined the Blue Azores Program team in 2023. Originally from Lisbon, Mariana brings her multidisciplinary experience and scientific expertise in the designation and effective implementation of Marine Protected Areas to the program.
MARTA VERGÍLIO
MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
Marta has a master’s degree in environmental engineering and a PhD in Biology, focusing her thesis on the adaptation of ecological structure to land-use plans on small islands. She has worked for the Instituto de Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas, I.P. and as a researcher at the University of the Azores.
She has been a member of the Blue Azores Program since 2025. Born in Juncal (Leiria), she has lived in São Miguel Island since 2010 and brings to the program her experience and scientific knowledge in marine protected areas and maritime spatial planning processes.
ANA MONTEIRO
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & PROGRAM SUPPORT
Ana is a dedicated activist who has worked for many years defending the natural heritage of the Azores. She holds a degree in Radiology, a master’s in Socio-Organizational Health Intervention, and a degree in European Studies and International Politics.
She has been contributing to the implementation of the Blue Azores Program since 2021, responsible for community engagement and supporting its execution. Originally from Flores Island, Ana brings her local knowledge and passion for nature conservation to the program.
INÊS JORGE
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Inês has a degree in Social and Cultural Communication with experience in marketing, event organization, and journalism, having collaborated with several national and international companies.
She has been part of the Blue Azores Program since 2023. Originally from Lisbon, Inês has lived in São Miguel for nine years and brings her expertise in digital strategy and content creation to the program.
ISABEL BARCELOS
COMMUNICATION
Isabel has a degree in Management, a master's degree in Governance and Sustainability of the Sea, and believes in the potential of enhancing the natural capital of the Azores.
Born in Terceira Island, she joins the team in 2025 and brings to the program her professional experience in marketing and strategic communication and her multidisciplinary knowledge acquired throughout her academic career.
RAFAEL DUTRA
PR & MEDIA
Rafael, originally from Pico Island, has been living in São Miguel for about two decades. He holds a degree in Communication and Media and has professional experience in regional media outlets.
He has been part of the Blue Azores programme since 2025, bringing to the team his experience in journalism.
