The oil companies Repsol and Partex (which was started by Calouste Gulbenkian) intend to start deep-sea oil/gas-drilling in Algarve, early in 2014, with the first exploration taking place in the Algarve foreshore at only 8 kilometres from the coast, amidst much secrecy and chronic lack of information from all parties involved.

According to information that we have received, it appears that the first rig to be used in the Algarve waters for exploration purposes, is a rig that was bought as “Scrap” in Indonesia and which is now being refurbished and re-commissioned.

Mussel and oyster farms dominate current investment in aquaculture in the Algarve despite an increasing threat from oil companies.

Aquaculture is growing in the Algarve and in the last three months 83 ‘ProMar’ projects have been started with a total investment of €29 million for the production of mussels and oysters, and specialist equipment.

ASMAA - The Algarve Surf and Marine Activities Association, attended the Gulbenkian Foundation’s launch of their Ocean Initiative “Valuing Oceans for Tomorrow” in Lisbon, last Friday. ASMAA was eager to hear how this initiative would address the socio-economic needs of the country and the environmental challenges and risks facing Portugal, both currently and in the future, from oil and gas exploration.

On confirmation of attendance, ASMAA was informed that the launch would not be open to a question and answer session but that an opportunity would be given to interact with the present delegates.

One of the most publicized activities in the Algarve to tourists and residents alike is the fact that we have abundant and healthy dolphin colonies in our ocean.

Thousands of photographs can be found on the Internet showcasing mankind’s love for this gentle sea creature with many of them being taken during vacations in the Algarve by thousands of visitors (tourists) and hundreds of local residents.