According to the decree from the regional secretaries of Sea, Science and Technology and of Energy, Environment and Tourism, the issuing of new licenses for one of the Azores’ most famous and popular excursions
is to be suspended in ‘Zone C’ - which includes the five islands, because of a “significant rise in
the activity”.
The measure is also justified by the need to preclude any future risks that could put the quality of the tourism product at stake, as well as the protection of the marine species.
The decree further repeals another which enabled the transfer of whale watching licenses among companies.