As part of his official visit to the Autonomous Region of the Azores, Comendador Anthony Bailey, Honorary Consul-General of His Majesty The King of Tonga to the Portuguese Republic, paid a courtesy visit on 29 June 2026 to the Institute of Marine Sciences \u2013 OKEANOS, based at the University of the Azores.<\/p>\n
The Consul-General was received by Professor Gui Menezes, Director of OKEANOS, together with Professor Jo\u00e3o Gon\u00e7alves, Pro-Rector of the University of the Azores. The meeting provided an excellent opportunity to learn more about the Institute’s internationally recognised scientific research and to exchange views on a range of issues of mutual interest to the Kingdom of Tonga and the Azores.<\/p>\n
OKEANOS is the leading marine sciences research institute of the University of the Azores and is widely recognised as one of the foremost ocean research centres in the North Atlantic. Bringing together scientists from a broad range of disciplines, the Institute undertakes pioneering research into marine biodiversity, deep-sea ecosystems, fisheries science, marine protected areas, ocean observation, blue economy, climate change and sustainable ocean governance. Its researchers contribute directly to Portuguese, European and international marine policy and participate in numerous collaborative research programmes and scientific expeditions across the Atlantic Ocean, including projects supported by the European Union and other international partners.<\/p>\n
The University of the Azores, established in 1976, is the only public university serving the Autonomous Region of the Azores. With campuses on S\u00e3o Miguel, Terceira and Faial, it has developed an international reputation for excellence in marine sciences, volcanology, geology, biodiversity, environmental studies, climate science and island sustainability. Its unique mid-Atlantic location provides exceptional opportunities for scientific research and international collaboration, making it an important centre for the study of oceanic and island environments.<\/p>\n
During the meeting, Professor Gui Menezes outlined the Institute’s current research programmes and highlighted OKEANOS’ important contribution to advancing scientific understanding of the Atlantic Ocean through multidisciplinary research and evidence-based policy. Discussions included marine biodiversity, ecosystem resilience, fisheries management, deep-sea ecosystems, marine protected areas, ocean literacy, blue economy initiatives and the sustainable management of marine resources.<\/p>\n
Particular attention was given to the many common interests shared by the Kingdom of Tonga and the Autonomous Region of the Azores. Although separated by many thousands of kilometres, both are island communities whose history, culture and economic prosperity are intrinsically linked to the ocean. Discussions therefore explored opportunities for future cooperation in marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, ocean governance, climate resilience, marine protected areas, scientific exchanges and capacity-building, particularly in support of Small Island Developing States (SIDS).<\/p>\n
Comendador Anthony Bailey welcomed the internationally respected work being undertaken by OKEANOS and praised the University’s outstanding contribution to marine science and environmental stewardship. He noted that the Kingdom of Tonga places the protection of the ocean at the centre of its national and international priorities and that institutions such as OKEANOS have an important role to play in supporting scientific diplomacy and strengthening international cooperation for the sustainable management of the world’s oceans.<\/p>\n
The Consul-General expressed his hope that the visit would serve as the foundation for closer links between OKEANOS, the University of the Azores and institutions in the Kingdom of Tonga, encouraging future collaboration in marine research, education, scientific exchanges and ocean governance between Atlantic and Pacific island communities.<\/p>\n
Following the meeting, Professor Gui Menezes kindly conducted the Consul-General on a tour of the Institute’s laboratories and research facilities, providing a first-hand insight into the innovative scientific work being undertaken by OKEANOS in support of marine conservation and the sustainable management of the North Atlantic Ocean.<\/p>\n
Official Websites<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 OKEANOS \u2013 Institute of Marine Sciences: https:\/\/okeanos.uac.pt<\/a><\/p>\n