The urgent technical evaluation of the condition of the north and south breakwaters at the Port of Nazaré, prompted by progressive deterioration observed in recent years and exacerbated by storms since the beginning of the year, has been recommended by the Municipal Council of Port Affairs and Maritime Economy (CMAPEM), following a meeting held on Wednesday.
The meeting, which analyzed the port situation in Nazaré, located in the district of Leiria, aimed to identify intervention priorities.
The urgency for technical assessment of the breakwaters’ condition was among the main recommendations: “The north breakwater shows cracks in the pavement and dislocation of slabs, and the south breakwater is already split in two,” reported municipal biologist Carla Maurício to the Lusa news agency.
Besides this issue, which “poses risks to people, vessels, and property,” the CMAPEM warned of sand accumulation at the bar entrance, “a phenomenon that has been hindering navigability and the safety of port maneuvers, especially in adverse sea conditions.”
“A ‘bypass’ system, being implemented in other ports and beaches in the country, was presented at the meeting, allowing sand to move according to tidal dynamics, preventing blockages at the bar entrance,” explained the biologist.
The council also addressed issues concerning the maintenance of port equipment, including crew access to vessels and the new policy of port entry control, now subject to a fee after 30 minutes.
“A mixed system is currently in place, automating entry control during one part of the day and manual operation during another. However, it is necessary to define, for example, pedestrian entry control and who should be subject to this fee, considering that retired fishermen, surfers, or other users might be affected,” stated Carla Maurício.
The approved recommendations will be submitted for voting by the executive, led by the PSD party, and forwarded to the government.
During the council meeting, the mayor, Serafim António, emphasized the importance of “monitoring, in coordination with competent port and governmental entities, the identified situations” to ensure safety and sustainability of maritime-related economic activities.
The CMAPEM comprises representatives from the City Council, the Municipal Assembly, Parish Councils, and the Nazaré Harbor Master’s Office, along with entities such as the Portuguese Environment Agency, the Directorate General for Natural Resources, Safety and Maritime Services, the Portuguese Sea and Atmosphere Institute, mutual associations and fishing unions, the nautical club, and the Coastal Control Unit of the GNR.
A review of the CMAPEM’s composition and Internal Regulations is also under discussion to ensure greater representation, including areas like fishing, nautical tourism, aquaculture, research, training, and biotechnology, according to a municipal note.
