Fostering research excellence
The Azores Sea´s Observatory (OMA) is a non-profit technical, scientific and cultural association, created in 2002 by 23 founding partners who were associated with the Department of Oceanography and Fisheries of the University of the Azores.
In 2004, OMA established its headquarters in the Porto Pim Whale´s Factory, in Horta city, under lending regime by a protocol with the Regional Government of the Azores.
The OMA has the equivalent status of a Non-Governmental Environment Organization (ONGA), certified by the Portuguese Environment Agency.
In March 2010 it was considered by the Government of the Azores a Public Utility Institution.
It is currently part of the of Science´s Centers Regional Network, promoted by the Regional Secretariat of the Sea, Science and Technology (SRMCT), which includes other observatories and similar institutions.
