LISBON, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- A new 2.5 million euro (2.62 million U.S. dollar) Sea Control Center (CMAR) was inaugurated by the Portuguese government in Lisbon on Tuesday.
Located on the campus of the Infante D. Henrique Nautical School, CMAR aims to increase surveillance and monitoring of navigation along the Portuguese coast, as well as improve pollution prevention.
The infrastructure installed at the center will also control maritime traffic accessing ports, and oversee fishing surveillance, maritime activities, marine areas, and emissions control.
"All this information system and technological support from the Sea Control Center is in coordination with other national and international entities, such as the Navy, Air Force, police authorities, port authorities, and the European Maritime Safety Agency," Portuguese Secretary of State for the Sea, Jose Maria Costa told Lusa news agency. (1 euro = 1.05 U.S. dollars) ■