Lagos, 30 September 2013. ASMAA - The Algarve Surf and Marine Activities Association, attended the Gulbenkian Foundation’s launch of their Ocean Initiative “Valuing Oceans for Tomorrow” in Lisbon, last Friday. ASMAA was eager to hear how this initiative would address the socio-economic needs of the country and the environmental challenges and risks facing Portugal, both currently and in the future, from oil and gas exploration. On confirmation of attendance, ASMAA was informed that the launch would not be open to a question and answer session but that an opportunity would be given to interact with the present delegates. This left ASMAA questioning whether attending the launch was worthwhile, as we would not have an opportunity to pose any of our concerns directly to the key speakers. ASMAA’s decision to attend was based on getting the information on the overview of the project first hand. To our delight, on our arrival, we were approached by a representative of the Gulbenkian Foun