FARNET
Fisheries Areas Network

Creating a new tourist destination based on recreational fishing

The environmental situation in the Limfjord area has been a challenge for municipalities and tourism stakeholders for years. The excess of nutrients and problems derived from neighbouring agricultural operations have caused a lack of fishing resources in the area, discouraging anglers from going to the fjord. However, Limfjord is a breeding ground for sea trout, a migrant species coveted by fishers due to its flavour.

Nine municipalities, part of the Limfjord Council, have joined forces to improve the local environment, focusing on the reduction of emissions and the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive. LAGs and FLAGs in the area are working with the municipalities to ensure the future of the fjord as a sustainable angling tourism enclave.

Through this cooperation project, a digital platform has been created to help anglers plan their trips to Limfjord. The platform includes an interactive map with the main fishing spots, descriptions of different types of tourism stakeholders (such as guides or accommodation providers). The listed tourism stakeholders have acquired certification as “angler-friendly”; meaning that they offer facilities for carrying out recreational activities, such as a cleaning area, freezers for catch or drying rooms for waders. The platform also includes fishing tips from local anglers, for example, whether fishing conditions are better during the day or night, and links for visitors to check the marine prospects in Danish or English.

The tourism stakeholders involved have participated in several workshops to learn more about the fjord´s fishing potential, get to know each other, create a network, and find out about the wants and needs of the visiting fishers. In addition, the stakeholders are able to offer other tourist attractions for the anglers’ families, such as farm shops and activities for children.

Results

The main goal of the project (building up a tourist destination based on recreational fishing) will take a long time. Nevertheless, some results have been already achieved:

  • Approx. 60 businesses certified as “angler-friendly”
    • Six local guides
    • Three boat and kayak rentals
    • Six tackle shops
    • 45 accommodations
  • An evaluation of participating businesses indicates a clear increase in the number of guests visiting because of the fishing
  • The creation of a platform in Danish, English and German to guide anglers for planning their fishing trip, including a presentation of local businesses: www.havørredlimfjorden.dk
  • Visits to the platform have increased by 60 000 per year in the last two years
  • The development of an information package with brochures, posters, partner logos, stickers and descriptions of offers by the businesses related to angling

Transferability

The creation of synergies to achieve positive and lasting changes in an area is essential. Based on a previous experience in the vicinity- Funen- and after a study trip to the area, the project partners found a way to strengthen the local economic fabric and promote environmental protection by public entities, promoting this new tourist enclave among national and abroad anglers.

Lessons & contribution to CLLD objectives: 

Lessons: These synergies have been essential for the success of the project: the involvement of local economic stakeholders, which was fundamental for developing this tourist network, has caused greater awareness of environmental improvement, the main goal for the municipalities involved. The FLAG-LAGs focused on what they do best – involving all the local stakeholders. This means that local authorities could concentrate on the environmental improvements needed in the enclave. This tourist enclave based on the promotion of fishing, will support the environmental improvement efforts. The hope is that this will encourage new species in the fjord, therefore increasing fishing tourism even more.

Contribution to CLLD objective: (b) supporting diversification inside or outside commercial fisheries, lifelong learning and job creation in fisheries and aquaculture areas.

 

 

More information

Available in DA, DERO, BG, FI

Publication date: 
06/01/2021
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