FLAG Factsheet
The FLAG area stretches from the eastern part of Marseille to Port Grimaud in Saint Tropez. The area covers both densely populated urban centres as well as a number of exceptional natural spaces, including two National Parks, which may explain the area’s strong tourist attraction (second tourist region of France).
Artisanal fishing within the FLAG area is characterized by its diversity. Most fishermen use different techniques according to the season, time or species targeted and a number of aquaculture companies (fish and shellfish farming) are also present in the area. It is mainly these fishing and aquaculture communities that the FLAG targets, as well as all groups related to these enterprises.
Given its geographical characteristics and attractiveness, the biggest challenge of the area is the strong competition for land and sea use. Other crucial challenges faced by the area and its fishing communities are the ageing of the fisheries work force and the lack of opportunities to add value to the local catch.
A large number of protected areas, including 11 Natura 2000 areas, 21 areas managed by the French “Coastal Conservatory”, two National Parks (National Park of Port Cros and National Park of Calanques) and the largest artificial reef in the Mediterranean (PRADO at Marseille).
The overall goal of the FLAG strategy is to support sustainable development measures for fishermen and fish farmers in order to improve their business and visibility in the area. The FLAG’s strategy focuses on three themes:
This will mainly be achieved by adding value to fisheries products and stimulating innovation at all stages of the supply chain, in particular by:
Improving the link between the environment and fisheries and aquaculture activities.
Regional
The FLAG is interested in cooperating around the following themes:
The FLAG members include: