FARNET
Fisheries Areas Network
FLAG Factsheet
The Entrecabos area covers two municipalities, located in the centre of the Asturian region and between (“entre”) two capes (“cabos”) that serve as prominent landmarks in the territory. The biggest cities of the area are Cudillero and Luarca, both of which are harbour towns. The remainder of the population is dispersed amongst nearly 250 small villages. The area is steeped in maritime and cultural heritage as well as natural resources. Unfortunately, these characteristics are not widely known.
The fleet is composed of around 100 small scale fishing boats still using traditional techniques. Thanks to the low impact of local fishing practices, fish stocks are assessed to be at sustainable level. Most of the catch is landed daily in one of the two auctions in Cudillero and Luarca. This ensures optimal freshness and quality.
Nevertheless, the fisheries sector is suffering from limited catching opportunities that negatively affect economic dynamism all along the value chain, threatening local employment.
There are five Sites of Community Importance (SCI) belonging to the Natura2000 network that are (partly) located in the Entrecabos region: Penarronda-Barayo (4.267 ha), Río Esqueiro (13 ha), Río Esva (192 ha), Turbera de Dueñas (26ha), Río Negro (45 ha).
In line with the challenges identified above, the FLAG aims to support projects that stimulate the economic activity of the existing fisheries sector. In parallel, the FLAG will support initiatives that can lead to additional revenue for fisheries families. These activities can vary from adding value to local fisheries products to the diversification of economic activities.
All these actions should contribute to increasing employment opportunities in the fisheries, aquaculture, or maritime sectors.
Next to that, the FLAG supports projects that highlight the existing cultural and natural heritage linked with both the local fisheries and maritime activities. Such promotion of the local identity is important to improve quality of life of the coastal population and attractiveness of the territory.
All supported activities aim to respect the coastal environment and fit within or improve the current environmental management practices.
Regional
The approved projects are published here (in Spanish).
The first call has been organised at the end of 2016. There will be at least one call for proposal each year.
The FLAG has experience in converting fish auctions into restaurants. In addition, the FLAG is willing to share its experiences on the development of a label for traditional fisheries.
The FLAG foresees a modest budget for exchanges with regions that face similar challenges and that can showcase good practices as inspiration for achieving its objectives.
Both municipalities in the FLAG are also included in the LEADER LAG “Valle del Ese-Entrecabos”. However, this area also includes three other municipalities (Allande, Salas and Tineo). The legal structure for both groups is the same. Each group made thier own strategies but the documents where extensively coordinated during the development project.
Consequently, the partnership is the same for both groups. As for the board, the FLAG has seven board members of which four are also member of the LAG.
The FLAG has 19 members:
5 local public authorities of which 3 belonging to the LEADER/LAG area;
6 representatives of the agricultural sector;
1 fishermen´s association (cofradías);
4 social entities: socio-cultural associations, women and young people;
1 business associations representing SME and independent;
1 tourism organisation;
1 environmental organisation.