FARNET
Fisheries Areas Network
FLAG Factsheet
The FLAG territory covers the islands of Terceira and Graciosa which are situated in the Central Group of the Azores archipelago and cover a total surface area of 403.6km2. The FLAG covers 126km of coastline on Terceira Island and 44km on Graciosa. Not dissimilar to most of the Azores, fisheries in the FLAG area and small-scale in nature. Common catches include small (mackerel and sardines) and large pelagic (tuna and swordfish) species, deep-water demersal, crustaceans and molluscs.
The steady decline of fisheries in recent years is a challenge to the area. Small-scale traditional fisheries are a central part of the local tradition and culture on the islands. As such, it is an important part of the livelihood of many local communities. Diversifying and re-training in its fisheries communities are required to nurture economic growth, while also protecting natural environments and the area’s cultural heritage
The area on in the route of the only endemic marine bird in the Azores, and, therefore, it is a Special Protection Zone. The Island of Terceira is also part of the Angra do Heroismo UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The FLAG’s local development strategy focuses on the socio-economic animation for sustainable development, promoting the creation of wealth, income and employment in the coastal areas of the Terceira Islands and Graciosa. More specifically, the strategy aims to:
Regional
The FLAG makes regular calls for projects (typically annually) which will be published on the FLAG website: http://www.grater.pt
The FLAG shares a legal structure with the local LEADER LAG Grater. The two groups share a territory and certain board members. However, the FLAG and LAG have separate and independent local development strategies.
FLAG members include the local administration bodies (three municipalities and four parish councils), five associations and cooperatives from the fisheries sector, the Azores Fish Auction, an association of commerce, a local development association, nine private fisheries actors, four NGOs (one of which is an environmental actor).