Istarski Svoj FLAG

The FLAG’s territory extends along the west coast and in the inland part of the Istrian peninsula. As the FLAG area includes some of the most popular tourist destinations of the Upper Adriatic, tourism is the most important economic activity, relying on highly developed hotel and private sector capacities. Fishing activity is closely linked to the tourist season, contributing to the quality of the gastronomic offer of the region.

Main potentials of the FLAG area are good geographic position close to Slovenia, Italy and other EU countries, rich tradition and preserved environment, suitable for a complementary development in cooperation with tourism as the driving force. There are several sites protected for their historical, cultural and /or environmental value including submarine and subterranean sites.

Fisheries in the FLAG area are mainly of local importance being the source of income for fishermen families. The total number of registered fishing boats is 164, most of them less than 12 m long (79%). Characteristic fish species are small pelagic fish (sardines), shellfish, cuttlefish and sole. Aquaculture is well developed in two locations.

Two fishermen’s cooperatives are active in the FLAG area. The Istria cooperative is the concession holder of two fishing ports, manages the fish market in Poreč, collects and sells the members’ catch and possesses a plant for fish and other seafood processing. However, almost all the catch is exported to Italy where several purchasers dictate the prices, so the market is not functioning.

The need to encourage consumption of local, seasonal fisheries and aquaculture products has been recognised as the main development need. Despite its quality and availability, the level of seafood consumption is low in the FLAG area as well as on the county and country level. The conflict between fishermen who use different fishing gears is often emphasized. There were examples of conflict between tourism and the fishing sector, where tourism has been suppressing the development of fisheries.

Promotion and demand for fish on the domestic market should be upgraded to reduce dependence on a few purchasers and achieve better prices as well as terms and conditions for local fishermen. The participation of fishermen and other relevant stakeholders from the fisheries and aquaculture sector in the process of decision-making and policy-making at a local, regional and national level is not satisfactory.