FARNET
Fisheries Areas Network
FLAG Factsheet
The FLAG covers the municipalities of Hermigua, Vallehermoso, Valle Gran Rey, San Sebastián, Agulo, and Alajeró, covers an area of approximately 370km2 and has a population of 21 000. The economy of La Gomera is characterised by a notable service sector in which tourism is the major activity. As a result, the fisheries sector only accounts for 4% of the local economy. Small-scale local fleet accounts for around 20 vessels and common catches include tuna, red mullet, octopus, squids and prawns.
In recent years the industry has been in decline which is a challenge to the FLAG area. Other related FLAG’s challenges include environmental problems linked to excessive urbanisation along the coast. The diversification of fisheries into new industries, such as tourism, is seen as pivotal to the region’s future success.
The FLAG strategy aims to:
regional
Calls for projects are made annually and are published on the FLAG website:
The FLAG is linked to the area’s LEADER LAG, they share a common territory and their general assembly is made up of both FLAG and LAG members. Despite sharing a legal structure, both the FLAG and LAG have separate local development strategies.
The FLAG is made up of 32 member organisations, including the town halls of Hermigua, Vallehermoso, Valle Gran Rey, San Sebastián, Agulo, the Alajeró; Nuestra Señora del Carmen’s fishing organisation (‘cofradía’), a local charity association, several agricultural cooperatives, and a number of associations for employers, women, ship owners and small-scale fisheries.