FARNET
Fisheries Areas Network
FLAG Factsheet
La Palma is one of the Canary Islands located in the Atlantic Sea. The FLAG consists of 14 municipalities, covers an area of approximately 710km2, and has a population of roughly 80 000 inhabitants. Tourism stands out as the islands main industry, accounting for 70% of the islands economic activity. Other prominent sectors include construction and commercial services.
The islands fisheries are small-size and fishing in the area is notoriously difficult. The characteristics of regions underwater geography and its location in the Atlantic Ocean, away from nutrient-rich currents, means fisheries resources in the waters around La Palma are low. As such, challenges to the FLAG area include the need for the diversification of fisheries activities. Developing successful measures for increasing the added value of local fisheries products is also a challenge.
The FLAG area covers 250km2 of national parks, representing around 35% of La Palma’s surface.
The FLAG strategy is focused on the development of economic activities that are complementary to fishing in order to add value and provide new jobs in the marine sector. The Palma FLAG also aims to develop training and research activities and to raise awareness of the natural value of the island and its fisheries areas. The development of tourism in the area is also central to the FLAG’s strategy. It aims to diversify the region’s fisheries activities into tourism where possible, while also maintaining the area’s fishing culture and traditions.
Regional
Calls for projects are made annually. More information is available 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 LEADER LAG have separate local development strategies.
FLAG members include thirteen local public authorities, the fishermen associations (cofradías) of Sra. de las Nieves and Sra. del Carmen, a number of representatives from the agricultural sector, several associations for women and employers, and two environmental organisations