FARNET
Fisheries Areas Network
FLAG Factsheet
The coastal area of the Mediterranean Pyrenees is defined by the presence of and connections between the land and sea, resulting in a remarkable geological, environmental and economic landscape. The area boasts strong tourist attractiveness, cultural and gastronomical traditions, and unique environmental assets which are monitored closely by local and national scientific research institutions.
Small-scale fisheries play a defining role in the area’s identity, with the fishing community being represented by two “Prud’homies” (a fishing organization specific to the Mediterranean), the Barcarès-Saint-Laurent-de-la-Salanque and the Saint-Cyprien-Collioure Prud’homies, both dating back to the 12th century.
For a few years, direct sales on the docks have been increasing, contributing to the profitability and visibility of fishermen in the area. The biggest local harbour, Port Vendres, remains a very important and strategic landing point, even though the auction activity was transferred to Port la Nouvelle in 2014.
However, several crises and challenges faced by the sector since the 80’s are still at the heart of the FLAG strategy today: improving the viability of fish resources and the sustainability of fisheries practices and improving the links and synergies between fisheries and the area as a whole.
The area covers several protected areas wich together cover most of the maritime territory of the group. These incluse the national marine park, "Golfe du Lyon"; the marine reserve of Cérbère-Banyuls; the Natura 2000 area, "Posidonies"; and the Coastline Conservatory "Oceanology Observatory of Arago".
The FLAG’s strategy aims to take better account of the tourism pressure, environmental requirements and challenges of the fishing sector to develop a sustainable economic approach for local fisheries based on collective projects and a revalorization of marine-based jobs. Priority will be given to ensuring that tourism development includes traditional activities and the area’s fisheries identity as well as strengthening the link between maritime and land activities. In particular, it aims to:
Regional and provincial
There are no specific deadlines for potential beneficiaries to submit projects, they can be presented on an ongoing basis. However, the selection commotee meets twice a year to select projects.
The FLAG has experience in multi-fund and multi-programme management and cross-border and transnational cooperation, including with other FLAGs and with the Kerkennah islands (Tunisia).
In terms of themes, the FLAG is interested in cooperating around auction sales, fishermen exchanges, fishing data and women in the sector. The FLAG foresees, two specific cooperation projects:
The FLAG is managed by the same organisation that manages the Mediterranean Pyrenees LEADER programme and part of the FLAG and LAG areas overlap. The FLAG and LAG share a number of board members and the two local development strategies are closely coordinated.
