FARNET
Fisheries Areas Network
FLAG Factsheet
The area covers the municipalities of Castropol and Vegadeo which are the two westernmost municipalities of Asturias and are separated from Galicia by the Eo river. This North-South oriented FLAG territory thereof only possesses a small coastline but includes the Eastern part of the Eo river estuary which is recognised as Natura2000 area.
The local fishing sector is made up of small-scale inshore operations and shellfish gathering. The only oyster farms in Asturias are also located in this territory. Other relevant economic activities carried out in the FLAG´s territory are agriculture and rural tourism.
Because of the small-scale of the fisheries sector, there is a lack of ancillary activities locally. This includes the absence of an auction and a lack of processing companies and regional branding/marketing activities. Furthermore, the degradation of the water quality and silting of the estuary threaten the existing fisheries and oyster farming operations.
The overall aim of the strategy is to give a boost to the existing fishing sector. The FLAG is open for projects that help add value to the products of the estuary and more specifically to the production of oysters. Collective marketing based on the natural values of the territory should be supported.
In addition, the FLAG will look for projects that aim at conserving and restoring the local environment in order to ensure a future for the current fishing activity.
Furthermore, initiatives to diversify the economy in the area are also of high interest.
Regional
CEDER Oscos-Eo also manages other European funding such as ESF
A first call for projects was organised at the end of 2016. A project from Castropol City Council on the promotion of their oyster was approved. Different actions are carried out to promote and generate added value to oyster production such as cooking courses for professionals, the creation of a collective brand and gastronomic days.
Every year there will be a call for project proposals published here.
The FLAG is interested in cooperation on the following themes:
Both municipalities in the FLAG are also included in the LEADER LAG “Oscos-Eo”. However, the LEADER area also includes five other municipalities. Each group has its own strategy but extensive coordination happened during the development process. However, the legal structure and the partnerships are the same for both groups.
The FLAG has 19 members:
Seven local public authorities;
One fishermen´s association (cofradías);
Four representatives of the agricultural sector;
Four tourism associations;
Three socio-cultural entities: one cultural associations, one women and one young people organisation.