FLAG Factsheet
The FLAG area mainly comprises the islands of the coast of Zadar where agriculture, aquaculture and fisheries were historically primary sectors. Today, tourism is the main economic activity in most of the municipalities, except in Kali where aquaculture and small-scale fisheries are the main sources of income for many communities. Large-scale fisheries are also important economically; 49% of Croatia’s national catch is landed in this area, the majority of which is oily fish. Small-scale fisheries are important traditionally and ethnologically for the development and recognition of the area’s history and cultural heritage.
30% of all Croatian employees working in aquaculture work in the FLAG area, either in one of the most successful tuna farms in the world, one of top 10 white fish farms in Europe, or in other local aquaculture production companies. 60% of Croatian mariculture is also produced in this area. The oldest fishing cooperative and the only fisheries producer’s organisation in Croatia are situated in the region. The main fishing techniques are midwater trawling and purse seine nets.
Challenges for the area include a low consumption of local fish and fisheries products per capita, a lack of local product promotion and sales points, weak diversification, and a lack of connections between the tourism and the fisheries sector. The main development needs of the FLAG are related to educational needs and increasing employment in the fisheries and other related sectors, ensuring minimum conditions for fish sales, encouraging new activities, and promoting the maritime heritage as one of the main features of the potential tourist destination. Creating new job opportunities (in fisheries as well as in touristic sector) will directly have a positive impact on the reduction of out-migration.
Natura 2000 areas (975km2):
Habitats Directive Sites include:
Bird Directive Sites:
National protected areas (80km2):
To support the diversification of the fisheries sector, links with the tourism industry will be encouraged. The aim is to take advantage of the area’s strong maritime cultural heritage and blue economy from a tourism perspective. The FLAG wants to strengthen the area’s identity and that of its fishing communities by linking the regions cultural, natural and fisheries assets.
Through the sharing of knowledge and the creation of various educational programmes and courses, the FLAG aims to grow and develop the area’s aquaculture businesses. The skills of fishermen in the sector will increase, strengthening capacities and innovation; which will, in turn, lead to the creation of jobs and will attract young people into the industry.
Despite the current high profitability of the fisheries, there are few local fish markets. One of the FLAG’s objectives is to develop both direct and indirect sales channels for local fisheries products. Through increased marketing efforts and promoting the value of fish consumption, the FLAG hopes to shorten supply chains in the area.
National
Project examples and ideas for Plodovi Mora FLAG include:
The FLAG will make regular calls for projects which will have specific deadlines. More information will be made available on the FLAG website
The FLAG has experience in promoting cultural heritage and creating new ways of making the identity of a fisheries community more visible to others. The FLAG is interested in cooperating with the other FLAGs and institutions in the area, promoting the culture and tourism, as well as in setting up gastronomic campaigns related to seafood. The FLAG is also interested in exchanging experience with other FLAGs in Croatia and across Europe, especially those that have projects related to cultural maritime heritage and promoting pesca-tourism.
Most of the FLAG’s territory overlaps with the area covered by the LEADER LAG Mareta. While the FLAG acts independently, it shares some members with the LAG. There is no common strategy, but an informal agreement of collaboration and the LAG is one of the FLAG’s board members.
The FLAG includes the following members: