FARNET
Fisheries Areas Network

FLAG Factsheet

Western Azores FLAG

Official name: 
GAL Pesca Mar Açores Oriental
Country:
Region: 
Code: 
PT213
Programming period: 
2014-2020

Area

The FLAG area covers the two most western islands of the Azores archipelago, Santa Maria and São Miguel. The area’s fisheries sector is characterised by traditional small-scale fisheries (mainly small siege, pole and long-line vessels). Common catches include small (mackerel and sardines) and large pelagic (tuna and swordfish) species, deep-water demersal, crustaceans and molluscs.

Challenges to the FLAG area include achieving ecological, economic and social objectives in a sustainable way. Specific challenges include a lack of professional training initiatives and low literacy levels in many communities. There is also a need for a better local understanding of scientific matters and coastal resources.

Type of area:
Sea Basins:
Protected areas: 

There are three protected areas in São Miguel and three in Santa Maria including Formigas, Mosteiros and Baía do Cura.

Population
137 830
Surface area (km²)
800
Population density
172
Total employment in fisheries
5 527
Fishing: 
2 100
Processing: 
2 200
Women employment in fisheries: 
968

FLAG strategy

The key objectives of the FLAG’s local development strategy include:

  • Addressing the social emergency and easing the pressure on resources
  • Investing in training, knowledge and innovation.
  • Adding value to fisheries products and by-products.
  • Promoting the Blue Economy and nurturing sustainability.
Objective: 
Adding value, creating jobs, and promoting innovation along the fisheries chain
Priority: 
5
% of the budget allocated: 
47%
Supporting diversification
5
42%
Enhancing and capitalising on the environmental assets
2
3%
Promoting social wellbeing and cultural heritage
2
3%
Strengthening the role of fisheries communities in local development
2
5%

Funding

Total public budget allocated to the FLAG for 2014-2020: 
1 534 062
  • EMFF: 
    1 303 953
  • MS co-financing: 
    23 010 932
  • Sources of co-funding: 

    Regional

Calls for proposals

The FLAG will make regular calls for projects beginning in Spring 2019.

Partnership

Accountable body: 
Associação Mar Açores Oriental
Members of the partnership: 

FLAG has a total of 42 members including the associations of professional and recreational fishermen, ship-builders, ship-owners, public entities (local authorities and municipalities), private entities and associations of manufacturing and commerce and the University of the Azores.

Number of individuals/organisations in partnership/general assembly: 
42
% of fisheries actors: 
30%
% of public authorities and other: 
21%
% of other (non-fisheries) private / NGO sector actors: 
39%
% of environmental actors: 
9%
Number of individuals on main decision-making body/board: 
5
% of public actors: 
2%
Number of contracted staff in FLAG: 
5,00

Map

FLAG Contacts

Associação Mar Açores Oriental
 
Rua do Rosário Nº 29
9600 -124 Ribeira Grande
Portugal
FLAG Manager:
Mr. Gui Martins
Phone:
+ 351 910 972 979
FLAG President:
Mr. João Castro
Languages:
  • Portuguese (Mother tongue)
Publication date: 
09/04/2019
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