FARNET
Fisheries Areas Network

FLAG Factsheet

Região de Aveiro FLAG

Official name: 
GALP da Região de Aveiro
Country:
Region: 
Code: 
PT203
Programming period: 
2007-2013
2014-2020

Area

The Aveiro FLAG coincides with the Aveiro lagoon (“Ria de Aveiro”), the biggest lagoon in Portugal (60km long and 25km wide) which is a 'Bird Directive Site' included in the European Natura 2000 network. Several small-scale fishing communities can be found in five municipalities along the coast and lagoon (Ovar, Murtosa, Aveiro, Ílhavo and Vagos). The FLAG area harbours a significant offshore fishing industry as well as a processing industry whose focus is the production of dry salted codfish, providing the bulk of employment in the sector. Fish farms in earthen ponds and bivalve culture on tidal flats are also present. The area also has a commercial port, boat building/repairing and tourism activities.

The main challenges here include job creation, social inclusion, strengthening community associations, economic diversification and addressing environmental challenges. There is also significant potential to improve the tourism marketing of the area.

Type of area:
Sea Basins:
Protected areas: 

Natura 2000 Bird Directive Sites - Ria de Aveiro, National Reserve Area – São Jacinto Dunes Natural Reserve, Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar Site) – Pateira de Fermentelos Lake and Águeda and Cértima Valleys

Population
188 011
Surface area (km²)
635
Population density
296
Total employment in fisheries
2 900
Fishing: 
1 700
Aquaculture: 
100
Processing: 
1 100
Women employment in fisheries: 
1 000

FLAG strategy

Objectives of the Aveiro Region FLAG strategy include:

  • integrated planning and management of the lagoon area with a view to improving fisheries competitiveness in the fields of scientific knowledge
  • adaptation to climate change impacts on the land as well as on coastal and marine resources
  • development and management of economic activity in the lagoon, considering the production capacity and available natural resources, as well as the development of the related skills of the economic actors. This includes the development of local quality products and branding them effectively to preserve the cultural heritage of the region while boosting tourism.
  • job creation and social inclusion: diversification of fishing and other activities related to coastal and marine resources; establishment of cooperation between the different activities.
Objective: 
Adding value, creating jobs, and promoting innovation along the fisheries chain
Priority: 
5
% of the budget allocated: 
30%
Supporting diversification
4
30%
Enhancing and capitalising on the environmental assets
5
20%
Promoting social wellbeing and cultural heritage
4
10%
Strengthening the role of fisheries communities in local development
4
10%

Funding

Total public budget allocated to the FLAG for 2014-2020: 
2 702 050
  • EMFF: 
    2 349 609
  • MS co-financing: 
    352 441
  • Sources of co-funding: 

    National

  • Funds: 
    ERDF
    ESF

Project examples

  • Promotion and application of research, developed in small companies and the incorporation of solutions in the processes and/or products
  • Support of the development of business ideas, models or plans, including market analysis for new businesses in fisheries and aquaculture, coastal tourism and other marine product sectors.
  • Modernisation of distribution chain for food from the sea and the Ria de Aveiro (estuary)
  • Activities and events to promote the natural and socio-cultural heritage, such as artistic and creative cultural activities related to the fishing communities and/or on the sea and lagoon themes

Expertise & cooperation

Possible cooperation topics:

  • Improvement of expertise on coastal and environmental tourism in lagoon areas;
  • Preservation and management of natural and cultural assets;
  • Creation and promotion of local products and services.
  • Set-up exchange programmes with regions that have experience in management, conservation and rehabilitation of protected areas.
  • Participation in the development of the European Traditional Salt Route and transcontinental cooperation with São Tomé e Principe as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve

Partnership

Members of the partnership: 

The FLAG partnership is composed of: the municipalities of Ovar, Murtosa, Aveiro, Ílhavo and Vagos, the local dry salted codfish industry organisation, a small-scale fishermen’s organisation, three fishermen’s organisations, an aquaculture producers organisation, the local chamber of commerce and industry, a surfers organisation, two social NGOs, the seaport administration, the national authority for aquatic products and first selling, three institutes of higher education including the local university as well as several private companies involved in aquaculture, shellfish depuration, salt production, tourism, shipyard, canning industry and other sectors connected to fisheries.

Number of individuals/organisations in partnership/general assembly: 
32
% of fisheries actors: 
42%
% of other (non-fisheries) private / NGO sector actors: 
29%
Number of individuals on main decision-making body/board: 
7
% of public actors: 
29%
Number of contracted staff in FLAG: 
3,00

Map

FLAG Contacts

FLAG Aveiro
 
Rua do Carmo, n.º 20, 1º - Apartado 589
3800-127 Aveiro
Portugal
FLAG Manager:
Mr. José Matos
Phone:
+351 234 377 650
Languages:
  • Portuguese (Mother tongue)
  • English (Advanced)
  • French (Intermediate)
  • Spanish (Intermediate)
Publication date: 
05/09/2017
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