FARNET
Fisheries Areas Network
FLAG Factsheet
The FLAG area is situated between the rivers Vistula and San and covers remnants of the ancient forests of Sandomierz and Janów Lubelski. The tradition of carp farming here is more than 100 years old and there are 36 aquaculture farms with a total area of ca. 2 700 hectares. They employ 94 permanent staff and 21 temporary staff. Fish farms are mainly located in afforested areas away from cities and play an important role in providing employment for the inhabitants of small villages. Their main product is live fish sold traditionally in December, mainly at the local or regional markets.
A key challenge is a lack of facilities for the processing and direct selling of fish. The current concentration of live fish sales around Christmas time cannot be maintained due to changing consumer preferences. Some farms may need additional sources of income. The area surrounding fish ponds is highly attractive, but up to now its tourism potential has been underutilised.
There are three Natura 2000 areas with unique bird habitats. There are also many nature reserves with a total area of 3 654 hectares. There are landscape parks and areas of protected landscape, as well as 217 natural monuments.
The FLAG strategy aims to maintain jobs in the fisheries sector and create additional jobs based on the area’s potential. The FLAG will support the development of fish sales, both live and processed, and encourage the diversification of sources of income for fish farmers.
An important element of the strategy will be developing recreational and tourism-related infrastructure based on the area’s unique natural resources.
National
Periodic calls for projects announced on the FLAG website www.lgrpuszczysandomierskiej.pl
The FLAG cooperates informally with three LEADER LAGs which overlap its area.
The FLAG membership consists of 16 fish farms, tw branches of the Polish Anglers' Association (Rzeszów and Tarnobrzeg), 12 NGOs and 13 municipalities. The remaining members are individuals.
