FARNET
Fisheries Areas Network
FLAG Factsheet
The FLAG covers all coastal municipalities of the Savona province, with the exception of Finale Ligure which is part of a LEADER LAG. The area is characterised by a strong coastal urbanisation receiving 50% of the tourists that visit the Ligurian coast. Agriculture and industry are also well developed.
The coastline and the marine environment are an important landscape. The area also hosts the highest concentration of cetaceans (dolphins and whales) in the Mediterranean.
The challenges here include a need to improve the environmental impact of fishing and aquaculture areas, including measures to mitigate climate change, strengthen the role of the local fishermen communities in local development and governance of local fisheries resources and maritime activities and improve the competitiveness of local fishermen.
At sea, there is the International Sanctuary for Marine Mammals and the Marine Protected Area of “Isola di Bergeggi”, on land there are three protected areas (Riserva Naturale Regionale di Bergeggi, Riserva Naturale Regionale dell'Isola Gallinara, Parco Naturale Regionale del Beigua).
Regarding environmental issues, the FLAG aims to support recovery and protection of precious marine life such as coralline formations and cetaceans, especially dolphins. At the same time, the FLAG will support dialogue with the small-scale fishermen whose work may be affected by these environmental protection measures.
Regarding the inclusion of the fisheries communities, the FLAG will support structures and initiatives to strengthen the role of fishermen, and will support studies to prepare local fisheries management plans.
Furthermore, to strengthen the competitiveness of fishermen, the FLAG will support the diversification of fishing activities into pesca-tourism and itti-tourism, and will organise training and capacity building activities.
Examples of actions include: cleaning the seabed, experimentation with new fishing gear, supporting the organisation of small-scale fishermen in consortia, the creation of spaces for the fishermen's community, the promotion of local fish products and fostering cooperation with other FLAGs in the area and in the rest of the EU.
National and regional
The FLAG is new and is looking for cooperation opportunities with the nearby “Valli savonesi“LEADER LAG and with other FLAGs in order to promote the Mediterranean diet and its local products.
Some FLAG members are also members of the “Valli savonesi“ LEADER LAG, and both groups coordinate on an informal basis.
The membership of the Savona FLAG consists of the Savona municipality, chamber of commerce, MPA Isola di Bergeggi, fisheries associations and associations in the field of environment, gastronomy, scuba diving and leisure fishing.