Silute FLAG

The FLAG area is in the western part of Lithuania, near the Curonian Lagoon. Almost the entire district is situated in the Lithuanian coastal lowlands. Lagoons and bodies of water occupy 19% of the area which is famous for water sports and recreational fishing. On the island of Rusnė, there are three main ports. On the mainland, there are four ports, of which, Šilutė is the biggest in terms of capacity. The area has a longstanding cultural heritage which is characterised by architecture, craftsmanship, tradition, and folklore, unique to the area, distinguishing it from other parts of Lithuania due, in large, to its ties to the cultures of both Lithuania and Lithuania Minor (Prussia Lithuania). In the Curonian Lagoon, common catches include salmon, perch, bream, and eel. To secure an adequate income, fishermen have diversified into recreational and tourism activities due to commercial fishing being regulated in a majority of the Nenunas Delta, which is now a protected area.

Challenges to the FLAG include a relatively high outmigration, which is due to several factors. Despite there being many fisheries enterprises in the area, most are small-scale with a limited capacity to modernise their activities and create jobs which has in turn, led to a lack of industry knowledge and educational opportunities in the local population. Other challenges to the FLAG include the development of an infrastructure which is adapted to support both environmental protection and economic growth.