FARNET
Fisheries Areas Network
FLAG Factsheet
The FLAG is situated along the Danube, between the regions of Hinova and Vrata. The region comprises a 74km2 stretch of the Danube river and includes many meadow, river banks and natural ponds. The territory is close to the island of Ostrovul Mare and the Iron Gates which links Romania to Serbia.
The area’s fisheries sector is mainly represented by two commercial fishermen’s associations whose members operate the numerous small-scale fisheries along the Danube. For many inhabitants, fishing is a permanent activity and a main source of income with other forms of employment being scarce. As a result, in recent years, the number of unregistered fishermen and over-fishing has increased, jeopardising fishing stocks and the biodiversity of the area’s natural environment.
Challenges for the region include low levels of productivity in the fisheries and aquaculture sector, a lack of professional training, an acute shortage of jobs and a risk of poverty and social exclusion. The area has an aging population which is also a concern, due to the out-migration of younger generation.
In total, 6.8km2 of the FLAG’s territory is protected including five Natura 2000 sites (Stârmina, Blahnita, Jiana, Gruia-Mare and Gârla-Mare). The FLAG area also includes two protected forests Stârmina (in Hinova) and Bunget (in Burila Mare).
The FLAG strategy is focused on the growth of the area’s economic competitiveness, stimulating and diversifying economic activities and promoting sustainability. Equal opportunities and encouraging innovation are also concurrent themes throughout the strategy. Other more specific aims include:
National
FLAG project examples and ideas include:
The FLAG makes two calls for projects a year. Project calls will be displayed in the ‘Project Release Announcements’ at the following link
The FLAG is newly established and therefore has limited expertise. The FLAG would like to cooperate with other FLAGs, both nationally and transnationally, on themes associated with the sustainable development of the fisheries and fisheries communities.
The FLAG does not share a territory with a LEADER LAG or any other CLLD group.
The FLAG consists of 17 members. These members include the area’s eight communes (Hinova, Devesel, Burila Mare, Gogoșu, Gruia, Pristol, Gîrla Mare și Vrata), five private businesses, two fishermen’s associations, and two environmental NGO’s (‘Asociația Centrul Ecologic Green Area’ and ‘Asociația Dumbrava Verde’).