FARNET
Fisheries Areas Network

Good Practice Short Story

Keeping fishing active and safe during the sanitary crisis

COVID-19 paralysed many sectors of the economy in the Basque Country. Although the fisheries sector, like other food-producing sectors, was given priority during the pandemic, the lack of security and low-priced seafood could have forced many vessels and fishing organisations to stop working.
Thanks to this project, it has been possible to guarantee the safety of both the fishers and the associated workers on land. The distribution of personal protective equipment and the protocols established during the COVID-19 crisis, helped guarantee the supply of fish for the population.
Alfredo de Miguel, Basque FLAG Manager

Motivated to support the sector and avoid serious economic consequences, the Basque FLAG implemented measures to involve the fisheries sector in potential solutions. In April and May, the Basque FLAG cooperated with 12 fishers’ associations (cofradías) to acquire personal protective equipment (masks, gloves, overalls, etc.), and safeguard the sector’s economic activities.

The project, pending FLAG funding, received financing from the cofradías. The FLAG oversaw the collection of protective items, purchased through the regional government of the Basque Country, prepared the packages for each cofradía and distributed them. The first order was distributed in the second week of April, and by May the FLAG had distributed three rounds of packages,  including 40 000 masks and 5 000 pairs of gloves, for almost 3 000 workers (including fishers, auction staff and marketers).

Funding

Budget €100 000
EU contribution €0
Other public contribution €0
Private contribution €100 000

Contact details

FLAG Contacts

Mr. Alfredo De Miguel Agirre
+34 627 91 53 17
Spain
Publication date: 
17/06/2020
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