Circular economy

The area has a strong historical, geographic and cultural identity, both rural and maritime. The Auray and Vannes area has been shaped by maritime activities for decades.

The territory covers the whole coastline of Corsica, which ranges from white sand beaches in the East to rocky coastline in the West. The local fisheries sector is made up exclusively of small-scale operators, with modest and declining production mostly organised around short-circuit sales, mainly to restaurants.

The FLAG area is typical of Northern Brittany, combining a succession of rocky coastline, bays, river estuaries and marshes, as well as coastal towns strongly connected to a dynamic maritime environment. A great variety of ecosystems and scenery compose this area which is greatly influenced by the strong tides and harshness of the sea.

The Côte d’Emeraude – Rance – Baie du Mont Saint-Michel area surrounds the Rance river estuary. It is characterised by very contrasted landscapes: rocky shores, small rias stretching inland, marshes and polders. The territory relies on tourism, agriculture and maritime activities.

The Mariña Ortegal FLAG has supported a social enterprise to create professional activities for the disabled and long-term unemployed, repairing plastic crates for the local fish auctions.

The Mondego Mar FLAG is located in the centre of the Portuguese coastline and covers the municipalities of Cantanhede, Figueira da Foz, Mira and Montemor-o-Velho. This area is composed of marine, freshwater and estuarine ecosystems creating a complex and rich environment and hosting a range of fisheries activities, from aquaculture to shellfish harvesting to coastal fisheries.

Fishing is an important and profitable activity in the FLAG area, especially along the main section of the Kymijoki River. Fish farming is also an important economic activity, with a strong tradition in the area. The existence of local centres of population, as well as the proximity of the Helsinki metropolitan region, guarantees a consistent demand for fish products.

Through cooperation with local fishermen and designers, and inspired by traditional techniques from other fishing communities in Europe, a young French entrepreneur has developed an innovative fish skin tanning process and now sells her “marine leather” to fashion designers all around the country.