Short circuits

This Mediterranean, coastal area’s eco-system blends marine and brackish water environments, with a series of lakes connected to the sea such as the Thau lagoon. This has brought together many different economic actors relying on rural, maritime and terrestrial activities (large and small-scale fishing, shellfish farming, sailing, tourism, hydrotherapy, wine growing, etc.).

The FLAG area stretches from the eastern part of Marseille to Port Grimaud in Saint Tropez. The area covers both densely populated urban centres as well as a number of exceptional natural spaces, including two National Parks, which may explain the area’s strong tourist attraction (second tourist region of France).

The FLAG covers a large rural area characterized by the garrigue, a scrubland eco-region characteristic of the Mediterranean, and a coastal strip of 20 km known as the Camargue, shaped by the Rhone river delta.

The coastal area of the Mediterranean Pyrenees is defined by the presence of and connections between the land and sea, resulting in a remarkable geological, environmental and economic landscape. The area boasts strong tourist attractiveness, cultural and gastronomical traditions, and unique environmental assets which are monitored closely by local and national scientific research institutions.

Fisheries activities have been long rooted in the FLAG area and, present in both its coastal waters and lagoons, are still closely associated with the local heritage. Indeed, it is the second French Mediterranean production area, hosting both fishing activities and shellfish farming.

Maritime activities (fishing, aquaculture, harbour and nautical activities) are at the heart of the economy of the FLAG area which also includes renewable marine energies, coastal agriculture (mainly vegetables), and strong tourism activities based on remarkable landscapes. The territory features a very active cultural life.

The Fecamp FLAG is situated in the east of Normandy and comprises a coastline of 30km, cliffs typical of the Albatre region and two neighbouring valleys of Valmont and Ganzeville which stretch 20km inland. The town of Fecamp was built in conjunction with the expansion and development of the areas sea fishing, processing and shipbuilding industries.

The fisheries, aquaculture and harvesting activities in the area allow a varied product offer: mussels, shellfish, fish and marine plants. This rich area, both ecologically and culturally, must manage its resources in a sustainable way.

The Opale Coast FLAG area has 76 500 inhabitants and covers the ‘Communauté d'agglomération du Boulonnais,’ an intercommunal centred on the city of Boulogne-sur-Mer, the largest fishing port in France which lands over 35 000 tonnes annually.

The Aveiro FLAG coincides with the Aveiro lagoon (“Ria de Aveiro”), the biggest lagoon in Portugal (60km long and 25km wide) which is a 'Bird Directive Site' included in the European Natura 2000 network. Several small-scale fishing communities can be found in five municipalities along the coast and lagoon (Ovar, Murtosa, Aveiro, Ílhavo and Vagos).