Education and training

A local company set up by Achill community two decades ago, has created an aquarium in a disused building they own, engaging volunteers, retired fishers and fisheries-related workers. The Achill Experience Aquarium and Visitors Centre became the first cultural space in Ireland based on local fisheries heritage and remains one of the biggest attractions of the county.

Finnish and Polish fishermen work together on spreading new fishing techniques which benefit both the natural environment and the fisheries sector

Thanks to Murcia FLAG’s support and networking, a paraplegic man turns his personal project of rehabilitation into the first National Sailing School for people with disabilities in the country.

Twenty Greek FLAGs met on January to launch a cooperation project on pesca-tourism. With this initiative, they aim to promote the activity among the fisheries community as a diversification tool and a new source of revenue.

Bothnian Sea and Lake Pyhajarvi FLAG is looking for other European FLAGs interested in sharing experience in using other types of  gear, which can respond to the dual challenges that seals and diminishing ice cover represent.  Experiences in the use of lampara nets and/or purse seines in coastal, and more specifically, shallow waters, under 20 metres in depth (mostly 5-12 metres) are of particular interest.

Through a series of inter-connected activities and innovative methods of quality management, a FLAG builds the capacity of local businesses, including fish farmers, restaurants, educational and recreational service providers, and encourages them to cooperate.

Sectors in the blue economy are facing challenges (e.g. lack of skills locally, shortage of funding...) that prevent the growth of those emerging work areas with high potential. The "Blue Economy Incubator" project aims to promote innovative solutions addressing selected maritime and marine challenges and opportunities.

On Ærø Island, a disused boat engine factory has been turned into a community hub supporting local maritime entrepreneurship. The project aims to boost the island’s economy and social cohesion.

The FLAG area is situated along the river Olt. In the territory are ten urban and rural communes which all have small-scale fisheries and aquaculture industries. Other activities such as agriculture, chemical production, forestry, food and tourism dominate the local economy. Local handicrafts are recognised and sold nationwide.

‘Tarta-Tur’, a combination of the Italian word for turtle (Tartaruga) and dolphin in Latin (Tursiops), is a conservation project involving four FLAGs across three Italian regions on the Northern Adriatic Coast.