Marine litter

The East Liguria FLAG area covers all coastal municipalities of the provinces of Genoa and La Spezia, and is characterised by a geographical continuity and economical homogeneity based on micro and small businesses (mostly engaged in the trade and tourism sector).

The FLAG area comprises six coastal municipalities which all have a strong marine and fishing tradition and culture. The area, like most in the coastal enclaves of the Mediterranean, has a large population. The services industry, particularly the tourism sector, accounts for a high percentage of businesses, jobs, and sales in the area.

The La Plana FLAG area covers the provinces of the three coastal regions of Baix Maestrat, Plana Alta and Plana Baixa. Fisheries and aquaculture only account for 5% of employment. Over a five-year period, fishing activity has reduced, and the number of active fishing vessels has decreased by more than 10%.

The Bajo Nalón FLAG area is made up of just two municipalities (Muros de Nalón and Soto del Barco) in the Asturian region. This area also includes the Nalón river, the largest and most important river of the Spanish northern coast. Both municipalities are located at the mouth of the Nalón river.

Despite having very dense urban centre, the Esterel Côte d’Azur FLAG teritory also has many natural areas and a rich fisheries heritage. The coastline is dynamic and heavily influenced by tourism with sailing, yachting, diving, and fishing (both professional and sport) being prominent activities.

The area has an excellent climate, is rich in natural resources and landscapes, and has a rare flora and fauna. The fisheries sector in the area is considered particularly important because it creates jobs and offers healthy products to the people.

Kerry is one of the most sparsely populated counties in Ireland with the most rural and peripheral areas in the county experiencing declining populations over the last 20 years. This is especially true of the coastal regions.

The Cyclades Archipelago is made up of 24 small islands; 16 of which have a population of less than 3 000 people. This means that both human and economic resources are fragmented here.

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.

Lesvos is the third largest island in Greece and forms part of the North-East Aegean region. The island is rural and sparsely populated. The local economy is based on agricultural and fisheries activities. The island is known for olive oil, local dairy products, and fish.