Paving the way for pescatourism

LAG collaboration is changing mentalities among Greek fishers as discussions, training, and study visits prepare them to launch new activities and make their trade known to the wider public. 

In 2015, the Greek government introduced pescatourism rules to help fishers diversify their income and reduce fish catch. Despite this, few fishers were able to take advantage of this opportunity due to a lack of information, skills, and motivation. In response, 18 fisheries Local Action Groups (LAGs) came together to design a joint project to develop pescatourism in Greece, by convincing and supporting fishers and developing the market for this new, slow tourism activity. 

Among the project activities, FLAGs provided information and helped fishers fill in questionnaires that provided details of their profiles, challenges faced and other statistics; organised a two-day training covering the procedures to meet the legal requirements and a practical demonstration; and carried out a study visit to Italy for 50 fishers and 50 FLAG members to learn from Sardinian fishers experienced in pescatourism.