In today’s context, the fishing sector needs new strategies to ensure its vitality and sustainability.
One of the most promising approaches is diversifying activities, which can increase profits while reducing pressure on marine ecosystems. From the coasts of Sardinia to those of Greece, fishermen are exploring new opportunities to share their craft with the wider public. With the support of Local Fisheries Action Groups (FLAG), fishermen receive training, take part in study visits, and learn how to diversify their income.
Gavino Iacomini, skipper of Pescaturismo K2, began fishing at the age of 14. For six years, he and other fishermen have been practicing fishing tourism to diversify their income sources. Silvia Pazola, a fishing tourism operator, invested in a boat in 2016 with her partner, launching her business within the Asinara Marine Protected Area. For her, fishing tourism is an opportunity to showcase her lifestyle, share the joy of preparing fresh catch, and enjoy a meal together with tourists aboard her boat.
What is fishing tourism and its role in the fishing sector?
Fishing tourism is a non-commercial activity that uses marine resources for recreational, tourist, or sporting purposes. It is gaining popularity across Europe and represents an opportunity for fishermen to safeguard their livelihoods and traditional ways of life while diversifying their income. By participating in fishing tourism, fishermen can maintain a stable income even during the summer months, when fishing is more challenging.
The Greece Experience
In 2015, the Greek fishing industry benefited from the introduction of fishing tourism regulations. These new rules allow fishermen to take tourists on their boats, increasing their income and providing an alternative to boat scrapping practices. However, fishing tourism has faced the challenge of a lack of awareness, both among fishermen and tourists. To overcome this challenge, 18 FLAG collaborated to transform fishing tourism into a unique slow-tourism experience, with the support of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF).
The FLAGs adopted a comprehensive approach to promote fishing tourism, building relationships with fishermen through port visits and discussions. Informational sessions and surveys were organized to assess fishermen’s knowledge, interests, and challenges. As interest grew, the FLAGs offered training courses on legal, financial, and marketing aspects.
To further support the fishermen, the FLAGs coordinated with their Italian counterparts, organizing study visits to learn from Sardinian fishermen experienced in fishing tourism. These visits allowed fishermen from both countries to exchange insights on managing a fishing tourism business, tackling challenges, and adopting best practices.
Thanks to these efforts, over 450 fishermen explored fishing tourism opportunities, and more than 100 received specialized training. As of September 2023, 48 fishermen have taken steps to obtain fishing tourism licenses, while 157 fishermen are currently engaged in the activity. Fishing tourism not only helps stabilize fishermen’s income but also reduces pressure on local fish species and provides opportunities for young people in the sector, preserving essential skills and the cultural heritage represented by traditional boats.
The initiative has demonstrated that fishing tourism can become a key component for the sustainability and prosperity of fishing communities. Through a well-planned strategy and effective communication, fishing tourism can continue to grow, offering a promising future for the fishing sector.
