Preparing Croatia for the introduction of Community Led Local Development in the fisheries sector

Catalys has completed its report into Fisheries in Croatia and the report has now been published by UNDP.

The result of 6 months consultation, research and development with the local teams particularly at UNDP and Croatia's Directorate of Fisheries, the report concluded that Community Led Local Development (implemented through the FLAGs - or Fisheries Local Action Groups, as they are currently known), has a considerable role to play in the future development of the fisheries sector and Croatia's wonderful coastal zone.

Ideas such as a national fishery skills training centres, direct fish product marketing, value adding on the islands and joint fishery/tourism initiatives were all expressed to the research team.

It is clear that for Fisheries to continue to be a key part of Croatia's culture and economy as the country enters the European Union, that all tools available will be needed to address the very real structural issues in the sector and supporting structures.  The CLLD mechanisms are one of the more powerful of those tools, offering the ability for the sector to link directly and productively with other parts of the economy.

The question now for the ministry is how to maintain momentum in this sector, whilst at the same time meeting the many new and growing responsibilities that come with being the EU's newest member state.  Sretan put!!