Source: LAMAR S.A.
Introduction
LAMAR S.A is a small scale Mediterranean open-water fin-fish farm nestled on the picturesque Island of Rhodes, Greece. With a production capacity of up to 250 tons per year, LAMAR specializes in cultivating a variety of high-quality species including sea bream, sea bass, red bream, and meagre.
On the island's remote western side lies Blutopia Marine Park P.C, a renowned diving center offering captivating Scuba diving and Snorkeling tours within the pristine confines of a NATURA 2000 site. These two enterprises have forged a partnership aimed at facilitating Marine Biology Tours around the vicinity of LAMAR S.A fish farm. Led by experienced Marine Biologists, these guided tours are designed to enlighten and inspire visitors of all ages about the imperative role of aquaculture within the European Union and the broader Mediterranean ecosystem. The tours delve into the significance of aquaculture, the services it provides, as well as the existing threats and opportunities it faces.
Moreover, these immersive tours offer participants the opportunity to engage in physical and experiential activities, allowing them to delve into the rich biodiversity flourishing otuiside the boundaries of the fish farm. From encountering playful dolphins to witnessing vast schools of fish, participants are immersed in the dynamic environment fostered by the farm's protected nature and unique ecological conditions.
The fusion of tourism and aquaculture initially emerged as a means to showcase the captivating aspects of aquaculture to the public. Over time, it has evolved into a robust business model, enriching LAMAR's production portfolio. This multi-use paradigm not only enables Blutopia to provide internships, training, and education opportunities to young students but also ensures economic stability for LAMAR, enabling the recruitment of experienced and highly skilled personnel to advance, explore, and refine this innovative approach..
The conception, development, and implementation of this innovative multi-use initiative were spearheaded by private organizations driven by their aspirations for positive change. Currently, key stakeholders including the Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture, and Maritime Policy are actively engaged in co-developing groundbreaking legislation in Greece, potentially extending to European territories, which will harmonize tourism and aquaculture practices. Notably, LAMAR S.A and Blutopia P.C play integral roles within the working group tasked with shaping this pioneering legislation. Their contributions encompass not only spatial allocation considerations within the farm but also strategies for facilitating large-group snorkeling expeditions in the open ocean.
The response from the public has been highly intriguing, shedding light on governance issues and underlining the significance of eco-tourism as a burgeoning trend. This initiative presents a paradigm shift in tourism, offering a fresh perspective particularly pertinent to destinations like Rhodes, heavily reliant on tourism.
The existing regulatory framework, which serves as the foundation for the forthcoming legislation, stems from paragraph 9, article 4 of Greek legislation 4582/2018. This framework encompasses the provision of services related to fishing, sponge fishing, aquaculture, and associated practices to tourists seeking experiential engagements during their holidays. These activities aim to provide entertainment through fishing, foster experiential learning, promote local traditions, customs, and gastronomy, disseminate fishing culture, and stimulate the economic vitality of local communities.
The proposed new legislation seeks to comprehensively address the requirements and standards that fish farms must adhere to in order to conduct tourism and aquaculture activities. This entails establishing protocols for hosting tourists not only on already licensed scuba diving and carrier touristic boats but also on aquaculture vessels, with guidelines and conditions established by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy.
Furthermore, the proposed legislation addresses the licensing procedure required for fish farms at the regional level, introducing a streamlined process for obtaining licenses. Under this system, licenses can be secured within a few days of application, provided that all stipulated conditions are met. This fast-track approach aims to expedite the licensing process while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
Lessons learnt
In order for small-scale fish farms to thrive amidst competition from larger economic entities, diversification is paramount. This entails not only expanding into new product lines within the realm of fin-fish production but also assuming a more significant role in the blue economy. Under favorable physical conditions, embracing a multi-use approach has demonstrated that fish farms can serve as focal points for biodiversity aggregation while maintaining minimal environmental impact. By nurturing and preserving the protected nature of these farms, they evolve into hubs where diverse marine life flourishes.
This multi-use model has become instrumental in the development of marine biology tours, offering tourists an immersive experience into the wonders of the ocean. Visitors have the opportunity to witness free-roaming dolphins, learn about their social structures, characteristics, and the threats they face. These experiential activities, led by highly skilled personnel well-versed in both processes and the EU's aspirations and targets, have garnered significant interest among tourists. Consequently, alignment between the EU's conservation goals and the general public's understanding and support is facilitated, fostering a shared language of marine protection and restoration.
In essence, this multi-use strategy has elevated sustainable aquaculture in the eyes of the public, showcasing small-scale fish farms as beacons of sustainability within their regions. They not only promote and safeguard the EU's mission to restore our oceans but also contribute to the overall health of our marine ecosystems, epitomizing a harmonious relationship between human activity and the blue world.
Relevant links
Article "Aquaculture tourism: An unexpected synergy for the blue economy"
Contact
Anastasios (Tasos) Baltadakis : tasos.baltadakis [at] lamar.gr (tasos[dot]baltadakis[at]lamar[dot]gr)