FISATUR - Revitalising Atlantic Coastal Communities through Sustainable Fishing Tourism

Along Europe's Atlantic seaboard, from the windswept coasts of Brittany to the sunlit harbours of northern Portugal, generations have built their lives around the sea. But as traditional fisheries face unprecedented challenges, these once-thriving coastal communities are seeing livelihoods slip away, along with cultural practices deeply tied to the maritime world.

The FISATUR project, co-funded by the European Union through the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), sets out to change that. By blending innovative, sustainable tourism with the rich maritime heritage of the Atlantic, FISATUR offers a practical and hopeful response to economic fragility, social disengagement, and environmental pressures.

Over 28 months, the project is supporting entrepreneurs, empowering fishing communities, and fostering cross-border cooperation to diversify jobs and revitalise coastal regions.

From research to sea routes: a three-phase approach

FISATUR unfolds in three strategic phases. The journey begins with in-depth research: over 300 people across the North Atlantic region have been surveyed, mapping preferences, tourism demand, and the current landscape of maritime heritage initiatives.

Next, the project launched an incubation programme to support promising business ideas. From more than 40 applications, 10 entrepreneurs per country were selected for tailored mentoring across a 7-month scheme. These new ventures are now exploring innovative services such as heritage tours on traditional fishing boats, coastal gastronomy trails, and eco-tourism experiences that celebrate life at sea.

The final stage, still to come, is a cross-border navigation route from France to Portugal: a floating study mission that will bring together stakeholders from across the Atlantic arc. This route will serve as a living laboratory of ideas, connecting fishers, tourism operators, policy-makers, and civil society.

Sustainability at its core: aligning with EU priorities

FISATUR aligns strongly with the European Green Deal, the EU Blue Economy Strategy, and the EU's objectives for sustainable coastal development. The project helps tackle issues such as biodiversity loss, climate vulnerability, and economic dependency on extractive fishing practices.

By promoting low-carbon, experience-based tourism rooted in maritime culture, the project directly contributes to the decarbonisation of tourism, supports coastal resilience, and fosters environmental stewardship.

The training component is particularly vital. Many professionals in the maritime-fishing sector face a skills gap in areas such as digital communication, sustainability, business planning, and regulatory compliance. FISATUR is closing that gap, equipping participants with tools for the future and opening the door to new, greener livelihoods.

Cristina Fernández-González, FISATUR Project coordinator (FUNDAMAR) says:

"FISATUR is committed to foster the diversification of the maritime-fisheries jobs through sustainable tourism practices that promote maritime heritage and increase the resilience of coastal communities under the context of global change. The funding from the EMFAF is crucial to achieve a sustainable blue economy in the Atlantic regions facing nowadays big environmental and social changes that require challenging solutions."

FISATUR Incubation Programme and Trade Navigation Tour

From October 2024 to April 2025, the FISATUR Incubation Programme has supported 28 selected entrepreneurs from Spain, Portugal and France with capacity-building sessions focused on business development, sustainability, and coastal socio-economic impact.

Participants designed experiences ranging from shellfish gathering workshops and net-making demonstrations to virtual reality marine education, sustainable angling, and cultural preservation initiatives. Two winning projects per country were chosen for their innovation, feasibility, and potential for positive impact.

The next major milestone for FISATUR is the Trade Navigation Tour, a 13-day sailing mission from 16 to 30 September 2025. The route will link Brittany (France), Galicia (Spain), and Viana do Castelo (Portugal), bringing together winning project leaders, FISATUR partners, and key stakeholders. Participants will visit selected initiatives on-site, engage in business-to-business networking, and take part in thematic workshops on tourism and fisheries diversification. The tour will also include media events, public outreach, and a documentary film to showcase the outcomes of the incubation programme.

A scalable blueprint for Europe's coastal regions

As climate change, market shifts, and evolving tourist expectations reshape Europe's coastline, FISATUR offers a scalable model for transformation. By combining sustainability, innovation, and heritage, it helps coastal communities move from vulnerability to vitality.

Above all, it reminds us that the sea is not just a resource: it is a culture, a livelihood, and a future worth preserving.

For more information about FISATUR project visit their project website, subscribe to their Newsletter and follow them on their social media accounts Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn.

Are you part of an organisation linked to maritime fishing and aquaculture tourism initiative? Join the Atlantic Network and contribute to the drive towards more sustainable, inclusive and prosperous fishing and aquaculture tourism in the Atlantic region.