A project promoting fishing heritage,

strengthening local traditions and increas-

ing the consumption of forgotten freshwa-

ter fish species.

A consumer preference for marine fish

can put excessive pressure on certain

stocks, while forgetting that local lake

species are often more abundant and can be equally

tasty. Two Lithuanian FLAGs have teamed up to organ-

ise traditional fishing festivals in different regions of the

country. A summer festival and a winter festival aimed

at getting different stakeholders from the fisheries sec-

tor to share and exchange knowledge of their fishing

techniques and culinary traditions with their communi-

ty. The events brought together fishermen and families

of all ages.

The winter fishing festival showcased typical seasonal

fishing methods, including ice fishing, used in different

lakes in Lithuania as well as offering sports competitions

and concerts. Freshwater fish meals were prepared fol-

lowing traditional recipes, which children could eat for

free. At the “fish soup cooking championship”, 57 teams

competed in preparing classic dishes. Participants were

all given a share of the fish soup.

Food and heritage festivals

Keeping Local Fisheries Alive

“ The attractive presentation of traditional fish dishes and the outdoor setting tempted children to taste fish, although they do not eat it at home.”

Ligita Smagurauskienė, FLAG Manager

LITHUANIA

Stand 03

IGNALINA FLAG

R E S U LT S

ç Two festivals organised

ç > 200 participants attending each

ç Awareness raised about local fish and heritage

Total project cost: €11 729 FLAG (inc. EMFF): €11 729

Project Promoter Ignalina LAG, in partnership with Šilutė FLAG Dr Ligita Smagurauskienė www.irvvg.lt

E AT I N G LO C A L