On 9 October 2026, AULEDA – Local Economic Development Agency organised the RECONNECT project Kick-off meeting and training session for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) operating in the fisheries sector. The event took place at the Fish Market in Triport, Vlorë, bringing together 17 participants, including fishermen, fishing vessel owners, and representatives of fish storage facilities. The session introduced the project’s objectives and planned activities and focused on circular economy practices, open innovation, industrial symbiosis, and opportunities for cooperation in the fisheries sector.
Strengthening Cooperation and Sustainability in the Fisheries Sector
The training session covered five key topics:
- Circular Business Models: Practical approaches to reducing waste, improving resource efficiency, and creating value from existing resources.
- Open Innovation Principles and Collaboration Practices: Encouraging knowledge and expertise sharing to develop innovative solutions through cooperation.
- Industrial Symbiosis and Value Chain Cooperation: Exploring opportunities for businesses to exchange resources, by-products, knowledge, and services for mutual economic and environmental benefits.
- Intellectual Property Rights: Understanding the management, protection, and commercialisation of intellectual property in support of innovation and business development.
Legal Framework and Documentation in the Fisheries Sector: Addressing applicable legal obligations, statistical reporting, and documentation procedures.
An important part of the training was the discussion on the legal framework and practical challenges related to fish waste management. Participants exchanged views on existing practices and explored opportunities for collaborative waste management, including the potential to transform waste streams into valuable resources while reducing environmental impacts.
The meeting also addressed the potential establishment of a fisheries cluster in Vlorë. Participants discussed how a cluster could strengthen cooperation among businesses, facilitate knowledge exchange, promote innovation, and support the development of joint solutions to common challenges across the fisheries value chain.
The preparation of a business plan for the fisheries cluster was identified as the next important step. The plan will define the cluster’s governance structure, activities, services, funding opportunities, and mechanisms for long-term sustainability.
The event provided an opportunity to present the RECONNECT project, exchange knowledge, and identify practical opportunities for cooperation, contributing to a more circular, competitive, and sustainable fisheries sector in the Vlorë Region.
“The Kick off meeting and training session provided an opportunity for fisheries sector stakeholders to discuss shared challenges, particularly in fish waste management, and explore new opportunities for cooperation. The development of a fisheries cluster could help strengthen collaboration, encourage innovation, and support more sustainable practices across the sector.”
