Fonda - Green visit to the sea bass and mussels (SI)

Items

Description

1. WHO

Key people and organisations (initiator, leader, partners)

 The Fonda Family (Ugo, Irena, Lean), owners of the Fonda Fish Farm in the Piran Bay who have dedicated their lives to the sea and excellence.

Key Figures (Municipality Piran)

Surface

Inhabitants

Tourism arrivals

Tourism nights

44,6 km²

17,753

404,602

1,369,717

2. WHY

Reason for taking the good practice action

In 2006 we opened our fish farm in the Piran Bay at the southern most point of the Slovenian sea. This part of the sea is distinguished by the clean and deep water and a strong sea current which makes it the only region of the Slovenian sea where free-living fish can be found in abundance. There we decided to breed the best farmed fish in the world.

In 2007 we founded a brand name FONDA PIRAN SEA BASS. The recognisable brand was introduced as a novelty on the Slovenian market. It provides our clients with a guarantee that the product is of superior quality reflecting a fresh fish which was bred in a healthy environment and in compliance with the highest standards.

In 2013 we have responded to the market needs and have developed a new service offering all those interested an opportunity to visit our marine fish farm.

Issues and challenge

Slovenia's coastline is home to the beautiful and serene National Park of Piran Salt Pans and the Bay of Piran. Within the Bay lies the Fonda fish farm, where our family uses a unique approach to breed the today renowned Fonda Piran Sea Bass.

We are all lovers of the sea and also marine biologists; it is this deep knowledge and passion that led us to develop a system of raising sea bass in captivity that will not only inspire but also delight the visitor.

As passionate as we are, we wanted to share our work with visitors. We developed a tour that is entirely interactive; there are no secrets, the visitors will feed the young bass with carefully chosen feed selected for its prime ingredients and be taken through the stages of growth from fingerling to mature fish in the off shore floating nets.

3. HOW

Methods /steps / tools used (to develop the good practice)

- recognition of market needs and opportunity
- purchase of photovoltaic hybrid boat Inti
- purchase of kayaks, canoes and SUPs
- development of guided tours (content, concept) with emphasis on educational and awareness raising elements
- marketing and promotion of tours (small-scale)

4. RESULT

Specific/measurable results, benefits

Situated in the magnificent nature of the Slovenian Istria, in the middle of the Piran Bay, in the heart of the fishing preserve and the Sečovlje Salina Nature Park, the Fonda Fish Farm promises to deliver a truly unforgettable experience of the freshest and finest sea fish for lovers of the sea, sun and seafood.

Visitors will board our solar boat Inti  that enables them to come so close to the fish farming pools that they can even step on one. During the 10 to 15 minute trip to the fish farm, visitors learn about local characteristics of the Piran Bay, Piran Salina, the Regional Park and fishing preserve. This is followed by a visit to the fish farm, demonstration of manual fish feeding, explanation of the particular fish farming methods used, presentation and history of the Fonda Piran Sea Bass brand. Fish farming and fish products are presented from the production, biological, tourist, marketing and sales point of view. The visit continues with navigation through the mussel farming lines, explanation of mussel farming methods and the challenges facing fish and mussel farmers today.

On request the boat takes visitors into Canale Grande to the Soline Ltd headquarters, where they can enjoy the panoramic views of the salt fields from the terrace and visit the museum. We explain methods of salt production and special characteristics (plants, animals) of the salina.

Alternatively, visitors can opt for a trip with kayaks, canoes and/or SUP-s. This special experience has a strong eco-component since visitors are obliged to pick up all the garbage they find on their way.

Visits to the Fonda fish farm must be booked in advance and are possible only in good weather conditions. Guided visits are conducted in Slovenian, Italian, English and German.

Over 1,000 visitors from over 55 countries have visited our Farm in the last year. We have established a good collaboration with our local Tourist board of Portorož and the national tourism organization SPIRIT. Over 300 articles and videos are published about our farm in the international media.

Recognitions (e.g. awards)

Corporate image of the year by the Print magazine; Brumen award for innovative packaging; Business of the Year 2009 of the Primorska region; finalist Sejalec 2014 - award for creative and innovative tourism achievements.

5. REFLECTION

Lessons learned

Tourism is an efficient mechanism for diversification of our basic business. It creates higher level of awareness and respect for local food production, respect of nature and animals, and sustainability.

Critical success factors

 Excellent, professional product and/or service and its delivery.

6. MORE 

web-references

http//www.fonda.si