Participatory local development is carried out through upward planning by local associations whose members belong to the public and private sectors and to civil society and to adequately represent local society.

Participatory local development in fisheries areas is governed by local fisheries sector action groups (GALPs) and is implemented through integrated local and zone-based development strategies.

The local action groups of the fishing sector are non-profit associations constituted under the Organic Law 1/2002, of March 22, regulating the right of association and the implementing legislation of the State and the Autonomous Community.

The associations recognized as GALP allow the integration of all associative entities and representation of collective interests, foundations and other non-profit entities, as well as local administrations and public entities dependent on them, within the corresponding territorial scope, allowing in no way If the participation of natural or legal persons for profit.

Local fisheries sector groups (GALPs) developed a participatory local development strategy (EDLP) for each area for the programming period of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (FEMP) 2014-2020.