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FUNDS for fishing projects are still available despite big cutbacks in Britain and Europe.
Fishing communities in England’s less populated areas have been told they are able to access a €4.6 million fund ( £3.8 million sterling) with expressions of interest invited from today by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO).
The Axis 4 European Fisheries Fund project - run by the MMO in England - has been set up to promote the sustainable development of fisheries in smaller communities dependent on fishing for employment. Each group must demonstrate, via a detailed business plan, a clear understanding of the issues and opportunities facing their industry and how they will promote sustainable fishing in their area.
Applications for the two-stage process must be submitted by 5 pm on July 30th and will be assessed on a range of criteria including areas where fishing is in decline (details have to be supported by data on catches, vessels and employment) and in communities where there is a low density population. The potential for reducing waste and discards and reducing the impact on fishing habitats will also be considered, along with measurable economic benefits and community involvement in the fishing sector.
Once the bids have been assessed, applicants will move to the second stage of the process and be invited to form a fisheries local action group (FLAG) for their area. Development support, including limited funding, will be given to the group to allow members to put together a local fisheries area strategy. The FLAG strategies will then be assessed against a further set of criteria and successful groups will be selected and have access to further funding.
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