Fishing communities urged to apply for Axis 4 European Fisheries Funding

8th January 2013

Highland fishing communities are encouraged to apply for assistance from the European Fisheries Fund, the fund aims to help develop communities where fishing is in decline by supporting measures to build skills and knowledge and increase the capacity of local fishing communities and business networks through innovation, collaboration and diversification.

The Highland Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) administers the �549,392 available to the Highland area. Membership of the FLAG includes a diverse range of stakeholders who represent the interests of those within the area. The FLAG will consider applications and decide how funding will be allocated locally.

The FLAG is now inviting local groups and businesses to submit expressions of interest by 31st January 2013. A further round will be announced in due course. All funding must be committed by the end of 2013 although the cash drawdown period will extend into 2015.

Councillor George Farlow, Chair of the Highland Fisheries Local Action Group, said �A wide range of projects can be considered such as those relating to skills development, promoting eco-tourism, diversifying activities, adding value to fisheries products, infrastructure improvements and the promotion of the culture and heritage aspects of fisheries communities. Projects which encourage co-operation and communication among groups locally, nationally or trans-nationally are also encouraged.�

�As funding is only available for a limited time, I would encourage businesses and groups to contact the Co-ordinator as soon as possible to discuss their project idea and for assistance through the application process. The fund is aimed at coastal communities affected by the downturn in the fishing industry and we want to ensure Highland communities do not miss out on this opportunity.�

For further guidance and to obtain a copy of the Expressions of Interest form please contact the Highland Council Planning and Development Service on 01463 702250 or email planning[AT]highland.gov.uk This information can also be found by visiting the European Fisheries Fund page on The Highland Council website.

The Moray Firth Partnership is the first community organisation to benefit from the European Fisheries Fund (Axis 4) Programme. Funding of �3,545 has been approved to allow Moray Firth Partnership to research the feasibility, scope and geographic extent of a proposed Seafood Initiative and �Seafood Trail�. The project aims to develop a proposal that can benefit fishing communities along the Moray Firth and the adjacent Caithness & Sutherland coast or beyond.

�4.2 million of funding has been accessed by the Scottish Government under Axis 4 of the European Fisheries Fund. To access the funds, local authorities were required to provide additional funding (on a 25/75 basis for Highlands and Islands and a 50/50 basis for rest of Scotland). If the full �4.2 million available is allocated, this will bring the total to �7.57 million.

The EFF funding is divided into two main allocations - �1.3m for councils in Highlands & Islands (Shetland, Orkney, Highland, Western Isles and Argyll & Bute) and �2.9m for the rest of Scotland (Aberdeenshire, Angus, Fife, Scottish Borders, South Ayrshire, East Lothian, Dumfries & Galloway, and Moray).

Axis 4 of the EFF supports the sustainable development of fisheries areas. It includes measures to promote economic diversification in areas such as tourism and leisure, food and renewable energy that exploits local resources. It also aims to improve the quality of life in areas affected by the decline in fishing activities, such as small scale infrastructural projects, environmental protection and training and capacity building for local communities.

More information can be found on the Scottish Government website: www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/grants-subsidies/communities