FARNET News

Keeping you up to date on efforts and actions carried out by FLAGs, National Networks and Managing Authorities to support the fisheries and aquaculture sector in EU Member States overcome the challenges presented by the coronavirus, COVID-19. Be sure to check this rolling coverage regularly to get inspiration for actions in your areas. And contact the FARNET Support Unit with any of your news.

This month, the key topics are: 1°) FLAGs can help fisheries and aquaculture overcome the effects of COVID-19; 2°) Poland meeting discusses turning Baltic Sea invasive species into commercial opportunity; 3°) European Commission and EMFF provide ways to alleviate COVID-19 hardship; 4°) Social scientists visit FSU to learn more about FLAGs and CLLD; 5°) FARNET magazine photo competition.

The COVID-19 outbreak has created an unprecedented situation which requires a general mobilisation of the actors involved in the sector. Now more than ever, as FLAGs, you are in the first line and best placed to develop local responses to the local specific problems due to the crisis. Your field knowledge is a valuable advantage that we should use to the benefit of local communities.

This month, the key topics are: 1°) Network of women in fisheries and aquaculture relaunches workshops; 2°) FLAG projects can align with EU's new Green Deal; 3°) FSU and French FLAG highlight EMFF and CLLD to sustainability initiative focused on Mediterranean Sea fisheries; 4°) Galician FLAGs can access EMFF money for marine litter collection projects; 5°) FARNET Guide on successfully delivering CLLD now available.

From 3-4 December, the FARNET Support Unit is bringing to life a huge conference dedicated to CLLD. If you can't be with us in Brussels, join us online!

The FARNET meeting for Managing Authorities and National Networks took place on the 17th and 18th of June and focused on the following topics: - a reflection on types and results of projects supported by FLAGs, - exchange on progress made to improve delivery of fisheries CLLD, including the results of the FLAG survey. - strengthening exchange and networking around sea basins.

FARNET's 8th transnational seminar took place from 2-4 April 2019 in Bantry, Ireland. The seminar was an opportunity for FLAG managers to explore ways in which their FLAG areas can become “smarter” by doing things differently and investing in imaginative ideas to tackle existing challenges. It was also be a chance to reflect on how to work towards smarter strategies for the future.

The Sotavento do Algarve FLAG is looking for cases, solutions and actions taken by local companies to breed a specific clam species: the Ruditapes decussatus.

Deadline: 31.01.2019 - EASME has recently opened a Blue Economy Call, with a total budget of €18.7 million from the EMFF. The call focuses on 3 topics: Blue Labs (Topic 1), Blue Careers (Topic 2) and Blue Economy (Topic 3). The first two of which might be particularly interesting for FLAGs.

The Venetian FLAG is looking for partners in the context of INTERREG Alpine Space. Their project idea aims to protect the environment by reducing the amount of plastic that reaches the sea from rivers upstream.