Bothnian Bay / Perämeri FLAG

Official name:

Perämeren rannikon kalatalousryhmä

Country:

Finland

Region:

Ostrobothnia Region

Code:

FI201

Programming period:

2007-2013

2014-2020

Area

Bothnian Bay is in the northernmost part of the Gulf of Bothnia and Baltic Sea. It freezes over completely every winter. There are several forms of fishing found here: mainly trap and gillnet, trawl fishing (when there is no ice), dragnet and net fishing in winter.

The main species caught are European whitefish, vendace, Baltic herring, Atlantic salmon and perch. Whitefish accounts for 40% of the total catch. Lamprey fishing is of major economic significance in the estuaries of rivers running into the bay.

The area is facing a demographic challenge: fishermen are ageing and the recruitment of young fishermen is difficult. Furthermore, the abundant and uncontrollably growing population of ringed seals and grey seals is impeding fishing activities.

Type of area:

Coastal
Inland
Rural

Sea Basins:

Black Sea

Protected areas:

15 areas, 739 km². Main area is National Park of the Bothnia Bay.

Population

357 994

Surface area (km²)

10 591

Population density

Total employment in fisheries

660

Fishing:

450

Aquaculture:

Processing:

200

Women employment in fisheries:

FLAG strategy

The FLAG strategy is three-fold:

The development of coastal fishing
The development and promotion of the various sectors of the fisheries industry
Increasing demand for local fish

Themes:

Objective:

Adding value, creating jobs, and promoting innovation along the fisheries chain

Priority:

% of the budget allocated:

40%

Supporting diversification

30%

Enhancing and capitalising on the environmental assets

Promoting social wellbeing and cultural heritage

Strengthening the role of fisheries communities in local development

30%

Funding

Total public budget allocated to the FLAG for 2014-2020:

875 000

EMFF:

348 414
MS co-financing:

526 586
Sources of co-funding:

National and Municipalities
Multi-funding:

Planned private funding € 252 000

Project examples

Study trips for fishermen allowing them to learn about different fishing methods in the area (fishermen’s cooperatives) and beyond, including abroad;
Development of seal resistant fishing gear;
Recruitment of young fishermen in co-operation with educational institutions;

Good Practice

Seals and Cormorants in the Baltic: Addressing a common environmental challenge

Private fish processor investing in the FLAGs

Calls for proposals

Projects can be presented and selected on an ongoing basis.

Expertise & cooperation

The FLAG has long experience in the ecological restoration of rivers and lakes.

Inter-territorial cooperation is foreseen around study trips and general exchange of information and experience.

Transnational cooperation should focus on study trips and vicinity trading, as well as migratory fish populations and tackling the issue of seal populations in the FLAG Sea basin.

Budget envisaged for cooperation:

40000.00

Links with LEADER or other CLLD groups

The FLAG shares a legal structure with the local LEADER LAG and their territories overlap. They have board members in common and also have a common Programme Management Committee which allows them to share strategies. The FLAG also cooperates with other FLAGs nearby and throughout Finland.

Partnership

Members of the partnership:

Members include municipalities of the FLAG area, small scale fisheries actors, fish processing units, the community of fisheries association of the Gulf of Bothnia and local LEADER groups.

Number of individuals/organisations in partnership/general assembly:

% of fisheries actors:

80%

% of public authorities and other:

20%

Number of individuals on main decision-making body/board:

% of public actors:

20%