FARNET
Fisheries Areas Network
FLAG Factsheet
The county of Dithmarschen is a rural and coastal area located on the west coast of Schleswig-Holstein. Within this area, the fishing communities of Büsum, Friedrichskoog, Marne and the municipality of Wöhrden, form the territory covered by the FLAG. The area has expanded since the last funding period to include the municipality of Wöhrden, as a fish processing plant is currently being built there.
In Marne, there are three medium-sized fish processing companies. The fishery products here are produced from both fish caught in Europe and from fish caught all over the world. The two largest companies produce for retail chains.
The challenge for the future will be to exploit the tourism potential of the harbour in Büsum and Friedrichskoog as well as the potential of direct marketing for fish and crabs, as there is currently no concept for port infrastructure and for cooperation between the fisheries and tourism.
Moreover, the FLAG area accommodates an important aquaculture research institute in Büsum which is specialised in circulation systems. Another focus of the institute is the transfer of knowledge and technology for breeding and keeping organisms in brackish and salt water.
The municipalities of Friedrichskoog and Büsum are adjacent to the “Wattenmeer” national park which is protected.
The FLAG strategy was developed in connection with the integrated development strategy of the Aktiv-Region Dithmarschen for LEADER.
The FLAG strategy pursues the following goals:
The co-financing for the implementation of the strategy (projects) is provided by the municipalities, towns and the county. The federal state of Schleswig-Holstein provides the co-financing for running costs and animation (not included in the budget figures).
Projects can be presented on an ongoing basis to the decision-making body of the FLAG which meets regularly. Project selection meetings are scheduled when needed.
The FLAG area has a long tradition of fishing and tourism. There is a high interest shown by the fishermen in the development of pesca-tourism in the region, as well as exchanging and cooperating in this area of expertise. The FLAG is interested in cooperating with other German FLAGs located on the North Sea coast.
The Dithmarschen FLAG is part of the “Aktiv-Region Dithmarschen LAG”, a term commonly used in Schleswig-Holstein for LAGs supported by LEADER. The LAG receives funding from both the EAFRD and the EMFF. The FLAG area covers only a small part of the LAG territory.
