FARNET
Fisheries Areas Network

FLAG Factsheet

East Finland / Itä-Suomi FLAG

Official name: 
East Finland / Itä-Suomi FLAG
Country:
Code: 
FI206
Programming period: 
2014-2020

Area

The East Finland FLAG covers the large lake area of Saimaa located across four eastern provinces of Finland. Summers are rather warm and in winter the lakes are covered with ice. The winter fishing season is approximately four months long. The population density is low, and the number of inhabitants is declining in most parts. Despite this, the area has a large population compared to other FLAGs due to its sheer size- it covers an area larger than Belgium – this is to obtain a critical mass of fishermen in order to make the group viable.

Unemployment rates are rather high by Finnish standards at about 12 -15%. Tourism is a growing industry offering employment opportunities in the fisheries sector and a growing market for local products. There is a great potential to develop fisheries due to the large lake area, underexploited fish stocks, good demand for fish and excellent water quality.

The biggest challenges are a lack of cooperation between entrepreneurs and the need to recruit younger people into fisheries.

Type of area:
Sea Basins:
Protected areas: 

There are several national parks and no protected water areas. There are restrictions on some fishing methods to protect Saimaa seals and landlocked salmonid species.

Population
702 446
Surface area (km²)
329
Population density
10
Total employment in fisheries
450
Fishing: 
230
Aquaculture: 
136
Processing: 
80
Women employment in fisheries: 
20

FLAG strategy

The FLAG strategy aims to:

  • Achieve a highly-networked and diversified fishing industry
  • Improve commercial fishing knowledge and information exchanges
  • Develop fishing techniques and supply chains of fish products
  • Motivate young people to get involved in the industry
  • Enhance fishing tourism products including developing marketing and sales systems.
Objective: 
Adding value, creating jobs, and promoting innovation along the fisheries chain
Priority: 
5
% of the budget allocated: 
40%
Supporting diversification
4
20%
Enhancing and capitalising on the environmental assets
3
20%
Promoting social wellbeing and cultural heritage
1
0%
Strengthening the role of fisheries communities in local development
3
20%

Funding

Total public budget allocated to the FLAG for 2014-2020: 
1 000 000
  • EMFF: 
    470 000
  • MS co-financing: 
    830 000

Project examples

  • Training courses for young people
  • Developing new co-operation networks
  • Testing and developing new distribution channels 

Calls for proposals

Projects are to be presented and selected on an ongoing basis.

Expertise & cooperation

There are some well-working fishermen’s companies in the primary sector.  The FLAG would be interested to promote internationalisation, networking and the implementation of new operational models via co-operation.

Budget envisaged for cooperation: 
30000.00

Partnership

Accountable body: 
FLAG East Finland
Members of the partnership: 

The FLAG membership includes 11 LEADER LAGs, 4 regional councils in East Finland, fishermen’s cooperatives and Savonlinna Vocational College (SAMI).

% of fisheries actors: 
40%
% of other (non-fisheries) private / NGO sector actors: 
20%
Number of individuals on main decision-making body/board: 
16
% of public actors: 
40%
Number of contracted staff in FLAG: 
4,00

Map

FLAG Contacts

FLAG East Finland
 
Ristimäenkatu 3 A 9
57130 Savonlinna
Finland
FLAG Manager:
Mr. Pekka Sahama
Phone:
+358 50 5502100
Languages:
  • Finnish (Mother tongue)
  • English (Intermediate)
  • Swedish (Basic)
Publication date: 
31/08/2017
PDF Version