FARNET
Fisheries Areas Network

FLAG Factsheet

Hiiukala FLAG

Official name: 
Hiiukala FLAG
Country:
Region: 
Code: 
EE204
Programming period: 
2007-2013
2014-2020

Area

Hiiumaa is a beautiful un-spoilt island in the Baltic sea to the west of Estonia which can be reached in about 90 minutes by ferry from the mainland. The FLAG area consists of Hiiumaa island and a number of small islets surrounding it which together form the county of Hiiu. This county is divided into five municipalities, of which four are part of the FLAG. About 22% of the land is a natural park. The sea also has an important environmental value because of the presence of spawn areas. The fishery here is a small-scale coastal fishery using mostly passive fishing gear. The main species caught include perch, flounder, garfish, ide and Baltic herring. Catches are mostly marketed on the island itself. Small-scale coastal fishing is important for the island´s identity and for attracting tourists.

The main challenge is overcoming the difficulties that arise due to the area´s peripheral location and finding markets for the products made on the island while recognising its environment as an asset in itself and consolidating the area as a tourism destination.

Other challenges include a declining population, the seasonality of the fishing sector and outdated infrastructure on landing sites.

Type of area:
Sea Basins:
Protected areas: 

43 protected areas (231.2 square km of land area and 720.5 square km of water area) including the nature reserves of Tahkunam, Leigri and Pihla-kaibaldi. 22.4% of land areas in the intervention area are protected.

Population
9 550
Surface area (km²)
1 032
Population density
9
Total employment in fisheries
63
Fishing: 
56
Processing: 
7

FLAG strategy

The FLAG strategy seeks to focus on creatinf jobs in the fisheries sector through diversification and addding value to fisheries products. It is also hoped to improve working conditions through renovating fishing harbours and landing sites, and improving marine safety. The area has some environmental issues concerning spawning areas and it is hoped to work on this by improving the mouths of rivers. The island has many strong fishing traditions and events related to them, which serve as tourist attractions that the stategy seeks to maintain and expand.

Objective: 
Adding value, creating jobs, and promoting innovation along the fisheries chain
Priority: 
4
% of the budget allocated: 
14%
Supporting diversification
5
30%
Enhancing and capitalising on the environmental assets
3
8%
Promoting social wellbeing and cultural heritage
3
18%
Strengthening the role of fisheries communities in local development
3
18%

Funding

Total public budget allocated to the FLAG for 2014-2020: 
2 945 000
  • EMFF: 
    2 208 750
  • MS co-financing: 
    736 250
  • Sources of co-funding: 

    National

Project examples

  • A small fish processing project in collaboration with a shop in area’s main town
  • Hiiumaa fish and beer festival
  • Installing solar panels for holiday housing for more sustainable power generation

Calls for proposals

There will be calls annually in February/March and additional call in October if there is funding remaining after the Spring call.

Expertise & cooperation

  • The FLAG has experience in organising fisheries events, and has visited various Estonian FLAGs for exchanges on good practices and common problems
  • The FLAG is interested in fish processing and product development, best practices of fisheries tourism and diversification-both transnational and national
  • The FLAG is a partner in the Baltic Sea cooperation project dealing with seals and cormorants.

 

Budget envisaged for cooperation: 
284000.00

Map

FLAG Contacts

Hiiukala MTÜ
 
Vabrikuväljak 1, Kärdla
92411 Hiiu maakond
Estonia
FLAG Manager:
Ms. Tuuli Tammla
Phone:
+372 5694 1855
Languages:
  • Estonian (Mother tongue)
  • English (Advanced)
Publication date: 
05/09/2017
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