Karpfenland Aischgrund FLAG

Official name:

FLAG Karpfenland Aischgrund

Country:

Germany

Region:

Bavaria

Code:

DE213

Programming period:

2014-2020

Area

The Aischgrund FLAG is strongly influenced by the area’s fishponds. There are currently around 7000 ponds, where approximately 1200 farmers produce 15% of the total carp production in Germany in small-scale fisheries. The carp is not only a significant economic factor but also a significant part of the ecology and the culture with a 1200-year-old tradition. The FLAG area consists of 69 cities and municipalities, as well as the 4 districts of the city of Erlangen. The Aischgrund has 280,000 inhabitants.

To secure an adequate standard of living, key challenges in the area include the development of new sources of income, e.g. to offer guided tours by the fish farmers.

Type of area:

Inland

Sea Basins:

Rivers and Lakes

Protected areas:

In the Aischgrund FLAG area, there are 14 protected areas covering 18km². Vogelfreistätte Weihergebiet in Mohrhof is an important protected bird area.

Population

280 000

Surface area (km²)

1 878 799

Population density

149

Total employment in fisheries

1 600

Fishing:

200

Aquaculture:

1 200

Processing:

200

Women employment in fisheries:

200

FLAG strategy

The FLAG intends to strengthen the area’s fisheries economy by drawing attention to the area’s fisheries activities and products. Marketing and public relations for the local fisheries will focus on events and fairs; and cooperation with the region’s local authority is also envisaged. There is also a need for cooperation and exchanges with other FLAGs, LAGs or comparable networks.

Themes:

Objective:

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

Priority:

% of the budget allocated:

40%

Supporting diversification

10%

Enhancing and capitalising on the environmental assets

10%

Promoting social wellbeing and cultural heritage

20%

Strengthening the role of fisheries communities in local development

20%

Funding

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

650 000

EMFF:

487 500
MS co-financing:

162 500
Sources of co-funding:

Regional (Land of Bavaria)

Project examples

Project ideas for the Aischgrund FLAG include:

“TeichKulturPark” - a huge open-air museum with several points of interest, where visitors can listen to educational audio tour guides about the “Aischgründer”, the tradition of carp farming and why this carp is so important for the area of Aischgrund. Guided tours will be offered within the park. Barbecue areas for grilling carp or cooking carp soup will be built. Through a show pond, it will be possible to observe the fish. The “TeichKulturPark” is a base for more projects, which will be done in cooperation with the LEADER LAG Aischgrund. 11-17 municipalities will cooperate in this project.
A carp playing field - a 10-meter-long playground in the shape of carp. A sign next to the playground will offer educational explanations for children about the Aischgründer carp and its importance. The project’s objectives are lifelong learning and the preservation of the area’s historical and natural heritage.

Calls for proposals

Project applications can be presented and are selected on a regular and ongoing basis.

Links with LEADER or other CLLD groups

Cooperation with the LEADER LAG Aischgrund is planned. Members of the LAG will work in the working group of the project “TeichKulturPark”. Some stakeholders are members in both the LAG and FLAG. Regular meetings between the LAG and FLAG will offer the opportunity for continuing exchanges between these groups.

Partnership

Members of the partnership:

The FLAG members include fishermen and representatives from the relevant municipalities, private actors, NGOs including the Federal Nature Conservation Circle Höchstadt/ Herzogenaurach, regional associations responsible for maintaining the area’s cultural and historical heritage, hotels and restaurants

Number of individuals/organisations in partnership/general assembly:

109

% of fisheries actors:

11%

% of public authorities and other:

34%

% of other (non-fisheries) private / NGO sector actors:

54%

% of environmental actors:

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

% of public actors:

24%

Number of contracted staff in FLAG:

0,50