FARNET
Fisheries Areas Network

FLAG Factsheet

Läänemaa FLAG

Official name: 
MTÜ Läänemaa Rannakalanduse Selts
Country:
Code: 
EE203
Programming period: 
2007-2013
2014-2020

Area

The coast of Läänemaa is sparsely populated, has a low relief and a coastline that is split sharply.  There are 237 islands (with islets and reefs). The most productive fish species here are perch, pike, Baltic herring, flounder and garfish. Fishing has traditionally been mostly small-scale but in recent years has benefited from the expansion of several ports in the area. Läänemaa fishermen earn their income from fishing from May to September. During the last few years, as the fish stock situation has improved, the active catching period was extended to October. During 2007-2013, the FLAG worked on improving infrastructure in landing areas for small-scale fishermen and started involving the fishing communities in a multi-functional development of the area.

The specific challenges are related to lack of qualified labour in fish processing and little cooperation from fishermen in marketing of local products. The seasonality of the fisheries activities is another key issue for the fishermen in the area. The area has some tourism potential, and links with fisheries can be further developed.

Type of area:
Sea Basins:
Protected areas: 

Sixteen protected areas which form 32% of the county’s area are covered by some form of protection. The biggest nature reserve is Matsalu National Park (50 000 ha). Approximately half of the area of the national park is covered with water.

Population
24 730
Surface area (km²)
2 383
Population density
12
Total employment in fisheries
450
Fishing: 
112
Processing: 
338

FLAG strategy

The FLAG strategy focuses on the following objectives:

  • Further development of infrastructure and services of ports
  • Contributing to development of fish processing and direct marketing
  • Supporting diversification activities for fishermen to mitigate the insecurity caused by seasonality of coastal fishing
  • Developing of fishing tourism that relies on general growth of the tourism sector and uses existing strengths of the region.
Objective: 
Adding value, creating jobs, and promoting innovation along the fisheries chain
Priority: 
5
% of the budget allocated: 
30%
Supporting diversification
4
27%
Strengthening the role of fisheries communities in local development
5
30%
Promoting social wellbeing and cultural heritage
3
10%
Enhancing and capitalising on the environmental assets
2
3%

Funding

Total public budget allocated to the FLAG for 2014-2020: 
2 254 904
  • EMFF: 
    1 916 669
  • MS co-financing: 
    338 235
  • Sources of co-funding: 

    National

Project examples

  • Renovation of fishing ports and landing sites
  • Training events for fishermen to increase overall competency
  • Restoration of spawning grounds
  • Support to processing and direct marketing of local fisheries products

Calls for proposals

The FLAG opens two calls for applications every year, one in spring and another in autumn. Information about the calls are published in the local newspapers and on the FLAG web page here.

Expertise & cooperation

The FLAG has been active in developing harbours and landing sites in close cooperation with local municipalities. The FLAG has extensive experience in bringing the needs of fishermen to the table of the local municipality and vice versa. The association has good experience in managing processes to develop ports and landing sites that are multifunctional and keep in mind interests of fishermen, the local community and non-sectoral entrepreneurs.

The association has good experience in developing advisory services for local community members including fishermen, especially in drafting projects.

The FLAG is willing to share experiences on developing cooperative activities (primarily within the country).

Budget envisaged for cooperation: 
283541.00

Partnership

Accountable body: 
Läänemaa Rannakalanduse Selts MTÜ
Members of the partnership: 

The key partners of the FLAG include seven local municipalities; ten fisheries private companies and four non-fisheries private companies; four fisheries NGOs and five non-fisheries NGOs; 21 private persons involved in fisheries; 41 fishermen as private person entrepreneurs.

Number of individuals/organisations in partnership/general assembly: 
92
% of fisheries actors: 
58%
% of other (non-fisheries) private / NGO sector actors: 
34%
Number of individuals on main decision-making body/board: 
9
% of public actors: 
7%
Number of contracted staff in FLAG: 
1,00

Map

FLAG Contacts

Läänemaa Rannakalanduse Selts MTÜ
 
Tallinna mnt 83, Uuemõisa alevik, Ridala vald
90401 Läänemaa
Estonia
FLAG Manager:
Mr. Margus Medell
Phone:
+372 528 6024
Languages:
  • Estonian (Mother tongue)
  • English (Intermediate)
Publication date: 
14/09/2017
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