Lower Saxon North Sea coast FLAG

Official name:

LAG AktivRegion Niedersächsische Nordseeküste

Country:

Germany

Region:

Lower Saxony

Code:

DE210

Programming period:

2007-2013

2014-2020

Area

The FLAG area covers most of the North Sea coastal strip which belongs to Lower Saxony. It includes the counties of Cuxhaven, Wesermarsch, Friesland, Wittmund, Aurich and Leer. The coastal parts of these counties are sparsely populated and are characterised by smaller fishing ports.

Tourism is of particular economic importance to the fisheries sector in the FLAG area. The North Sea coast and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Wadden Sea are a popular destination and fishing is one of the activities that attracts people to this area. For fishermen, tourism also offers additional sources of income, such as the direct marketing of fish products or the letting of guest rooms.

The specific challenges facing the fisheries sector in the FLAG area include the preservation of the fishing fleet and the recruitment of younger fishermen. Awareness raising for these needs among locals and tourists is of crucial importance.

Type of area:

Coastal

Sea Basins:

North Sea

Protected areas:

Wadden sea area

Population

198 825

Surface area (km²)

1 593

Population density

124

Total employment in fisheries

289

Fishing:

289

FLAG strategy

The FLAG strategy focuses on five priorities:

Diversification of income opportunities and adding value to fisheries

Maintaining and securing fishing opportunities and activities

Supporting tourism with a clear link to fisheries

Preserving sociocultural heritage related to fishing

Increasing environmental protection particularly in relation to fisheries

Themes:

Objective:

Supporting diversification

Priority:

Strengthening the role of fisheries communities in local development

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

Enhancing and capitalising on the environmental assets

Promoting social wellbeing and cultural heritage

Funding

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

3 450 000

EMFF:

3 000 000
MS co-financing:

450 000
Sources of co-funding:

Region (Land) of Lower Saxony

Project examples

The FLAG plans to develop an outdoor learning programme aimed, in particular, at secondary school students but also suitable for adult learners. A pilot study has already examined this idea’s potential.
Naturschutzbund Deutschland (the federation of nature protection associations) will continue its activities on the topic of "fishing for litter" in the area between Cuxhaven and Leer. In this project, litter caught by fishermen in their nets is collected in sacks on board and disposed of in containers in the port.
The Greetsiel Tourism Association plans to erect a memorial plaque in the harbour dedicated to the 39 fishermen who lost their lives at sea since 1694.

Good Practice

Extra-curricular learning venues on small-scale fisheries

Fishing for litter

Calls for proposals

Projects can be presented on an ongoing basis to the decision-making body of the FLAG, which meets regularly as a working group. Project selection meetings are scheduled when needed.

Expertise & cooperation

The FLAG area has a long tradition of fishing and tourism. There is a high interest in further developing this expertise. The FLAG is interested to cooperate with other German or neighbouring countries’ FLAGs.

Links with LEADER or other CLLD groups

The FLAG coordinates its activities with the LEADER LAGs that operate in its area.

Partnership

Members of the partnership:

The member organisations of the general assembly of the FLAG are: fishermen, fishing organisations, tourism organisations, nature protection organisations, municipalities and private stakeholders

Number of individuals/organisations in partnership/general assembly:

% of fisheries actors:

30%

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

21%

% of environmental actors:

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

% of public actors:

40%

Number of contracted staff in FLAG:

0,25