FLAG Factsheet
The Opale Coast FLAG area has 76 500 inhabitants and covers the ‘Communauté d'agglomération du Boulonnais,’ an intercommunal centred on the city of Boulogne-sur-Mer, the largest fishing port in France which lands over 35 000 tonnes annually. More than one hundred fishing vessels are affiliated to the port including 102 small-scale fishing vessels and 6 deep-sea fishing vessels which employ approximately 800 fishermen. There is one large fish farm and shellfish activities, such as mussel farming, on the coast are important in the Hauts-de-France region.
The local economic comprises many small enterprises and the rate of business creation in the area is lower than the regional averages. There has been a 40% drop in fishing activity over the last ten years which presents a challenge to the FLAG. Another significant challenge in the area is to reduce the volume of port waste and introduce recycling methods and a circular economy.
The FLAG area includes the natural marine park ‘Picards estuaries and Opale Sea,’ which covers 118km coastline and a 2300km² marine area.
The FLAG has the following strategic objectives:
Regional
Project examples and ideas include:
There are at least two selection committees per year, in October and March. Application information is published locally.
All aspects of the fisheries sector are represented in Boulogne, from the catch to processing methods such as smoking. Therefore, the FLAG has an abundance of expertise. The FLAG would like to work on cooperation projects focused on innovation in seafood processing.
The Opale Coast FLAG area overlaps with that of a LEADER LAG, with which it shares certain board members. The two groups are managed by different organisations but cooperate informally, including on certain strategic priorities. The FLAG also cooperates informally with the neighbouring Three Estuaries FLAG with which it shares one board member.
Public bodies (6)
Private Organisations (12)