Opale Coast FLAG

Official name:

GALPA Littoral Opale

Country:

France

Region:

Hauts-de-France

Code:

FR201

Programming period:

2014-2020

Area

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.

Type de zone:

Côtière
Urbaine

Bassins:

Mer du Nord

Protected areas:

The FLAG area includes the natural marine park ‘Picards estuaries and Opale Sea,’ which covers 118km coastline and a 2300km² marine area.

Population

76 518

Surface area (km²)

115

Population density

667

Total employment in fisheries

3 000

Fishing:

800

Aquaculture:

Transformation:

2 180

Women employment in fisheries:

300

FLAG strategy

The FLAG has the following strategic objectives:

Ensuring that the economic development of the sector benefits the region in a sustainable way, especially in increasing the added value of activities relating to fishing and the products resulting from these activities.
Fostering a match between market needs and local knowledge, enhancing the visibility and outreach of the fishing and aquaculture sectors.

Thèmes:

Objective:

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

Priority:

% of the budget allocated:

27%

Supporting diversification

25%

Enhancing and capitalising on the environmental assets

21%

Promoting social wellbeing and cultural heritage

Strengthening the role of fisheries communities in local development

25%

Funding

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

2 000 000

EMFF:

1 000 000
MS co-financing:

1 000 000
Sources of co-funding:

Regional

Project examples

Project examples and ideas include:

The creation of guiding tools to promote maritime employment and training.
Set-up of short market circuits for catering and hospitality services.
The design tourist packages highlighting fishing and maritime heritage themes.

Good Practice

Reviving the fisheries sector by promoting local seafood

Using a Hackathon to foster entrepreneurship and innovation in coastal areas

Calls for proposals

There are at least two selection committees per year, in October and March. Application information is published locally.

Expertise & cooperation

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.

Budget envisaged for cooperation:

50000.00

Links with LEADER or other CLLD groups

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.

Partnership

Accountable body:

Boulogne sur mer Développement côte d’Opale

Members of the partnership:

Public bodies (6)

Community of the conurbation of Boulogne-sur-mer (Communauté d'Agglomération du Boulonnais)
Communities of communes of « Terre des 2 Caps »
City of Boulogne-sur-Mer
Maritime vocational school
French Chamber of Commerce and Industry of “Côte d’Opale”
Regional Council of Hauts-de-France

Private Organisations (12)

Boulogne-sur-Mer Développement Côte d’Opale
Campus de la Mer - Capécure University Centre
Regional fishing committee
Producers’ Organisations “Coopérative Maritime Etaploise“ and “From Nord"
Innocéa
The Boulogne-sur-mer fishmongers association “Mareyage Boulonnais“
Aquarium Nausicaa (via Mister Goodfish Organisation)
Pas-de-Calais Tourism organisation
"Boulonnais“ regional employment and training Agency
The Détroit Port Corporation
National association of fish salters

Number of individuals/organisations in partnership/general assembly:

% of fisheries actors:

22%

% of public authorities and other:

39%

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

28%

% of environmental actors:

11%

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

% of public actors:

50%

Number of contracted staff in FLAG:

1,50

Visuals

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