FARNET
Fisheries Areas Network

FLAG Factsheet

Danish Small Islands - Småøerne FLAG

Official name: 
LAG Småøerne
Country:
Region: 
Code: 
DK209
Programming period: 
2007-2013
2014-2020

Area

The Småøerne FLAG covers 11 islands scattered throughout the seas around Denmark. This is an important change as the FLAG previously covered all 27 islands of the Småøerne LEADER LAG. However, due to budget cuts for CLLD funding and an area reduction as outlined in the fisheries Operational Programme, the FLAG now focuses on specially designated areas experiencing both a decline in population and a decrease in fisheries employment.

A key characteristic of these islands is their very low population levels which range between 10 to 900 inhabitants per island. Their small size and population imply a rather limited set of economic opportunities based mainly on agriculture as most of the islands have fertile soil. Tourism is also strong as many islands have appealing assets such as sandy beaches, well preserved heritage and fishing activities.

The overall challenges for the island’s fisheries community include a dwindling and ageing population, poor infrastructure and public services and limited possibilities for business development. Since 2007, the FLAG has worked with these fisheries communities to try to make them more vibrant and attractive. For example they have diversified the local economies and developed new products, as shows the Axis 4 project supporting the production of edible seaweed.

Type of area:
Sea Basins:
Protected areas: 

Almost all islands are covered by Natura 2000 sites (Egholm, Venø, Anholt, Hjortø, Agersø, Omø and parts of Strynø and Sejerø)

Population
4 536
Surface area (km²)
196
Population density
23
Total employment in fisheries
29
Fishing: 
24
Aquaculture: 
2
Processing: 
3
Women employment in fisheries: 
2

FLAG strategy

The FLAG strategy aims to strengthen business development in the maritime economy, in particular maritime tourism.

More specifically the FLAG actions will focus on:

  • Tourism projects linked to the fisheries communities;
  • Innovative projects based on the sea as a resource (e.g. seaweed);
  • Development of port facilities;
  • Investment grants in small private enterprises.
Objective: 
Adding value, creating jobs, and promoting innovation along the fisheries chain
Priority: 
5
% of the budget allocated: 
50%
Supporting diversification
5
50%

Funding

Total public budget allocated to the FLAG for 2014-2020: 
875 000
  • EMFF: 
    565 000
  • MS co-financing: 
    310 000
  • Sources of co-funding: 

    National

  • Funds: 
    EAFRD

Project examples

  • Organise groups of fishermen to handle, distribute and sell local fish collectively;
  • Improve existing infrastructure used by fishermen to support effective handling of the catch;
  • Diversify the use of existing infrastructure used by fishermen, e.g. shops, cafes, for tourism purpose;
  • Setting up of a smokehouse in a harbour by a local restaurant to partly supply their own kitchen and partly sell directly to customers in the harbour.

Calls for proposals

Call for projects are foreseen three times a year: April – August – December.

The deadlines to submit project proposal are published on the following page: lag-smaaoerne.blogspot.dk

Expertise & cooperation

The Smaoerne FLAG members have in depth experience in small-scale coastal fisheries and project management.

The FLAG is planning to have three cooperation projects within Denmark, themes and budget have yet to be specified.

Partnership

Accountable body: 
LAG Småøerne
Members of the partnership: 

All municipalities and regions are represented in the board by two individuals. Two more FLAG members come from the fishermen’s organisations from the Fur and Sejerø island respectively. The others members of the board are individual members and represent local islands associations, a national islands organisation, private companies and local development NGOs.

Number of individuals/organisations in partnership/general assembly: 
250
% of fisheries actors: 
25%
% of other (non-fisheries) private / NGO sector actors: 
75%
Number of individuals on main decision-making body/board: 
9
% of public actors: 
25%
Number of contracted staff in FLAG: 
1,00

Visuals

Map

FLAG Contacts

LAG Småøerne
 
Strynø Brovej 12, Strynø
5900 Rudkøbing
Denmark
FLAG Manager:
Mr. Morten Priesholm
Phone:
+45 22 32 84 93
Languages:
  • Danish (Mother tongue)
  • English (Intermediate)
Publication date: 
07/04/2017
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