West Normandy FLAG

Official name:

Hisséo la Normandie

Country:

France

Region:

Normandy

Code:

FR204

Programming period:

2007-2013

2014-2020

Area

With its 460km of coastline, made up of harbours, bays, cliffs and long beaches, the West Normandy FLAG area has a wealth of coastal resources. It is an area with an important primary sector and a high production of fish and shellfish.

The fisheries sector is a strong asset for the area but there is a lack of recognition of its seafood products and only few products are processed locally. There is also a lack of attractive jobs and training courses that really meet the needs of the area. Moreover, it is an area where the marine-related stakeholders are increasing constantly (e.g. marine renewable energies), requiring solid maritime spatial planning. The area is also subject to cases of water quality degradation, which can be especially detrimental to shellfish farms. There is a lack of diversification in certain sectors and a need to develop better synergies between the tourism sector and the seafood sector.

Type of area:

Coastal
Rural
Urban

Sea Basins:

Atlantic
North Sea

Protected areas:

13 Natura 2000 sites (including the Mont-Saint-Michel Bay and the Hague reefs and moors); the French National Reserve (OSPAR) “Domaine de Beauguillot” and the Regional Natural Park “Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin”.

Population

369 811

Surface area (km²)

1 650

Population density

224

Total employment in fisheries

3 500

Fishing:

2 300

Aquaculture:

1 200

FLAG strategy

The FLAG's strategy is based on five key areas:

Priority 1: Boosting the local marine and aquaculture economy
Priority 2: Increasing the value of local fishing and aquaculture products and heritage
Priority 3: Sustainable management of coastal areas
Priority 4: Attracting and training people in fishing and aquaculture jobs

Transversal theme: Facilitating and fostering cooperation.

Themes:

Objective:

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

Priority:

% of the budget allocated:

25%

Supporting diversification

Enhancing and capitalising on the environmental assets

13%

Promoting social wellbeing and cultural heritage

14%

Strengthening the role of fisheries communities in local development

Funding

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

2 800 000

EMFF:

1 400 000
MS co-financing:

1 400 000
Sources of co-funding:

Regional and local

Project examples

Short circuit projects and initiatives to market local seafood collectively (seafood baskets, feasibility study for setting up a seafood sales platform and logistics to deliver products to collective catering destinations, etc.);
Projects on new product discovery and culinary innovation;
Projects promoting the coastline, maritime and river heritage in an innovative and fun way;
Impact assessment of maritime activities on the environment and mitigation options;
Develop synergies in terms of communication with employment agencies for a better visibility and understanding of the professions and training in the sectors.

Expertise & cooperation

The FLAG is interested in sharing experience and cooperating on projects in Europe and France related to:

Adding value to local fisheries products
Training and career development
Fishing and farming techniques, processing
Resource protection, water quality
Tourism

Budget envisaged for cooperation:

200000.00

Cooperation ideas

Fisheries and wind farming

Links with LEADER or other CLLD groups

There are six LEADER LAGs* operating in different parts of the FLAG area and the FLAG is in contact informally with these groups to share information and coordinate work where possible. It also shares board members with some of these LAGs and attends the Selection Committee of three of them.

(* Coutances, Mont Saint Michel Bay, Cotentin, Bessin au Virois, Caen Metropole, Pays d’Auge)

Partnership

Members of the partnership:

Public bodies:

Local authorities (two County Councils and 15 Communities of communes)
Regional shellfish farming committee, Regional fishing committee
Regional Natural Park
Water Agency
French Biodiversity Agency
Normandy Attractiveness Agency
Chamber of commerce and industry
Public research and training bodies (SMEL, University of Caen, Reference Centre on Oyster, Ifremer...)
“Syndicats mixtes”
Local employment centre

Private organisations:

“Fish & Shellfish” Producers’ Organisations (SATMAR, OPBN)
Environmental protection associations (Grape Normandie)
Cultural and heritage associations (Culturel centre of Port-en-Bessin, Regional Maritime Heritage Committee)
”Crédit Agricole” Bank
Supply chain organisations (Normandie Fraîcheur Mer, Irqua, Ivamer)

Number of individuals/organisations in partnership/general assembly:

% of fisheries actors:

38%

% of public authorities and other:

41%

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

13%

% of environmental actors:

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

% of public actors:

47%

Number of contracted staff in FLAG: