FARNET
Fisheries Areas Network

Good Practice Short Story

Dealing with the challenges of 500-year-old fishing traditions

This project shows how to bring together preservation of cultural heritage with present needs of fishermen.
This project has an exceptional importance for the work of our FLAG as it contributes to nearly all of our key objectives: supporting young fishermen, promoting diversification, adding value to fisheries by processing and direct sales as well as preserving cultural heritage.
FLAG President Hans Christian Green

This project shows how to bring together preservation of cultural heritage with present needs of fishermen.

Fishing in the river Schlei in the North of Germany is linked with a special requirement. Since 1480 only fishermen living (i.e. having their house) on the “Holm” – the traditional fishing district of Schleswig which used to be an island – have fishing rights. This tradition has shaped the cultural identity of the local community, but also constrained the ability of local fishermen to adapt to current needs.

This was the case of Niels and Christian Ross, who wanted to continue their father’s fishing business, but needed to increase the size of the building to make the activity viable. Due to restrictions on space on the Holm, this was a complex task. The FLAG provided financial support to the project which contributed to the preservation of cultural heritage and created jobs. In addition, the jetty, processing facilities and the workshop for repairing the fishing gear were brought closer together, increasing the working efficiency of the business. Finally, a refrigeration plant to allow direct sales to consumers – adding value to fisheries – was also built.

Funding

Budget €424 000
EU contribution €120 000
  • EMFF: €120 000
Other public contribution €46 000
  • Local: €46 000
Private contribution €258 000

Contact details

FLAG Contacts

Ms. Svenja Linscheid
+49 4623 78407
Germany
Publication date: 
10/07/2019
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