Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Fisheries Local Action Group awarded £800,000
A an investment of £800,000 from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) and Marine Management Organisation has been secured to support the sustainable development of fishing related projects in Cornwall & Isles of Scilly, including the creation of new jobs and businesses.
It will be managed by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) and will be used to match with private investment to support a sustainable future for local fishing communities.
The FLAG area extends along the entire Cornish and Isles of Scilly coast and the investment has been made available for three years. The FLAG will be supported locally by Cornwall Development Company (CDC) who will manage the administration and Cornwall Rural Community Charity (CRCC) who will work directly with fishing businesses to bring forward projects through their Animateur.
The FLAG comprises representation from the local community including those working in the fishing industry as well as other private, public and voluntary sector organisations.
The FLAG would like to hear from projects that will contribute to one or more of the following key objectives:
- Supporting innovation, diversification and micro business development.
- Developing and supporting social, economic and environmental projects.
- Developing and supporting innovation in fish, fish products, fish waste and processes and adding value.
- Developing and supporting training to mentor new entrants.
The investment will be available for projects to bid into with the size of interventions depending on the project activity and proposed outcomes.
The FLAG recognises that whilst the industry landed over £30m worth of catch last year, the changes it continues to face mean these communities, their residents and workers need a boost to support their well-being.
Speaking at the launch of the FLAG at Looe Quayside Centre on 10 March, Tony Tomlinson MBE, Chair, Fisheries Local Action Group said, “The award of additional European investment to the local fishing industry is welcomed, particularly as a reflection of how important the sector remains to the economy of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. This investment will help to create new jobs in the sector, mentor new entrants and create new business opportunities.”
Anthony Vage, Head of Programme and Fund Services at Cornwall Development Company added, “The European investment represents a huge endorsement of the FLAG model of delivery in the fishing sector which has achieved considerable success in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly; awarding investment to the county and allowing local representatives from the industry to make the decisions.”
Peter Jefferson, Chief Executive Cornwall Rural Community Charity (CRCC) said, “CRCC has supported Cornish fishing communities for the last four years. Through our expert Animateur, CRCC is determined to help Cornwall use these EU funds as effectively as possible.”
For more information and Expression Of Interest forms please contact the FLAG Animateur (01736 364324).
Notes to editors
Images
IMG_0572 – (L-R) Tony Tomlinson MBE, Chair, Fisheries Local Action Group and Anthony Vage, Head of Programme and Fund Services at Cornwall Development Company
IMG_0576 – Members of the Fisheries Local Action Group mark the occasion and the Quayside Centre in Looe.
European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF)
The EMFF is a European funding scheme which will support fisheries, inland waters, aquaculture and maritime sectors. The fund provides support for sustainable development within the fishing and aquaculture sectors and conservation of the marine environment, alongside growth and jobs in coastal communities. Cornwall and Isles of Scilly is one of six areas in England designated as a FLAG, the others being Dorset and East Devon, North of Tyne, North Thames, Holderness and Hastings.
Cornwall Development Company
Cornwall Development Company is a company limited by guarantee whose sole Guarantor is Corserv Ltd. It is Cornwall Council’s economic delivery arm. Its mission is to achieve sustainable prosperity for all in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. For more information visit www.cornwalldevelopmentcompany.co.uk.
Cornwall Rural Community Charity (CRCC)
Cornwall Rural Community Council (CRCC) is a charity that is part of a network of 38 rural community councils across England. CRCC’s mission is to enable Cornish communities to be vibrant, sustainable and inclusive. Its original ethos of responding to local needs still holds true and the services it provides in order to do this continue to evolve as circumstances change within and across Cornwall. For more information visit www.cornwallrcc.org.uk.
Contact
For further information please contact Alex Ledbrooke, Engagement Officer, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly ITI Support Team (European Structural and Investment Funds)
Mobile – 07854 039960, Tel – 01872 322693, Email – aledbrooke@cornwall.gov.uk
Website – www.cornwallislesofscillygrowthprogramme.org.uk
Twitter – @GrowthProgramme
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