Case Studies from Around Europe

There are many diverse project examples from Fisheries Local Action Groups around Europe which show how the funding available from the FLAG can help support the Fisheries sector and communities.

Below is a small selection of project examples.  For further case studies visit https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/fpfis/cms/farnet/tools/good-practices

Crab flavouring for Export

FLAG:  Middle and North Jutland, Denmark

Project Overview

A local food manufacturing company, Carnad, utilised an overpopulation of crab in Limfjord to create liquid flavour enhancer.

Crab, had been underutilised in the area, causing both economic and environmental problems for the local Fisheries Sector.  The Midt-Nord FLAG assisted the company in initial market research, as well as providing funds for equipment and machinery.  As a result, Carnad has set up operations to catch local crabs and process them into liquid flavour enhancer containing 98% crab. The product is then sold to a number of clients from the food industry in Sweden, France and Germany.

The entire case study is available from https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/fpfis/cms/farnet/crab-flavouring-export-flag-middle-north-jutland-dk

Diversifying Captures

FLAG: The three Estuaries (Somme, Authie and Canche), France

Project Overview

Cockle picking was an important fishing activity on the shoreline of northern France, however, with signs of weakening stocks and decreasing profitability local fishermen recognised that diversifying their catch may enable them to continue their activity.  Firstly, however, they needed to ascertain which other indigenous species were abundant enough to catch and whether they could be marketed.  The FLAG therefore supported a collaboration project between the fishermen and an environmental research group to study the potential opportunities.

The study found that a number of species were less abundant than foreseen, whilst others required further research on fishing and/or processing in order to be commercially exploitable.  However, the study also found that American razor clams were abundant enough to market, with good sales opportunities identified in Spain.

The entire case study is available from https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/fpfis/cms/farnet/es/diversifying-captures-flag-three-estuaries-somme-authie-canche-fr

“Put ‘n’ Take” Recreational Fishery

FLAG: West Jutland, Denmark

Project Overview

Offering a sea fishing experience in an accessible environment, this collaboration between a local aquarium, fishermen and a fishmonger has increased tourism to the area, whilst creating an alternative market for local fish.

Part of the sea is closed off and stocked with locally caught live fish supplied by local fishermen.  The aquarium generates income by selling fishing tickets, tackle and bait for fishing from the dykes and beach.  To compensate for disappointing catches, one free plaice per angler is offered through the local fishmonger.

The project has been a success from the outset with the fishery attracting anglers from day one. In total there were around 1000 visitors between August and December 2013. Local professional fishermen benefit from a new sales channel by supplying live fish, while the local fishmonger is attracting new customers to his shop.

The entire case study is available from https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/fpfis/cms/farnet/%E2%80%9Cput-%E2%80%98n%E2%80%99-take%E2%80%9D-recreational-fishery-flag-west-jutland-dk

Community Seafood Officer

FLAG: Northern Devon, UK

Project Overview

A study carried out by the Northern Devon FLAG had identified a series of gaps in the local fish supply chain, and a low profile for locally caught seafood in the area. This project addressed these gaps by developing a local supply chain from sea to plate and up-skilling local food businesses to use more local seafood.  A dedicated Community Seafood Officer was employed to network and inspire connections between the fishing sector, restaurants, retailers and local community.

This provided support and advice to businesses to attend and exhibit their produce at existing and new events focusing on locally caught fish and seafood. The project also included a small marketing and sponsorship budget to encourage individual companies to ‘try out’ new activities which, if successful, could be continued or repeated.

The entire case study is available from https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/fpfis/cms/farnet/community-seafood-officer-flag-northern-devon-uk