Axis 4 of the European Fisheries Fund provides support for the sustainable development of fisheries areas and is available to Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs) who represent the fisheries area in which they are based, and who implement an Axis 4 local development strategy for their area. The aim of Axis 4 is to increase the capacity of local fishing communities and business networks to build knowledge and skills, innovate and co-operate in order to tackle local fisheries development objectives.
Axis 4 supports measures to promote:
- Strengthening the competitiveness of fisheries areas
- Restructuring and redirecting economic activities, in particular by promoting eco-tourism, provided that these actions do not result in an increase in fishing effort
- Diversifying activities through the promotion of multiple employment for fishers through the creation of additional jobs outside the fisheries sector
- Adding value to fisheries products
- Supporting small fisheries and tourism related infrastructure and services for the benefit of small fisheries communities
- Protecting the environment in fisheries areas to maintain its attractiveness, regenerating and developing coastal hamlets and villages with fisheries activities and protecting and enhancing the natural and architectural heritage
- Re-establishing the production potential in the fisheries sector when damaged by natural or industrial disasters
- Promoting inter-regional and trans-national co-operation among groups in fisheries areas, mainly through networking and disseminating best practice
- Acquiring skills and facilitating the preparation and implementation of the local development strategy
- Contributing to the running costs of the group
Beneficiaries will include micro, small, medium sized enterprises, third sector organisations and public sector organisations.
Contact
If you require further information on EFF Axis 4 please contact your local FLAG.