For the first time, the North of Tyne fishing sector has a Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG). The FLAG is one of six selected in England who each have £800,000 of European Maritime Fisheries Funding from the Marine Management Organisation. The funding is to support harbours, ports, fishermen, processors, wholesalers, aquaculture and research, to create and sustain jobs from North Shields to Berwick-upon-Tweed.
The FLAG membership is made up of partners from the private, public and voluntary sectors, with an emphasis on fishermen and fishing-related businesses being represented.
Northumberland County Council is taking on the lead partner role and is being supported by North Tyneside Council and Northumberland Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority.
To mark the start of the FLAG, an official launch event will be held between 15.00 and 18.00hrs at The Old Low Building, North Shields on 16 March 2017. The launch will be the first meeting of the FLAG, at which the Chair and Vice-Chair will be elected. Members will also meet the FLAG programme officer Simon Baxter, a former harbour master, who will support fishermen and businesses to apply for FLAG funds. The launch will end with the cutting of a special ‘Fish Cake’ to mark the occasion.
The Creel Club, which operates a fish box scheme and supports local fishing in the North East will be at the launch. Further information is available on its website: northumberlandseafood.co.uk/creel-fish-club
To find out more about the North of Tyne FLAG, or how to apply for FLAG funding, contact Simon Baxter (North of Tyne FLAG programme officer by emailing: Simon.Baxter@northumberland.gov.uk or call: 01670 623919.
