The new programming period has started and FARNET is now back and ready to assist fisheries areas in achieving Union Priority 4 of the EMFF. Between 2015 and 2020, FARNET will connect and support local fisheries communities in implementing Community-Led Local Development (CLLD).

Building on the territorial, or area-based, approach initiated by Axis 4 of EFF, CLLD also brings new and innovative opportunities, such as the possibility for local communities to combine support from several European Structural and Investment Funds (the European Social Fund (ESF), European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EARDF) to implement a single local development strategy.

Similar to Axis 4, decision-making on the use of funding is delegated to locally established organisations known as Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs). Decisions are guided by a local strategy, developed by each FLAG in response to specific local needs and opportunities. Funding available under this new strand of the EMFF is targeted primarily at creating alternative economic activities and improving the quality of life in areas affected by a decline in fishing or subjected to specific challenges hindering the viability of local fisheries communities.

Building on past experience and a strong stakeholder network, FARNET will continue to support FLAGs in their effort to ensure a positive future for local fisheries communities across Europe. These two short videos explain where FARNET has come from and where it wants to go.

2007-2013	2015-2020

   

The European Commission has launched a public consultation to collect views on how the EU can contribute to achieving better international governance of oceans and seas to the benefit of sustainable Blue Growth.

Launching the consultation at the World Ocean Summit in Portugal (June 2015), Karmenu Vella, Commissioner for the Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, told participants: "If our oceans are not healthy, our economy falls ill. Global maritime challenges require global solutions. I am committed to work intensively to define Europe's role in international ocean governance, for a sustainable blue economy and blue growth." Mr. Vella is also undertaking a “listening tour” of Europe to hear about ideas, challenges and opportunities related to sustainable Blue Growth.

Linking land and sea, local fisheries communities have an important role to play in demonstrating sustainable blue growth (see the FARNET #Sailing2020 report on Blue Growth); local stakeholders, through their ideas, businesses and knowledge, can be the innovators that demonstrate how Europeans can forge a viable and sustainable relationship with the oceans and seas. Add your voice to this consultation and help to ensure that the EU is at the forefront of sustainable ocean governance. Links to the consultation brochure and online questionnaire.